My son would like a telescope i have around £100 to spend .
Any advice?
Thanks
2007-01-20 04:54:53 · 11 answers · asked by spamalot 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Iridflare's answer is very astute (I wonder if he or she is a nut about viewing iridium flares, as I can be at times?). But if you decide to get one for your son there are a few smaller reflectors available from various sources in about your price range. Do not be fooled by claims such as "Magnifies 500 times!!" or some such trash. There is a practical limit to magnification. With the best optics and best seeing expect no more than 18 or so power per cm. of the objective lens or mirror. Any more magnification only increases the size of the image, not the information it contains (like zooming in too far on a digital image).
While you are at your local astronomy club or society see if someone has a telescope for sale at your price. You are not likely to get bad advice or be sold a poor performer by an interested amateur representing a society. Or, they may know of a source elsewhere.
Good luck with your efforts. I should say that my first telescope was an 8 cm. refractor, made entirely of cardboard (and glass, of course), mounted on a ladder. Talk about wobbly!! But...I could see moons of Jupiter, craters on the moon, and the rings of Saturn. I had a good time with it, and was not in the least disappointed. Your son will greatly appreciate your efforts for him, and if he can look through some telescopes he may help you with the decision.
2007-01-20 06:48:56 · answer #1 · answered by David A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remember at 8 years old you are feeding his imagination.
Although a pair of binoculars would serve him better the mere possesion of a recognisable piece of serious star gazing kit will do wonders for his imagination.
Toys r Us have a range of telescopes to suit, the EDU Astrolon Telescope is great starter telescope for young astronomers and costs around £50.
Personally I wouldn't recommend a Newtonian for him, it is too specialist and he wouldn't be able to use it for bird watching etc.
2007-01-22 22:58:58 · answer #2 · answered by john k 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the money I'd go with a good pair of binoculars. A telescope in that price range is liable to be frustratingly hard to use, because it's too flimsy.
And search your online bookseller for a book "binocular astronomy".
2007-01-20 05:21:20 · answer #3 · answered by Bob 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd start by contacting your local astronomy society and see if you can arrange for your son to have a look through a 'scope. Most 8 year olds are less than impressed by the view!
2007-01-20 05:08:35 · answer #4 · answered by Iridflare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I bought one for my grand children and was very disappointed. They live in a large city and the city lights blind the telescope so u cant see most weak stars.
2007-01-20 06:40:28 · answer #5 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get one with the biggest objective lens you can, let's in more light so better image.
For £100, you won't get much though. Have you considered a decent pair of binoculars instead?
2007-01-20 05:06:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Approach a local astronomy society, they will be very helpful, you should be able to find yours by doing a web search. What part of the country are you in?
2007-01-20 10:47:39 · answer #7 · answered by Spanner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try a 150 x. It is about a meter long and can see the moon quite well.
2007-01-20 06:52:23 · answer #8 · answered by Professor♫ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In all seriousness make sure its for looking at the stars and not peeping into bedroom windows that my son used his for.
2007-01-20 04:59:21 · answer #9 · answered by wilster 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
National Geographic are well respected products, follow the link:
http://www.brainydays.co.uk/National-Geographic-Toys.htm
2007-01-20 05:10:25 · answer #10 · answered by dave a 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋