interested in a bit of astronomy. any pointers on beginners equipment?
Do not go for high magnification.
Binoculars can be used during the day as view is oriented the correct way.
Astro telescopes usually invert or laterally switch the view or both.
Decent pair of 10x50 bins is a good start. Suggest looking for local astronomical society on the web.
Paul
I have an old small astronomical telescope and it is great - the tripod makes it easier to use as does a sighting scope and the fine adjustments.
A basic astronomical telescope will be far better than any binoculors.
Mine is similar to this [url= http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VIVITAR-50600-60X-120X-REFRACTOR-TELESCOPE-WITH-TRIPOD_W0QQitemZ300378641693QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Telescopes?hash=item45eff6551d ]this one[/url] and its good enough to see a little detail on the planets, Saturn rings and Jupiter moons.etc.
would something like this be worth a punt?
[url= http://www.telescopeplanet.co.uk/ViewProdDetails.asp?prod_code=PON09K000003 ]Skyhawk[/url]
Looks good but I wouldn't know - certainly that would enable you to see lots of detail on the moon and some detail on the planets.
YOu probably could spend a lot less tho and gt a good introductory scope. Get serious you would want bigger than that.
hmmm...you could be on to something there TJ. I might spend a bit less then........
would something like this be worth a punt?Skyhawk
That is of course a perfect intro scope. Like all things, you get what you pay for.
I would still recommend some binoculars if this is a more casual interest.
If you Google 'Choosing a beginner telescope' you will find lots of advice.
Good luck.
Paul
Yeah. Skywatcher is a good brand and that would be a great first scope. You'll be gagging for more aperture after a few months though.
Worthwhile downloading Stellarium as well. You can get it free here...
If you're interested in the night sky, this will help you navigate you way around. Superb bit of software. You set your position and you can zoom in to see various different things, planets, Messier objects etc.
10x50 bins are good as well. You'll see clusters etc*
* - all of this depends on how much light pollution you have in your area of course.
Enjoy!