Expert: Paul Wagner - 12/11/2005

Question
Hi Paul,

I'm interested in buying my boyfriend a telescope for Christmas.
He's not a serious astronomer, but is very interested in it.

A couple questions:

1) We both live in NYC. Does the amount of light pollution in the
city make it ridiculous for him to have a telescope?

2) I've read that quality brands include Orion, Meade and
Celestron(?). Would you agree?

3) Lastly, can you make any recommendations on a goof
beginner telescope? My boyfriend is very tech/gadget savvy, so
it doesn't need to be uber simple -- just want it to be effective.

I'm hoping to stay under $300. Not sure if that's possible!

Any insight/advice would help. Thanks very much.

best
meghan

Answer
Hi Meghan:

Good questions!

1. Yeah, the light pollution in NYC is terrible.  That's why you should get him a scope that he can take out into the country when he wants...to see more stars. NYC is still great for looking at the moon and planets.  

2. Meade, Orion, and Celestron are all good. For simple, well-made scopes, I lean towards Orion.

3. There are two elements that make scopes expensive: One is the optics.  Bigger is better, and bigger is more expensive.  You will always pay more for a larger telescope of the same type.  The second is electronics--the computerized stuff that helps you find what you are looking for.  If your boyfriend needs that, then he will have to settle for a smaller scope---and that means he will see less ( big optics gather a lot more light.)  

My preference is for a larger scope with no electronics--they really do give you the best bang for the buck, and your boyfriend should have some fun learning his way around the sky...and finding all that wonderful stuff that is up there.  YOu should buy a star atlas for him at the same time---or download Carte du Ciel for the on-line version.  It's free.  And a great book:  Turn Left at Orion--that will tell him how to find all sorts of stuff in the sky.

Does that help?  And here are a couple of scopes to consider:

At Orion, you can get a 6"scope for under $300

http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=365&itemType=PRO...

Or a smaller scope (4.5"--which gets HALF the light of the 6" with the electronics for a little more than $300.

http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=116610&itemType=...

LEt me know if you want more info.

Paul Wagner