Telescope for Kids: Which are the Best?

When a special occasion is approaching, such as a birthday, a first communion or Christmas, many people wonder what they can give a child, and sometimes adults think of giving a telescope. But it is appropriate that we explain some details about the purchase of a telescope for children

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Giving a telescope is a complicated decision

Astronomy is a very exciting hobby and there is no better way to instill an interest in science than by observing the night skies. It is a cultural, healthy, attractive and enriching hobby. For that reason, if a child has shown an inclination for astronomy, the opportunity should not be missed and let us cultivate the way to increase that inclination.

But giving a telescope is a task that is not easy. If a suitable instrument is not chosen, the child is likely to suffer from great frustration and forget about it, after having used it very little. More so if we do not accompany you with the appropriate elements that teach you an observation methodology and how to use it, even if we do not offer you the option of being able to share the experience with someone knowledgeable in the matter.

But we must not overdo it, because if we give a child a telescope that is very advanced or complicated to use, the frustration will have a negative effect on him, making him think that he has no aptitude for astronomy and we will close a door to an inclination that could well be your professional future. So what should we do? What kind of telescope can be given to a child?

What should we consider?

There are many elements that must be taken into account when deciding whether to give a telescope to a child. How old they are, if they have an accessible place from which they can use it, if their parents are also interested in astronomy and will support them in this activity, if it is just a whim that will pass. These are several elements that must be taken into consideration.

In this section, it is our intention to try to help you to facilitate the process on What Telescope To Buy, and for this we are going to try to lend a hand to all those people who are considering giving a telescope to a child with some useful basic advice.

Using a telescope can be a difficult task. We never advise buying cheap telescopes, because they are weak, inaccurate and of inferior optical quality. that are likely to have the opposite effect on the child. But it is that the most expensive telescopes turn out to be difficult to handle because of their size, complicated and sensitive.

We must find a way to find a middle ground in this process, unless we do not have time for it, or we do not have the slightest idea of ​​the matter, so perhaps the best strategy may be to think of other possibilities.

If you are not sure or motivated enough to buy a child telescope, Perhaps it is best to start by giving away a map and some binoculars. Binoculars are less expensive than a telescope for kids, more practical, lighter, stronger and very easy to use. You might be surprised to learn how many celestial objects can be seen through simple binoculars.

On the other hand, a planisphere facilitates the beginning of celestial observation and serves to introduce the child to discovering the constellations, double stars and clusters of stars. Stars.

Another good option to know if the child's interest in astronomy is real or a mere passing whim, is to make an appointment at an astronomical meeting. Surely in the area where the child lives there are astronomy groups and clubs that do this type of activity. You can find them online or enroll him in an astronomy workshop, join him to see his reaction to what he will learn.

If after these activities, you discover that it is a real hobby, and you want to please him by giving him a kids telescope, then you must be well informed before choosing the one you are going to buy, for which you must take into account what follows.

Make sure it is a real telescope and not a toy

You've probably already found yourself in the toy sections of big box stores, children's telescopes advertised with spectacular ads, accompanied by stunning computer-generated images. Please do not be tempted to buy them, do not try to get out of trouble quickly. What they sell are toys.

Take into account that these are not specialized stores, but rather large consumption centers, which fulfill their objective in other matters, but in this one we assure you that they do not. We assure you that a toy will not be of any use for stargazing. Of course you will find many options in attractive boxes with exciting colors, well advertised, at a very affordable cost, with plastic lenses.

If you buy any of these toys, chances are the whole experience will turn out to be disappointing for the child and will cause him to lose interest in astronomy. That is why it is important that you take your time and choose the one that turns out to be the best option.

Initiation telescopes for children

If you still have the intention of giving a kids telescope, then we will let you know the options that exist. But please keep in mind that they need to be easy to use, so for a starter spotting scope we don't recommend having a built-in motor.

Firstscope Telescope

This telescope was launched on the market in the year 2009, which was the International Year of Astronomy. Today it is marketed by different brands and its price can be between 50 to 70 $. It is a basic telescope, which will facilitate the observation of the Moon and the planets of the Solar System with acceptable efficiency. If your budget is small, this is one of the best options to give a telescope for kids.

Other options can be found that are in a range between $150 and $200. There are refracting or reflecting telescopes, which can have altazimuth or equatorial mounts. The quality of these is usually good, but their mechanical versatility will be very poor. This means that although, in theory, you can see through them, the vibrations and lengths of the tripod and mount will make it very difficult to use.

That is not what we want, we do not intend for the child to get frustrated, but rather to start enjoying the experience from the beginning. Therefore, you have to be careful when choosing.

Dobson telescopes: the best telescope to start

John Dobson was an American popularizer who became famous for designing a low-priced, portable reflecting telescope. Using a wooden mount that rests directly on the ground, he managed to create a cheap, easy-to-use, and very sturdy telescope. This class of telescopes is very popular with astronomy enthusiasts, but they are also ideal as a first child telescope.

A 150mm aperture Dobson can be worth close to $300, and many bodies in the night sky can be seen through it. It is very easy to use, because it handles like a cannon and has better stability than tripod telescopes, making it an excellent telescope for beginners in astronomy.

Its aperture range will also make it easier to observe not only the planets and the Moon, but also galaxies, clusters, stars and nebulae. But it must be taken into consideration that the height at which the eyepiece will be positioned to look will be approximately 1,2 meters, so it is indicated for a child who is at least that tall.

We hope that this article has been helpful and has the necessary information to be able to buy a telescope for kids that meets the expectations of your honoree. Until next time.


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