Is Telescope A Good Gift?
If someone you know – whether a child or an adult – is really into space and the night sky, you may be wondering, “is a telescope a good gift?”
The short answer is, yes of course it is! What better way to get up close and personal with the stars and planets?
Is A Telescope A Good Gift?
In short, yes it is. A good telescope can open up worlds beyond our own world, and can really inspire even those who weren’t desperately keen to begin with!
If you know anyone who is already very interested in space, then you can definitely gift a telescope and be sure that it will be used and loved.
However, be mindful if you are giving a telescope to a child – they can get bored of things quickly, and if you have spent thousands then you may end up feeling a little annoyed!
However, these things – as long as they are well looked after- do have good resale value, so you can almost certainly recoup any losses you make.
A good telescope will not only show the user some close-up views of interesting planets, but it can also help to learn more about the night sky as a whole.
As well as this, peeping out into space can open up a whole new world of curiosity and wonder, leading to a lifetime of learning.
Why Do People Buy Telescopes?
Telescopes are not just for getting out once a year and having a quick peek at the moon – for some they can unlock a whole new level of wonder and exploring.
It is truly fascinating to see the planets we have all learned about in school, and it can really open our eyes.
Stargazing is super fun, obviously, but seeing the planets truly close up is a spectacular thing, and can be a really eye-opening experience.
As well as seeing and learning about all the different planets, telescopes can give a really good view of the whole night sky, including the many stars.
At certain times of the year, a telescope is a really great way of getting a close look at a comet, an asteroid or even a shooting star.
Is It A Good Idea To Buy A Used Telescope?
Many things in life you should definitely always buy brand new – but luckily, this is not so important with telescopes.
Telescopes can stay as-new for many years, if they are stored properly and looked after well, so there is nothing wrong with buying second hand – experienced astronomers routinely do this!
You can pick up a used telescope for as little as half the price, which is great if you are getting into stargazing and want to improve your equipment on a budget.
A good telescope will retain its value and still work just as well as it did when it was new, as long as it has been cared for.
What Do I Need To Know Before Buying A Telescope?
Buying a telescope can be a rather large investment, so you definitely want to know what you are looking for before you get one!
- First, work out what you want it for. Are you just planning on checking out the stars a couple of times a year, or is it going to be a more serious hobby?
- Consider where in the world you are viewing from. Do you live in a built up area with lots of light pollution, or is it easy to see the stars with the naked eye?
- Find one with a large aperture. This is the diameter of the primary lens, and generally the larger the aperture the better the image.
- Decide whether to go for a refractor or reflector. Refracting telescopes use lenses to gather light from faraway objects, while reflectors use curved mirrors to focus the light.
- Ensure that you have the right eyepieces. These can actually change your viewing experience, so you’ll want to make sure that you have the right type for your telescope.
- The mount can also drastically affect your viewing, so ensure it is smooth and steady so that you can focus properly.
It may seem a little confusing, and it’s true that there is lots to think about – but with a little consideration and homework, you will be able to find the perfect telescope for you.
If you’d like a little extra help on your telescope purchasing, check out this article.
How Should You Store A Telescope?
Telescopes are fairly robust pieces of equipment, but you do need to treat them with a little TLC to keep them functioning at their best.
It will need to be stored at room temperature and out of direct sunlight and any damp areas.
If a telescope has battery-powered components, remove the batteries before storage to prevent any damage caused by the batteries leaking.
When it is in storage, try to avoid moving it from a cool place to a warm place as this can cause things to expand and contract.
Always store your telescope face down, and keep it safe from dust and dirt, with the lens cap firmly in place.
Definitely avoid leaving your telescope outside when you are not using it, as being exposed to the elements can damage it.
If you possibly can, the best way to store your scope is in its original packaging, in a cool dark place such as an indoor cupboard.
Telescopes are fairly robust, however, so as long as you keep it dry and the temperature stable and don’t leave heavy object lying on it, your telescope should be good for years to come!
This is a good, informative video about the best ways to care for your telescope:
Final Words
Hopefully, now you have a little more idea about why people use telescopes, what you need to know, and a few other basics, you can get on with buying a telescope as a gift!
As long as you do a little research before buying one, so you know what are the things you should be looking out for, your telescope gift will be sure to go down a storm.