December 2, 2005

Contacts:
Kelly Beatty, Editor, Night Sky
   617-864-7360 x148, kbeatty@NightSkyMag.com
Alan MacRobert, Senior Editor, Sky & Telescope
   617-864-7360 x151, macrobert@SkyandTelescope.com

Telescopes are on almost every kid's holiday wish list. A telescope is a popular gift, and most manufacturers see a huge increase in sales every December. But buyer beware: A telescope should not be bought on impulse. If you get a telescope that you can't aim or can't focus, it's more likely to end up collecting dust in a closet than collecting starlight in your backyard.

"Don't expect a lot from any telescope costing much under $200, and certainly be wary of anything sold in a toy shop or department store," says Rick Fienberg, editor in chief of Sky & Telescope magazine. "The store's telescope buyers probably know next to nothing about what they're purchasing — they're more concerned with the discount they get from the wholesaler than with the quality of the scopes themselves. Our advice to our readers," Fienberg continues, "is to do some research before buying, then go to a reputable store or online dealer that specializes in telescopes or related products, such as cameras or consumer electronics."

The following is advice that you, as a consumer-interest reporter or science journalist, can provide to your viewers, listeners, or readers as they embark on their search for a telescope that will be used rewardingly all year round.

Telescope Types

Telescopes come in many shapes, sizes, and prices. Despite their varied appearances, though, all scopes can be divided into three classes: refractors (those that use lenses), reflectors (those with mirrors), and catadioptrics (hybrids of the two). Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but all share the same function: to gather light from a distant object and form a sharp image that can be scrutinized by eye or camera.

Here are three QuickTime movies that show how starlight travels through these different types of telescopes to reach the eyepiece (each movie file is about 1 megabyte in size, with artwork by Gregg Dinderman and animation by Brett Pawson):

• Reflecting telescope
• Refracting telescope
• Compound telescope

Whatever design (or variant) you eventually choose, the utmost priority should be given to optical quality. It's the key to good telescopic performance. Running a close second is a solid, steady mount with smooth motions. If at all possible, try before you buy — visit a local astronomy club and look through members' scopes to see which ones you like. If you purchase a unit from a mail-order company, make sure there is a good return policy. And don't forget to save some of your budget for essential accessories like additional eyepieces and a good star atlas.