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Ask HN: I'd like to get a telescope for my kids. What do I need to know?
1 point by cubicle67 on April 7, 2009 | hide | past | favorite | 4 comments
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.



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.



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


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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