There are TWO videos for this Astronomy Lesson, both of which cover different parts of astronomy. The first video is all about telescopes, and I’ll walk you step by step through what it’s really like to get a telescope, set it up and work with one of these super cool instruments. After you’re done with this video, click over to the experiments section where you’ll have a front-row seat to a planetarium-style star show.

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Want to buy a telescope?

What if you and I went shopping together for everything you needed to get started with telescope viewing? Would you like to see what I would recommend getting started with? Note that these are my personal recommendations I would select for my own kids. These items listed below are entirely OPTIONAL and not required for this unit on Astronomy. I do not receive anything for giving you these links – think of these items below as a referral from one hobbyist to another. Bookmark this page so you have these recommendations for when you need it.

• SkyQuest XT8i Computerized IntelliScope This is the best deal for the dollar on the market, and the mount is low and stable enough for astronomers of all ages to use easily. If you’re in the market for an expensive, compact scope, then the Celestron 8″ SCT is the one to seriously consider. Note that both these scopes have exactly the same size mirrors, only the SCT never needs alignment.
• Padded Telescope Case Don’t even think about skimping on the case!  Get a good one to protect your investment for years to come.
• EZ Finder II Telescope Reflex Sight This will save you hours of frustrations over using the included finder-scope. Simply swap it out with the finder-scope and you’re good to go.
• Variable Polarizing Telescope Filter This is like putting sunglasses on your scope so you can look at the moon without blinding your eyes. (This is NOT for the sun – that requires a solar filter.) It’s variable so you can change the amount of incoming light as the moon waxes and wanes.
• LaserMate Deluxe Telescope Collimator This nifty device will keep your telescope in proper alignment so your views are at their best.
• Stratus Wide-Field Telescope Eyepieces Get the 17mm eyepiece (or closest size) first, and you’ll be blown away by how much more you can see over the small eyepieces that come with the scope.  You can optionally get a carrying case to hold all your optical gear in a safe place.
• Green Laser Pointer Get this one for Dad or Grandpa to play with as you point out the constellations to your kids.  Don’t put it on your scope in the special bracket they sell with it, as the laser will burn out quickly if you leave it on for too long (that’s what they don’t tell you in the ad for the bracket). The laser isn’t something to get your kids – it’s too bright and dangerous to use indoors and should only be used by adults outside… and only for astronomy.

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