"When Should I Buy a Telescope for My Child?"

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 person asked the wrong question.

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.

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 $250.00 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 a 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 are shopping for 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 go shopping for binoculars. 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 these two 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. Talk to them about what kind 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.

Here are some books I have read or have had recommended to me.

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.

Good luck and clear skies.