So I have recently become interested in astronomy. More appropriately stat gazing. This happened after a recent trip camping trip to Joshua tree where the stars are incredible.

Long story short, I'm looking for a decent scope sub 200 bucks if that's possible.

I'd like to be able to view the moon clearly and hopefully Venus and Saturn.

Not sure what else is possible.

I'd like something I can grow into but don't want to spend a ton of cash in case my interest wanes, as it tends to do with most new hobbies.

Any fellow gazers have any suggestions or tips?

I'm very interested in astronomy as well. I've been told at that price range to get a good pair of binoculars. They can be used for other things as well.

Big Papa is correct.

There is some great software that will help you
find, identify and track almost anything out there.

If you get the binoculars make sure you get a pair that can take a tripod and
get a tripod.

Don't forget you will only see Black and White through a telescope.

Have fun, its a great hobby my only problem is that most of the great stuff to see
is in Winter.

Astrology, or Astronomy?

Go to OPT on Oceanside Blvd, they are great at matching your needs with their hardware. Very cool showroom as well.

Don't forget about the used market, this is one of those things where people that are hooked on it are always upgrading their equipment making for some real good deals on used stuff. Years ago I put an ad in the paper for a used scope and got all kinds of calls and ended up with a real deal. Do your research first though.

Homeboy has a pretty bling telescope. The thing looks like a cannon. My wife/santa bought a little Celestron telescope. <$40 from Amazon I think. I was at costco the other day and saw a larger version of ours there with a tripod. We were going to use it last night, but it was a little chilly. I used Google Sky for the first time last night as we said goodbye to family. Great App.

Yes, make sure it has a tripod mount. But also, consider getting a fold out lounge chair too. You spend a lot of time looking up, with binocs you lay on your back and can use your knees for steady support if no tripod.

Auto correct and holiday whiskey doesn't mix.

On my way. Was actually going to look for a retail place to visit today.

Thanks for the info guys.

I'm going to resist the impulse buy and do some research.

This has not been my experience. However, most of space IS black and most stars ARE white, so it might seem so. You can't fault an optical system for showing black and white in black and white!  Get your goggles on a nebula, though....

It's also an issue of light level, as the eyes don't see dim colors very well.  Suddenly you need a video camera or a digital camera attached to the telescope, and away you go!


That's okay; it still says stats, not stars:


If I were a smartass, I'd suggest a couple of largish tomes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.


Stick with a reflector, not a refractor. Binocs are great for a start, but worthless without a tripod, as mentioned; also, the light dims when going through a lens more than it dims when reflecting off of a front-surface mirror.

(Yes, that monthly science kit I had when I was 14 covered way more than just basic electronics!)

Go to StumbleUpon and set up an account.

Set up Astronomy as an Interest, then Stumble!

There are so many astronomy sites out there, space wiki's, astrophotography sites, etc.

See you back here in a few months.

I think I have settled on the Celestron 130 motor driven.

[Link: celestron.com]

Spent about an hour at OPT in Ocean Beach. Thanks Homeboy.

Really looking forward to combining this with my other hobby, digital photography.

This could be dangerous.

Check the used market such as Craigslist, pawn shops, etc. Also, check out Star Walk for iPad. It's a lot of fun for the $3 it costs.

I hope your wife understands. Check back with us every few months so we know you're OK. And send pics.