If your child is ready to begin exploring the heavens, then you may be in the market for a children's telescope. There are many available today from several manufacturers, and finding a quality telescope for kids is really not difficult. However there are some key considerations when shopping for you a telescope for a child.
First, its important to know the types of telescopes available. You'll mainly hear about two type: reflector and refractor. A reflector telescope uses a mirror to capture light and images and magnify it for view. A refractor telescope instead uses lenses to magnify whatever object you are looking at to make it easier to view than with the naked eye. You'll find both refractor child telescopes and reflector child telelscopes, and both are perfectly good solutions.
In terms of costs, expect to pay between and 0 for a quality children's telescope. The cost range is generally dependant on the quality and the size (and size is relative to magnification). Childrens telescopes are usually smaller, intermediate models of regular telescopes as opposed to toys, and the good manufacturers make quality telescopes even at the low end. If you want more magnification, the ability to see fainter objects, or more features like automated tracking you can pay up to 0.
The next factor to consider (and this usually correlates to cost) is the size of the kids telescope. This basically defines the size of the light gatherer and the faintness of the objects you'll be able to see. Beginning astronomers will do fine with a minimum of a 70 mm refractor telescope, but you can up to as much as 114 mm reflector.
Magnification is also important when shopping a telescope for children. The magnification of your telescope will depend on 2 factors, the size of the light gathered mentioned above, and the magnification of the eyepiece. The eyepiece is what you should consider when shopping, as its often wise to get a childrens telescope with 2 eyepieces (one for low level and one for high level).
The other part of a telescope that is important is the mount. The mount ensure that the telescope stays stable and firm when viewing objects. Keep in mind, that staying focused and centered on that star you are observing will be tough if your telescope is shaking and moving. Make sure your telescope has a sturdy mount for the ground or a table top.
Finally, don't forget that you'll be setting up and transporting your starter telescope a lot. You want to choose something that is lightweight, easy to transport, easy to set-up, and durable. Most children's telescopes have a little extra durability built in to them, but just be sure its something you think will hold up to your child's typical activity.
Buying your child's first telescope shouldn't be difficult if you keep these important considerations in mind. Then you can turn them loose to the stars, planets, and galaxies to explore.
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