Sky&Telescope

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I found a link through Sky and Telescope's Aprils Issue on Sharing the Sky
"http://www.sharingthesky.org" sounds like an interesting site. They have
a radio program and public lectures, their goal is to inspire students to experience
the night sky for themselves. Through Meade Instruments they have placed three
14inch telescopes in the hands of school clubs or individuals. Not sure how long
they've done this but they do this yearly, this sounds like a great program.

[cartmancakes]

I've always wanted a telescope, and my resolve builds with every moment I read about the planets.  (I've always been a planet over a star person)  Would I be able to see anything decent living in a place where two dozen stars are visible on an average night?

Unfortunetly, I have a light pole hanging out next to my backyard, so it's quite a bright night, but in the front, I can see quite well with binoculars.  I don't like that, however, because I end up leaning on my dirty van to secure my arms to not shake.  But I've seen some GREAT views of Venus lately, and the moon as well.  I'd love to get that $100 telescope!

Can you give any pointers on what to look for in a first telescope?  Any recommendations?

[Bob B.]

I've always wanted a telescope, and my resolve builds with every moment I read about the planets.  (I've always been a planet over a star person)  Would I be able to see anything decent living in a place where two dozen stars are visible on an average night?

Fortunately planets are not greatly affected by light pollution.  They are bright enough that you can still see good detail even in a light polluted urban area.  Were light pollution really hurts you is when observing deep sky objects, such as star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.

Unfortunetly, I have a light pole hanging out next to my backyard, so it's quite a bright night, but in the front, I can see quite well with binoculars.  I don't like that, however, because I end up leaning on my dirty van to secure my arms to not shake.  But I've seen some GREAT views of Venus lately, and the moon as well.

Using binoculars is a great way to get started because it helps you to learn your way around the sky.  Of course it’s awfully hard to learn the sky if you can’t see the stars and constellations due to light pollution.

I'd love to get that $100 telescope!

I’m afraid $100 dollars probably won’t buy much of a telescope.  You certainly don’t want to buy anything too cheap or you’ll be disappointed with it.  The best telescope is the one that you’ll use the most.  A cheap telescope with poor optics on a spindly, rickety mount will likely frustrate you and end up in the back of a closet somewhere.  Take your time, study what is available, and make an informed choice.  If the minimum you find acceptable is outside your budget, I recommend waiting and saving your money until you can afford it.

Can you give any pointers on what to look for in a first telescope?  Any recommendations?

The following webpage may be a good place to start your research:

http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=ss&id=156

I’m certain you can find many other pages like this one that offer telescope buying tips.  As you learn and develop new questions, I’m sure people here can offer opinions and advise.

I think the first thing you should do is to decide how you want to use the telescope.  Will you only view planets from inside the city, or do you think you might like to travel outside the city to a darker site and observe deep sky objects?  Answering these questions will help you zero in on the choice that is right for you.

I also recommend that you look into whether or not there is an astronomy club in your area.  I see from your profile that you are from Phoenix, AZ; surely there is an astronomical society near you.  Clubs generally have gatherings where members observe together.  I’m willing to bet they also have a dark sky observing site somewhere outside the city.  Try contacting the club and ask if you can attend one of these observing sessions (I’m sure you’ll be welcomed).  This way you can see the telescopes in action and ask questions.  You also might find that you fall in love with observing deep sky objects, which could alter your telescope buying objectives.

A quick Google search just turned up this web site:  Phoenix Astronomical Society

Good luck.