Astronomy Gifts for Christmas for Adults

Do you have an astronomy enthusiast in your life and want to get them something special, but have no idea where to start? Well have no fear, because I've compiled a list of some of this years best gifts for astronomy enthusiasts!

1. Meade mySky Personal Guide ($399 w/ $200 rebate!)
http://shopping.discovery.com/product-65955.html?endecaSID=116BBC2A63EE
This hand-held device lets you explore space in all new ways! With it, you can find or identify 30,000 different objects in the night sky. The color LCD screen provides amazing views of all the objects you want to see, as well as audio descriptions, intriguing videos, mythology backgrounds and more! If you're loved one happens to have a Meade brand computerized telescope, this would certainly be a nice compliment as well, as it works as a remote! Even better, there's no knowledge of the sky needed to use the Meade mySky Personal Guide - so you can use it too!

2. Planisphere Watch ($49.99)
http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/watches/706f/
Do you live in the Northern Hemisphere? Then you're in luck! This amazing watch let's you see what constellations are available for viewing at that particular moment, just by setting the date and time! What's more, it has a luminescent dial that lasts for up to 2-3 hours. A watch like this is perfect for the experienced astronomer, or any star-gazing enthusiast.

3. Fisher Quad Function Space Pen ($39.95)
http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_3053540
Sure, this pen was designed for use by astronauts going into space. But what astronomy geek wouldn't want it just for going to the office? This normal looking pen actually functions under any conditions, whether it's at the bottom of the company pool or in the hot vacuum of space. Additionally, it provides you wit the choice of pencil, black ink, red ink or a stylus, and even has an eraser! If this still hasn't convinced you, the pen lasts three times longer than other pens.

4. Starry Night Software ($49.95 - $249.95)
http://www.starrynightstore.com/stniso.html
This software comes in a variety of levels, all with different features. The basic, at $49.95 comes with 50 guided tours through space. It also lets you identify and learn about various constellations, easily locate objects and get a reminder on your desktop about any celestial events going on that day that you can see! The most advanced version, at $249.95 lets you identify specific craters on the moon, see images zoomed in to 3 degrees and view the surface of the earth and other surrounding planets in new ways! There are 4 versions in all, all ranging in price, so check them out and see which one works best for your astronomer!

5. 6 CD/1 DVD: NASA Hubble Space Telescope High Res Pictures ($19.49)
http://www.amazon.com/CDs-DVD-Telescope-Resolution-Astronomy/dp/B000J2YCR6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1197155756&sr=1-4
This collection holds over 450 pictures of beautifully detailed, high resolution pictures from NASA's hubble space telescope. This is the biggest collection of hubble space photos yet, and they're all preserved in their original .TIFF image format, meaning they'll hold up very well to intense scrupulation or image editing!

6. Celestial Globe ($49.99)
http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/science/9c4a/
Don't go thinking this is just some normal globe! Once you turn off the light the photo sensor turns on a blue LED-lite map of the constellations, complete with graphical representation and appropriate labels. The globe measures 7.5" in diameter and is certainly a must-have!

7. In the Shadow of the Moon ($17.99)
http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Moon-Full-Sub-Dol/dp/B000XJ5TPE/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1197156273&sr=8-1
This movie, as you'll notice, isn't available until February 2008, but why not pre-order it for your special someone? "In the Shadow of the Moon" was praised by many science magazines, such as Popular Science and Wired, as the best astronomy documentary to come from theaters in a long, long time. And why wouldn't it be, with the likes of four of the astronauts to walk the moon all on the project!

8. 101 Outer Space Projects for the Evil Genius ($19.99)
http://www.thinkgeek.com/books/nonfiction/9e72/
Of course, it sounds like something you might not want to have in your house, because you like it all in one piece, but really! This book is amazingly educational - and fun! The included projects range from how to use GPS systems and navigate through space using nothing but your computer, to creating your own Mars rover for the deepest, darkest parts of your home and designing your own International Space Station!