[Tennessee_Bob]

Personally, I'd like some suggestions on what a good starter scope would be. Took my daughter to the Roane State Observatory for the meteor shower back in November, and we had a great time. I'm going to be working with the Professor who runs the observatory (getting their scope software to work properly - actually - getting them to understand the software), but I'd like to have a scope of my own. Any suggestions?

[Gorzaloon]

"Personally, I'd like some suggestions on what a good starter scope would be."

Hands down, no contest, the little Meade LX 60 GOTO for price/performance.

The software can even give you a "Guided tour".

Too many department store telescopes sit unused in closets because people buy them, horrible as they are, then look through them a few times, see nothing "But dandruff", and put them away.

For a hundred bucks, if someone loses interest, it is no big deal. But with a GOTO, it is doubtful anyone would lose interest, since it is the best thing short of kidnapping an astronomer...It even gives little facts about the various stars, etc.

[AngrySpud]

Check out Orion.com for their 4" Dobs ... $199 and very good light-gathering optics. Simple and rugged. As you shop around, don't take a second-glance at any scope that puts the emphasis on power (magnification). The key is the size of the primary mirror -- the bigger it is, the more light it will gather, and the more you can see.

[RadioAstronomer]

Do not buy a 60mm k-mart special!!!! Get an 80 or 90mm Celestron/mead etc. preey reasonably priced and quite nice. (make sure it has the 1.25 (I think its 1.25 (NOT THE .75), this is off the top of my head) mm lenses. No mirrors to get out of alingment.

[RightWhale]

I'd like to have a scope of my own. Any suggestions?

Portability first. Anything up to 6" diameter in folded optics or smaller if the lightpath is straight. Remember this: the scope mount is more important than the scope. A solid pier, a huge flat-top block of concrete in the backyard is a start.

[GreatHeart]

Many years ago, before I could afford my C8, I was forced to make due with a pair of binoculars for a couple of years. I have always since appreciated the time spent with them and would strongly recommend binoculars to the beginner.

There's an awful lot of good stuff up there that is accessible with binoculars, including most of the Messier catalog and the moons of Jupiter. Best of all, you'll really learn the sky and how to find things. Meanwhile, go to star parties and learn about how scopes are used. When your ready to buy one, you'll know for sure what you want.

Don't spend a lot. Try to find an inexpensive pair of 50x7's; 50x10's if that's all you can find. Get Tirion's Sky Atlas 2000 and you're set for quite awhile.