H4f asked for some help about telescopes. Seems like I could use some help also. NOt much time tho' since we want some good advice on deciding what kind of telescope to get.

Mars will be visible this Wednesday evening right after midnight. H wants to buy the 'top' of the line..... I just wanna see Mars! Son just wants to stay up late!!! LOL! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Acutally our little one is turning into quite the astronomer...he asked the kind of questions I can't even fake the answer on!!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

So for us star gazing newbies..... any advice?

I vote for going up to MT Hamilton's Lick Observatory and using their equipment, H wants to buy one on his own.

The coin is being tossed up in the air. Any suggestions????

Thanks,
L.

<small>[ July 15, 2003, 03:51 AM: Message edited by: Orchid ]</small>

Just to share the info I've compiled. 2long wants me to drop around $500 to get a decent one...which in the long run I'll probly wish I did...but for now, I'm opting for bidding on a few slightly used models that when new ran around $400. Like you, I just wanna see Mars (it's been so long since I saw home, LOL!!)

If you want some consumer opinions you can go to www.epinions.com and look up the models you're thinking about. Then you can hear right from the horses mouth if they're any good or not. Celestron has a couple of beginner models for around $150-$250 that consumers seem happy with.

www.skyandtelescope.com has a buying guide under how to, that gives you tips on what to look for. If you follow the link clear through it rates some models and gives you info about them.

2long made some suggestions in the Orion line. They look pretty good too!!

I'll be anxiously awaiting more replies to see what info you get!! (and keeping my fingers crossed that I made the right decision with the one I'm bidding on, or that I lose the bid!!!)

PS..in your situation I'd probly opt for going to the observatory!! We're 120 miles from one...but it's still not out of the question!!

<small>[ July 15, 2003, 08:01 AM: Message edited by: hope4future ]</small>

email qfwfq@iloveulove.com, Orchid. He's the ultimate telescope authority around here. In fact it is said that he <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> ...forget it! he knows all about telescopes!

I got it, I GOT IT!!! $276 plus shipping, slightly used, Celestron 114GT with the computerized thingy and everything! I'm hoping it will do the job!! EXCITING!!

H4F:

Not bad!!! You done good.

Orchid. Yeah, you'd better watch your H around the checkbook! It's quite possible 2 spend thousands on something that you'd swear couldn't cost that much 2 build out of 100% pure Unobtanium, let alone metal, plastic and glass!

email me if you want more gory details!

-2long

"Romance Of The Telescope" -Orchestral Manouvers in the Dark.

"See these arms that were broken, how they held you so.
Never once did they fail you, they won’t let you go.

We’re just waiting looking skyward as the days come down.
Someone promised there’d be answers, if we stayed around.

Over decades, now this romance has sustained us all.
Never questioned, only giving what it made us for."

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> 2long

H4F,

Where did you get a bargain like that?

Cadet,
Thanks for your advice. Now where's 'ol 2L? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

2L,
I will tell H and look up those sites H4f gave. Can you give a good name/model us tele newbies can consider?

Thanks,
L.

On Ebay, of course!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> I'm crossing my fingers I did good.

<small>[ February 04, 2005, 07:05 PM: Message edited by: hanora ]</small>