Any one here into astronomy? If so what would be a decent scope for a 9 year old? He wants to be able to look at nebula and stuff like that.
I am just a little bit. I have a 3-1/2 inch I haven't used in a while. OK for looking at the moon and the rings of Saturn, but no good for anything beyond that. What I can tell you is that in order to see anything decently you need a very expensive one. And some of them do get expensive. Might be worthwhile to have him look into building his own. You can grind your own glass and construct your own tube.
Here (https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/planning-to-buy-a-first-telescope-comments.391086/ (https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/planning-to-buy-a-first-telescope-comments.391086/)) is an extensive tread (over 100 posts) on the subject.
I am no expert on this but there are a lot of people on the PhysicsForums who are.
I am sure they cover all levels of telescopes, including taking pictures through them.
..don't forget 'Craigslist'......most everything else is on there...why not telescopes?....'Bookoo tampa'....http://tampabay.bookoo.com/ (http://tampabay.bookoo.com/)
..you can post 'looking for' too on both and might shake something up.... huh
Quote from: BillT on November 30, 2018, 05:53:22 PM
Here (https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/planning-to-buy-a-first-telescope-comments.391086/ (https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/planning-to-buy-a-first-telescope-comments.391086/)) is an extensive tread (over 100 posts) on the subject.
I am no expert on this but there are a lot of people on the PhysicsForums who are.
I am sure they cover all levels of telescopes, including taking pictures through them.
I hoped that you would show up with the answer. You're the only one here who is strongly into science.
Quote..don't forget 'Craigslist'......most everything else is on there...why not telescopes?....'Bookoo tampa'....http://tampabay.bookoo.com/
I would tend to not buy anything on Craig's List unless I already knew enough about the kinds of things I was considering buying to be able to judge for my self the quality of the particular item for sale.
Think about a high end camera; could be a good buy, but might have some messed up features only an aficionado would be able to quickly identify.
Some people want to pass off crap on others and make money.
Quote from: BillT on December 01, 2018, 10:35:01 AM
Quote..don't forget 'Craigslist'......most everything else is on there...why not telescopes?....'Bookoo tampa'....http://tampabay.bookoo.com/
I would tend to not buy anything on Craig's List unless I already knew enough about the kinds of things I was considering buying to be able to judge for my self the quality of the particular item for sale.
Think about a high end camera; could be a good buy, but might have some messed up features only an aficionado would be able to quickly identify.
Some people want to pass off crap on others and make money.
.....Craigslist can be as as good as bad too....of course you need to know what you're looking for.....the meeting and viewing tells the story....
If he is interested in seeing stuff any where near as close as the pictures in the magazines he will need a 10 to 12 inch scope I think. I would try to sample any sized scope before committing to buy. Either try out a friends or maybe find a local Astronomy club with scopes you could try.
Quote from: waterboy on December 01, 2018, 01:54:18 PM
If he is interested in seeing stuff any where near as close as the pictures in the magazines he will need a 10 to 12 inch scope I think. I would try to sample any sized scope before committing to buy. Either try out a friends or maybe find a local Astronomy club with scopes you could try.
...a really great idea Dale..... huh