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$80mm refractor with "goto" equatorial mount$

80mm (3 inch) refractor on EQ mount with

"goto"

There has never been a better time to be an amateur astronomer. Innovations in optical design and computerized electronics, as well as rapidly evolving competition from Asian manufacturers all translate to equipment that, just twenty years ago, would have been beyond the reach of all but the largest observatories.

Much of today's technology in the fields of robotics, computerized digital setting circles ("goto") and astrophotography did not exist ten years ago. Amateurs with little experience are now using modest telescopes, dedicated CCD cameras and laptop computers to produce photographs of galaxies from their backyards that far surpass the efforts of even the best equipped observatories of the 1980s.

Clyde Tombaugh spent a lifetime locating his "planet x." Now finding Pluto involves entering the time and date into a telescope's hand controller, typing "Pluto," and pressing enter. The telescope's mount kicks into gear and slews to our farthest former planet, placing it within the eyepiece's field of view.

But with so much to choose from, buying just the right telescope can be a confusing process. It is not uncommon to make costly mistakes. To make matters worse, in such a rapidly growing market, scammers abound, and it's not hard to spend your money on a nearly worthless telescope.

The Infamous DST

An 8-inch (200mm) Chinese made reflector

on EQ mount with "goto" and tracking olong

two axis.

No, this isn't the stage name of a rap singer. DST is short for Department Store Telescope. Usually priced in the 100 to 300 dollar range, these telescopes are almost without exception, a waste of money. Poorly constructed, using third rate materials and shoddy optics, DSTs are sold by means of deceptive advertising that targets well meaning gift givers. Another nickname for them is "hobby killer," since so many owners, young people particularly, become so disapointed with the results that the scopes end up in a closet or a shelf in the garage, where they remain.

For the inexperienced it is easy to be fooled, since DSTs are sometimes produced by large and somehow reputable companies-- manufacturers who normally do produce high-end telescopes of excellent quality. Once you know what to avoid, they are easy to spot. More often than not these scopes are packaged in boxes illustrated by full color images that are either artist's renditions or Photoshop altered CCD images, photos of galaxies or nebulae placed within a circle, suggesting that the image represents what the buyer will see in the eyepiece. A DST package will almost always include copy that makes mention of magnification, prominently displayed, claiming levels of 300x or 500x, etc. If you ever see any printed information regarding magnification that is not prefaced by the phrase "highest useful magnification..." put down the box and keep looking.

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Stareware: The Amateur Astronomer's Guide to Choosing, Buying, and Using Telescopes and Accessories

No matter what your level of expertise, if you're looking for astronomical equipment and need to research the subject, this book is a must.

Updated every three or four years, it covers every aspect of amateur astronomy, from telescope types, brands and models to astrophotography equipment.

Each section is prefaced with plain-English definitions and descriptions of the equipment discussed. After reading this book any novice will be able, not only to knowledgably compare products and prices, but to use the equipment, as well.