Telescope.

nonstop · November 26, 2002

I'm looking for a telescope for the wife (not for spying on neighbors).

Anyways leaning towards a reflector, type.

It'll be mainly used in rural areas.

Just wondering if anyone has any luck actually seeing stuff.

Shaners · November 26, 2002

My son has a Bushnell (he's ten). About all we check out with it is the moon, because things move way too fast across the horizon. Heck, even the moon is only in the viewfinder for about a minute or less.

I know they make some adapters for them, that will automatically adjust the telescope to follow the horizon. I'm 99% sure they are battery operated so you can be out in a middle of a field and use it.

I'm sure I could see Saturn and the other planets with his telescope with no problem, but I don't know where to look...

doverarjim · November 27, 2002

Nonstop, I am also looking for one so if someone here has any ideas let us know. It's funny how people who drive the same type of trucks also have so many other intrest alike.

Worktruck · November 27, 2002

I have two. My 10 year old has a basic Bushnell also, but dad has to have the big reflector scope. Shaners is right, things really move across the night sky. There are alot of controllers out there, I suggest getting one that is designed for the scope you eventually get. Also don't be like me and get the biggest one you can afford right off the bat. The more expensive ones have lot of power but not a real big field of view. So things go out of view real fast. Sky watching is a pretty cool hobby to do with your kids, just be prepared to share the scope once in a while

TxDoc · November 27, 2002

http://www.celestron.com/mainf.htm

Try Ebay for good deals.

And, a good site for newbies:

http://www.absolutebeginnersastronomy.com

TxDoc · November 27, 2002

I just thougt of this:

Good Shuttle site-http://www.unitedspacealliance.com/

Other good NASA sights:

http://liftoff.msfc.nasa.gov/realtime/jtrack/Spacecraft.html

http://liftoff.msfc.nasa.gov/RealTime/JTrack/

look at the J-Track and J-Pass info on the last two--you can put in your GPS positon and know exactly when the Space Station, Shuttle or other satellites will overfly you. There is at least one basketball-sized college experiment covered with mirros that you can see, also. Just look around there.

Good luck.