Ask HN: I'd like to get a telescope for my kids. What do I need to know?

Posted by cubicle67 on Monday April 06, 2009 @10:04PM
from the ask-hn dept.

One of my daughters is developing a keen interest in Astronomy, and I'd like to get her a telescope but I don't know much about them.

What I'm trying to find out is how to tell if I'm buying a toy or something good. There seems to be lots of telescopes in places like Dick Smith (Australian electronics retail chain) that are not much more than toys. What should I look for, and how do I tell if it will be any good?

My budget is about AU$200, but if needed I'll spend a bit more to get something that's actually going to be useful. This is an area I know nothing about, so any advice would be great.

( 4 comments | on HN )

Re:Ask HN: I'd like to get a telescope for my kids. What do ... by npk on Tuesday April 07, 2009 @12:49AM (#550403)

Fortunately for you 2009 happens to be the international year of astronomy. Buy your daughter this:

https://www.galileoscope.org/gs/

She'll be able to do a variety of experiments on it, and if it turns out she actually enjoys looking through it, you can then buy her something more pricey.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: I'd like to get a telescope for my kids. What do ... by redleader on Monday April 06, 2009 @10:39PM (#550147)

http://findascope.com/

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Re:Ask HN: I'd like to get a telescope for my kids. What do ... by cubicle67 on Monday April 06, 2009 @11:26PM (#550237)

Thanks. Haven't read it all yet, but looks good so far.

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Re:Ask HN: I'd like to get a telescope for my kids. What do ... by tjpick on Tuesday April 07, 2009 @12:33AM (#550384)

one thing I read in an annual astronomy magazine is that you're better off to start with a good pair of binoculars. I think the reason being they are cheaper and easier to control. I can look up the details if you are interested, and if I still have the mag kicking around home.

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