Bedroom Telescopes

[hilly10]

My nine year old grandson as told us he would like a telescope for his Christmas present. It will be for his bedroom, so no Jodrell Bank size.
I have no clue what would be a suitable model, so throwing this out there to the forum massive for suggestions and advice. Initially the budget is £150 tops

[smashie]

Bit of a supply issue with them at the moment, but one of these should fit the bill

https://www.tringastro.co.uk/celestr...lter-386-p.asp

[Suds]

The quality of optics these days are fantastic in comparison to say 40 years ago so your price point is fine, but as a left field suggestion, why not take him to RSPB or wildfowl trust centre for a day out in the elements. He may actually end up wanting a spotting scope - plenty of fresh air and exercise during daylight hours?

[Kingstepper]

Can you really see much from a bedroom? Seems a bit young for the obvious.

[magirus]

Sed sundial a PM, he's your man for this.

[Phil Lee]

You really can’t see much if anything from a bedroom. Anything you see will be affected by the heat haze coming off the house. A telescope has to be used outside with as few surrounding buildings and lights as possible.

For a budget of £150 you’re better off getting a good pair of binoculars.

[hilly10]

The quality of optics these days are fantastic in comparison to say 40 years ago so your price point is fine, but as a left field suggestion, why not take him to RSPB or wildfowl trust centre for a day out in the elements. He may actually end up wanting a spotting scope - plenty of fresh air and exercise during daylight hours?

Good idea. I gifted him my old binoculars which I think planted the seed.

[hilly10]

You really can’t see much if anything from a bedroom. Anything you see will be affected by the heat haze coming off the house. A telescope has to be used outside with as few surrounding buildings and lights as possible.

For a budget of £150 you’re better off getting a good pair of binoculars.

I have a garden which is semi rural so he could set up in there on clear nights

[swisstony]

Enjoying this channel - was linked from here i think. Maybe some ideas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na-aBhc_gTY

[number2]

Get him a Grattans catalogue - no need for a telescope..

[sundial]

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/beg...elescopes.html. ... note that the : 'Hmm, so what else will I need? ' section includes a PLANISPHERE ... see below

... speak to the dealer and tell him the type of observing your grandson plans to attempt / learn. If it's astro observing he will need to learn ... unless looking at the moon.

And stress that under no circumstances should he ever try and look at the Sun through any telescope or binocular ... to do so will cause instant blindness ... not from the bright visible sunlight but from the Sun's invisible ultraviolet and infrared wave lengths.

A beginner's astronomical telescope can be converted to a terrestrial observing 'scope ... dealer has necessary accessories to do this.

And forget about astro observing from the bedroom ... it's a non-starter ... needs to set up outside in total darkness

Consider taking your grandson to a local astronomical society's 'STAR PARTY' ... where he will be able to see all the different types of telescope ... and will be able to look through them.

Unlikely he will be able to commence astronomical observing by himself ... not a matter of just looking through a 'scope ... unless you buy an expensive automatic GO TO model which is outside your budget.

The latest GO TO astro telescopes are 'guided' via smart phone apps ... but basic astro 'scopes can be used manually via the aid of a PLANISPHERE https://shop.astronomynow.com/produc...w-planisphere/

Free magazine https://try.skyatnightmagazine.com/free_download/

Sky at Night Magazine beginners guide https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/t...yforbeginners/

[oldoakknives]

Get him a Grattans catalogue - no need for a telescope..

Wicked, I must admit I had the same thoughts about busty neighbours! But no doubt he's not as naughty as i was.

[hilly10]

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/beg...elescopes.html

... speak to the dealer and tell him the type of observing your grandson plans to attempt / learn. If it's astro observing he will need to learn ... unless looking at the moon.

And stress that under no circumstances should he ever try and look at the Sun through any telescope or binocular ... to do so will cause instant blindness ... not from the bright visible sunlight but from the Sun's invisible ultraviolet and infrared wave lengths.

A beginner's astronomical telescope can be converted to a terrestrial observing 'scope ... dealer has necessary accessories to do this.

And forget about astro observing from the bedroom ... it's a non-starter ... needs to set up outside in total darkness

Consider taking your grandson to a local astronomical society's 'STAR PARTY' ... where he will be able to see all the different types of telescope ... and will be able to look through them.

Unlikely he will be able to commence astronomical observing by himself ... not a matter of just looking through a 'scope ... unless you buy an expensive automatic GO TO model which is outside your budget.

The latest GO TO astro telescopes are 'guided' via smart phone apps ... but basic astro 'scopes can be used manually via the aid of a PLANISPHERE https://shop.astronomynow.com/produc...w-planisphere/

Free magazine https://try.skyatnightmagazine.com/free_download/

Sky at Night Magazine beginners guide https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/t...yforbeginners/

Thanks sundial great advice.