How to Buy a Telescope for a Child
Buying a telescope for a child can by a tricky task. With a wide array of sizes, features and prices available, knowing exactly what to buy can be confusing. But if you take your time and arm yourself with a little knowledge, you can provide that junior astronomer with a telescope that is just the right fit.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Determine the needs of the child. Is this a fleeting interest, likely to evaporate in a few months? Or has the child shown a marked interest in astronomy, begging for answers to space related questions? If the interest is fleeting, almost any telescope will suffice.
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2
Know what's available. There are many different telescopes available, with all variations of size, color and magnification. There are several online resources that can help you decide which is right for your child, including Space.com and OpticsPlanet.net.
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3
Decide if you want a refractor telescope or a reflector. Refractors are lower in cost but will be more difficult to focus without distortion. Reflectors are more expensive but have better optics.
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4
Shop around. Telescopes can be purchased at your local department store, but you can find better deals online. Look at Telescopes.com and OrionTelescopes.com for some good deals.
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5
Buy the telescope. Remember that the larger the aperture, or opening at the skyward end, the better image quality you will have.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you live in an urban area you will need a moderate sized aperture. In these areas a large aperture will actually let in too much ambient light, decreasing the image quality.
Rural areas are excellent and recommended for the best stargazing. In these areas, get the biggest aperture you can afford. The more starlight you let in, the better the picture and magnification will be.
