The unfortunate byproduct of astronomy posters and sci-fi tv. Most people just don't get the wonder of seeing rings 800 million miles away just by using a mirror. "I can see it better than that on the internet in the comfort of my own home!" Of course these people also like Bose...




By the way, I have a 6" Newt and 8" computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain.

Hey now... I take offense by that doormat!


.... My kids will NEVER like Bose.

Astronomy is on my list of childhood interests to rekindle. However, I'm afraid it's yet another 'never be satisfied with my current equipment' hobbies.

Your telling me Murph. Just looking at what it would take to check into astrophotography raises the cost a lot.

you can't just shove a camera up to the eyepiece of any old telescope?!?!?

Sure, if you want a blurry photo of the eyepiece of any old telescope.

Astronomy forums are a lot like audio forums. About 80% of the Categories deal with equipment, and only 10-15% of the categories deal with the actual practice of the hobby (i.e., observing for astronomy, listening for audio), and the rest are miscellaneous off-topic categories.

This past Saturday, the local Astronomy club had 4 big scopes set up outside the Borders in Medic8r Mall. Mrs. Medic8r, Medic8r Jr and I enjoyed views of Saturn and the moon, and the club members seemed a nice bunch. We are thinking of going to a monthly meeting/party.

Every once in a while, Costco sells some beginner telescopes that get me thinking, but like was said above, I'm afraid of dipping into another hobby and spreading myself too thin. On the other hand, living in the Wilderness has the advantage of little light pollution...

I would not recommend getting one from Costco, ToysRus, Mall stores, etc. or any other local store. If you get serious I would purchase from Orion or Celestron. They have been around forever and great intro scopes to get your feet wet.

ps: many of these local stores will push the magnification issue as being the most important thing, oh boy this little tiny scope has 575x magnification. Bull Honky It is all about "light gathering" or Aperture.

http://www.telescope.com/control/main/

http://www.celestron.com/c2/index.php

or you can buy these and other brands from places like...

http://www.telescopes.com/

I would also read up on the pros/cons of each time of telescope - refractors, reflectors, or schmidt cassegrains.

Oh no you di'int dis Costco!

Costco.com has several telescopes for sale, including two Celestrons and one Dobsonian type. Booyeah!

Thanks for the links and encouragement.