telescope for kids

wfstn@aol.com · Guest

I am in the process of looking for a child's telescope 6-7 years old. This is his first learning experience with this. I know nothing about them. Will you give me suggestions. Thanks

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5400

Hi

Regardless of what you choose, you are going to need to provide some help and guidance for a youngster this age. No way is a child at this age going to be able to do much on his/her own.

If you don't know the sky, then I suggest you select a computerized telescope. The least expensive option here is a Meade Telestar.

For the basics and how to choose a telescope, see my article
How to choose the right telescope

For the basics on how to setup and use your telescope, see our article
Telescope FAQs

For some other helpful observing tips, see my article, A Dozen Telescope Observing Tips For Beginners

A better option, if you don't plan to learn the basics right alonside the child, is a binocular, which makes a great "first" telescope - much simpler to use and operate - and a binocular can be used for a great many other activites as well. Try the Celestron Upclose 7x35 or, better yet, the Nikon Action 7x35.
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Carl · Guest

One sure way to turn off a child's interest in astronomy at such a young age is to buy the kid a telescope for Christmas (or birthday, etc.).

The parent that knows nothing of astronomy is a parent who is not interested in astronomy. So why does the parent think the child will show interest?

It is very frustrating to a child (and the unwitting parent), to take out the new telescope and see nothing! These gadgets have two catagories in modern times:

1) Fully computerized Go-To telescope which will require hours of reading and comprehension from the adult. It is really hard for someone who doesn't even care about astronomy and who has no idea of what to expect.

2) The non-computerized telescope, which will require many hours and days, (and eventually weeks, months and years), of study for the parent to grasp what it is that they are trying to achieve with this new gadget which they must correctly point to precise places in the sky using things called a finderscope and sky charts.

In either example, the non-astronomy parent will likely put the expensive gadget away where it will collect dust for years to come. Meanwhile, the child has gained nothing.

May I suggest the following:

* Locate your local astronomy club (your library may know the location), and arrange to take your child to the club's next star party. The amateur astronomers from your local club will gladly let you and your child look through several telescopes that night.

* Pay close attention to the way your child reacts to what he/she sees. If the enthusiasm is so-so, then your child is not ready for a telescope. If the child is like, "Oh, Wow!" then you may be on to something.

* You both will learn that telesopes don't give the same view of the celestrial objects that photos provide. This can be enlightening. Astronomy at the telescope requires patience and enthusiasm for what they night sky provides; but it must be genuine.

* I don't think many children in early grade school are ready to challenge astronomy with a telescope. Binoculars can also be a problem for small children due to the weight and the need to point them correctly at the desired star group or planet. A child's book on Astronomy is probably more suitable. Or a children's computer program.

* IF you see that your child IS ready for an astronomical telescope, be ready for a significant learning curve on YOUR part. You not only need a crash course on astronomy, you also need to learn about using a telescope properly. Astronomy is a skill that requires more than just a casual glance at the heavens. For example: Even experienced astronomers can sometimes have difficulty just getting the MOON to center in their eyepiece. It's hilarious, but true. Without a GoTo computer, you really need to get used to using a basic telescope. And WITH a GoTo telescope you need to learn how to use a technological gadget that may not make much sense to you if you're not already computer experienced.

-- Thus, I advise not getting a telescope for the child until he's older, lest you risk frustrating the child to the point he avoids astronomy like some Black Death from Hell for the remainder of his life!

Sorry, but that's how I view the matter.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5400

Hi

Thanks for the input, Carl. I tend to be more positive, though.

As a youngster in elementary school, I expressed an interest in all things natural and was given a microscope, a binocular and a telescope by parents who knew nothing of these things and could offer little guidance. I was essentially on my own, but still managed to learn much. Yes, I eventually discarded those "toys" (after much use), but those early experiences later blossomed into lifelong interests. I am ever grateful to my parents for encouraging those interests, even though we had little money to spare and they had little to offer in expertise.

I also started my own children in astronomy and birding, but even with all my help, they never took to these things like I did. My point is, no two kids are the same and as a parent, you cannot predict where an interest will go or lead. I personally think it is a mistake to hesitate for fear of disappointing a youngster, but I also believe that being a good parent is following through and making enough of an effort to provide an honest opportunity. This applies to any interest a child might express. No, my children didn't become astronomers like I did and, yes, I bought a lot of musical instruments and other equipment that wound up in the closet. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but when you win with a child, you win big. It is worth taking a chance.

Lastly, any parent who needs help getting a child started in astronomy, birding or any other topic covered on my end of this forum, will always get all the support I can offer.
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CoreyF · Guest

I found this page and I thank you for the discussion on a kid's first experience with a telescope. I am looking to buy one for Christmas and honestly it might be more for me than for my son, smile. I am looking to purchase a Galileo 800 x 72 Refractor Telescope because I can get it very cheaply through a benefit program through my company. My question: is it a pretty good first use telescope? I know I can't expect much (as with anything price usually equals quality) but I don't want his and my first experience to be a frustrating one. I also have a Cstar Astronomy for Dummies Telescope Kit as an option. Please advise.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5400

Hi

You are very welcome.

Small, inexpensive refractors are somewhat the bane of dedicated amateur astronomers in that they can frustrate as much as fascinate. Still, I understand what it is to deal with a family budget. Yes, if you can get the scope cheap, go for it, but only if you can get it cheaper than something like the Bushnell 3" reflector, which is actually a best buy under $100. It is an all metal scope with 1.25" eyepiece capability - something you don't always see at this price.

When going this cheap telescope route, what you add in the way of support material is as important as the scope. I am talking books and star maps and there are many of these. You can get a basic star book as an option with the Bushnell, above, or head to your local bookstore and shop the science area. I really think Terrence Dickensen's "Nightwatch" should be required reading for any beginner.

Of course, you can always contact me, anytime, if you need help.
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Interentjoan · Guest

I recently saw information on a Astroscan by Edmund Scientific as being very kid friendly. Any thoughts?

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5400

Hi

It's a similar scope to a Celestron Explorascope and a Bushnell Voyager. In fact, these two are copies of the Asroscan.

Really is no difference in terms of usability with a child, other than its comapct size. To get that, though, you sacrifce some performance in terms of a mount. This limits how much magnification you can effectively use compared to a full size mount. If you want to do planets and the moon, a telescope with a full size mount is a better choice.
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