Entry #2, Where To Begin?

Credit: Hulton Archive/ Getty Images            

For as long as humans have been around, we have been captivated by the myriad of twinkling stars and mysterious wonders above us. There is something inside our very beings that draws us toward the unknown. For many, that desire to stare into the night sky can spark an interest in seeking out the perfect telescope to embark on their celestial journey. This pivotal decision can either lead you down the path to unlocking the beauty in the stellar ocean above us, or leave you confused and lost at sea. As a casual astronomer, I find that most articles I come across are just well written sales pitches, likely to lead their readers to make a big purchase, before truly understanding the essentials, paramount to making an informed decision. There is A LOT to know about telescopes... but only a few crucial details to consider before pulling out your credit card.

Where do you live?

Photo Credit: REUTERS/ Mike Hutchings            

One of the biggest things to take into account is what the viewing conditions are like in your area. Most people don't have the privilege of dark skies, and may be discouraged from actually diving into the hobby at all. Unfortunately, for me, the Phoenix city lights are unregulated and cause pretty serious light pollution. According to the Bortle Scale, if you live in a suburban/ urban transitional, you are likely unable to see most of what the night sky has to offer. However, with the right telescope, it is possible to minimize the amount of ambient light your scope takes in. This leads to the main topic of whether a reflector or refractor is the right choice for you.

What are you most interested in?

Photo by NASA/ ESA Hubble Space Telescope             

If you are like me, and just starting out, it may be a better choice to start with finding objects that are more local. The planets of our solar system are huge, and shine bright in the night sky, even through the glowing hue of a city scape. Did I mention the moon...? Using a telescope is difficult, so it is probably best to start with observing objects that are easier to find. A Newtonian Reflector is typically the best entry-level telescope for those who are willing to start with the basics. Commonly referred to as "light buckets," reflectors utilize large mirrors to focus any available light it is directed toward into a detailed image for your eyes to absorb. Some even have large hoods over the mirror, to block out any unwanted light from flooding into its large and cumbersome tube.

What is your budget?

My First Telescope, Lakeshore Learning                    

While there is a wide range of telescopes on the market, it is a good idea to consider how much you are willing to spend. As a novice, it is probably best to stick to a range of around $300 - $500. This will allow room to make other purchases down the road such as eye-pieces, filters, and even some drinks and hors d'oeuvres for your first stargazing gathering. Many affordable telescopes in this range tend to sacrifice image clarity, for technological superiority. I promise, you do not need a motorized base to find deep-sky objects. There are many books and apps available, either free or very cheap, that will open the door to being able to find celestial bodies on your own. Classic Dobsonian telescopes are the best bang for the buck, in my opinion. They utilize a Newtonian Reflector on a "lazy-Susan" base, with a basic up-down/ left-right motion. This will ensure that the money you spend goes almost entirely to the mirrors themselves, rather than a highly sophisticated robotic tripod, that only works with access to wi-fi.

My actual first telescope, Image Credit: My wife                    

I hope this guide will help to simplify the daunting process of picking the right telescope. Although I may be biased, because my Sky-Watcher Classic Dobsonian has been a real trooper, I think the best advice is to start with the basics. With the proper care in handling and storage, telescopes tend to hold their value very well. It is not unrealistic to sell your "light-bucket" down the road, in order to make a greater purchase. Personally, after I feel that I have mastered the basics, I plan on diving into astrophotography. But for now, there are many strange new worlds I would like to explore, and feel a greater sense of accomplishment for finding them on my own. I hope that my advice has helped inspire you to begin your journey.

"There is no greater education than one that is self-driven" - Neil deGrasse Tyson