Thinking about a Telescope...

[dcorbatt]

Any astronomers out there?

 

[2020cy]

Hot neighbor move in across the street?

 

[urb1]

Hot neighbor move in across the street?

Dang, beat me to it.

 

[Acylum]

When I was in Helser our house all chipped in and bought one to keep an eye on the “goings on” across the street at Friley. Money well spent.

 

[Turn2]

Do you have a dark location where you can easily and frequently use it? Your back yard would be the ideal answer. If not, this will definitely influence your choices and whether you will get your money's worth or not.

 

[dcorbatt]

Do you have a dark location where you can easily and frequently use it? Your back yard would be the ideal answer. If not, this will definitely influence your choices and whether you will get your money's worth or not.

I do.

 

[crash_zone]

If you are good with tools and want to learn a bunch - you could build one. Lots of web pages out there on it.

 

[Isualum13]

Check out the Adam's observatory in ames if you are close. I think they have a meeting once a month and they have some nice equipment there if I remember correctly.

 

[Turn2]

I do.

Then I envy you. You may be able to favor other factors over portability. Determine your budget and start browsing forums like this one.

https://www.cloudynights.com/index

 

[GoCy]

I have one, and the Cloudy Nights link above is a great resource (especially the forums) . I learned most of what I know about astronomy/telescopes from that site.

My biggest piece of advice is do not buy a scope from a department store. Those are usually low quality, and you will probably be disappointed with it.

Check out if you have a local astronomy club near you. They usually have regular meetings. and you will be able to see the various types of equipment there

 

[dosry5]

When I was in Helser our house all chipped in and bought one to keep an eye on the “goings on” across the street at Friley. Money well spent.

That’s awesome! I didn’t realize Harvey Weinstein went to ISU!