"When should I buy a telescope for my child?"
Jun 19 '00
As a recreational astronomer who has taught astronomy to children for the last three years, I am often asked about the kinds of telescopes a parent should buy for their child. That is the wrong question. The correct question is "When should I buy a telescope for my child?" Many a telescope is gathering dust in someone's closet or attic right now because that a parent bought a telescope before their child was ready for it.
So when should a person consider buy a telescope for his or her child? Everything I have read on the subject gives almost the exact same answer to that question. A parent needs to ask the following questions.
1. Can your child find all of the constellations and major stars? A person needs to be that familiar with the night sky before even considering buying a telescope.
2. Can he use a star chart easily?
3. Can the person for whom you are buying a telescope find any deep sky objects with binoculars? In other words has that person learned to star hop?
If the answer is no to either of those questions, then put off the telescope for a few more months if not a few more years. Otherwise the telescope will be in a closet somewhere collecting dust just like hundreds of other telescopes. Instead go buy a good star chart, a good field guide to the night sky, and a good pair of binoculars. You will only spend at the most 150.00 compared to a good 500.00 for a decent telescope. If a child develops a real interest in astronomy, he will need a good pair of binoculars whether he has a telescope or not. This is basic equipment. The boys in my astronomy class and I started out with binoculars that we either already had at home or that we found at a good discount price. Now those of us who know that we are involved in a life time love affair with the sky have purchased a really good set of binoculars for astronomy. We have done a great deal of reading and we take a list of tests with us when we went shopping for binoculars. That kind of research is important. Don't spend a lot of money until you know how serious you and your family will be about astronomy and until you have done your research. Why waste money?
If the answer to the above questions is yes, than that young person has proven that he or she has a real interest in astronomy that is well on the way to becoming a life long passion. The youngster has proven that he or she actually knows enough of the basics to use a telescope.
Then what? First and most importantly do not, I repeat do not, buy a cheap telescope that can be found in a discount store. It will be a waste of money! The child will be one hundred times better off with a good pair of binoculars than he will be with a cheap telescope.
Secondly, get thee to a library. You and your child need to read everything possible about telescopes. Many books offer good information about different kinds of telescopes. There are many different types and many will fit the needs of a first time owner. Both of you will need to decide which one will best fit the needs and wants of the young person. Find the local astronomy club and go to a few meetings. Go to a few star parties. Talk to people who have spent money on good telescopes. Ask them about what kind of telescope they own and why. Many times these folks will let you and your child uses their favorite telescope to see if you like it. After all of this research, then spend the money to get a good one.
Let me recommend some good books to read.
THE BACKYARD ASTRONOMER'S GUIDE by Terence Dickinson, Alan Dyer (Contributor), Barry Estabrook (Editor) has three chapters on binoculars, telescopes, and all of the gadgets that can go with a telescope. It is a good starting place.
STAR WARE : THE AMATURE ASTRONOMER'S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CHOOSING, BUYING, AND USING TELESCOPES AND ACCESSORIES
by Philip S. Harrinfton, Philip S. Harrington. This book is advertised as offering all the necessary information for anyone purchasing a telescope. It gives tips for those who are using a telescope for the first time or someone who is upgrading. This book has information comparing the available telescopes. It gives information about which telescopes are best suited for to what needs.
Good luck and clear skies.
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