Astronomy On A Cheap Budget
Cost can be a prohibitive factor in many interests but not star gazing when in the beginning it doesn’t have to cost you a cent - so if you are interested, read on. So now you know that it can be achieved without spending any money, but what exactly do you need so that you can conveniently probe what lies in the Universe which surrounds the earth where we live in? Well to start with a start chart is an absolute necessity and this is easily obtainable from a book on astronomy or even astrology. They also come in different formats from very simple ones with a few stars and connecting lines between them to others that look like wheels. Available from planetarium or any observatory, you can get the cheapest of the lot as you only need to get familiar with the brightest star and the rest can be incorporated by yourself.
When it comes time to purchase a telescope then the best advice is to avoid cheap scopes (the sort children are given) that quite frankly will spoil your vision of looking at the stars. Many would be astronomers forget that most of the stars they look at will fade from view as the earth rotates - this is quite normal and no concern is needed. There is no need to be disappointed by this, the star will back the following night so instead of putting the scope away, focus it on another. I recommend buying a Meade telescope.
My second suggestion which can make astronomy for kids a distinct possibility night after night is to beg, borrow or buy the usual 10×50 set of binoculars. This can enable you to view the total constellation, the star bunches, the moon along with several other planets. Luck is also on your side as almost every school, but certainly each town has a library and this is your best resource for free literature on the stars, astronomy for kids, the Universe and the Solar System.
Books that contain good start charts should be the preferred target and don’t worry too much if you cannot get the latest edition because as far as you are concerned, the stars will not have moved or changed. Before you go into too much depth, locate the Southern Cross or Scorpio in the book and then see if you can find it in the night sky. As it’s name suggests, the Southern Cross is situated in the south while Orion can be found moving from East to West as the night progresses. Note that it may not be conspicuous as you look for it since it may rise towards the later part or early in the morning.
Most people seem to think there is a lot to learn before you can enjoy it and while this is true, it is not necessary to enjoy it but in all probability you will want to know more as you start to recognise stars. You can acquire plenty of such information in books meant for children which would provide you with some basic knowledge. To summarize, when star gazing you need at least a star chart and at least one eye and you are on the verge of discovering the Universe. And then you get yourself a pair of binoculars and once you have grasped the basics, invest in a good telescope. Buying a Meade telescope is well worth the money spent.
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