Stargazing With a Telescope

The complete guide to buying and using telescopes for stargazers of any age and experience level.

Buying a telescope is crucial for budding astronomers. With so many choices, how does the beginner choose? Robin Scagell supplies expert, objective advice.

Stargazing with a Telescope is a practical guide that demystifies the process of buying and using a telescope. Scagell provides brand names and model numbers and general advice that applies to all brands, not just those covered. Clear color diagrams and non-scientific text explain lens size, focal lengths, focal ratios and much more.

Equipment covered includes:

• Binoculars -- a range of choices for astronomers at any level
• Refractors -- classic telescopes that are easy to use and maintain
• Reflectors -- sophisticated instruments that allow night-sky photography
• Catadioptrics -- compact telescopes that are gaining popularity.

Scagell also covers suitable accessories, such as eyepieces, filters, mounts and supports, and photography through a telescope. He provides useful tips on setting up and using any telescope and reviews objects to observe with different sizes of telescopes.

There is also valuable advice on how to instantly spot misleading labels on low-end telescopes. These are often bought for young astronomers who quickly become discouraged by the telescope's poor performance.

Stargazing with a Telescope is a must for newcomers to astronomy whatever their age.