When buying a gift for someone new to astronomy, the goal is not to spend too much on too big of an item right away. The larger ticket items are harder to use and can frustrate a beginner and turn them off from the hobby. Start with the basics that provide information and aid.
Astronomy Reading Materials
A subscription to Astronomy magazine or Sky and Telescope magazine will give the recipient updated information each month as to what they can see in the sky for the hobbyist and what the new research and news is from professionals. However, this information is also available free on the internet at sites such as this one, astronomyspace.suite101.com.
The classic three volume set of books for amateur astronomers called Burnham's Celestial Handbooks gives detailed descriptions of hundreds of objects in the sky. These books are hard to find and may be most easily acquired by visiting a used book store. Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe by Terrence Dickinson is another popular book for beginners, guiding them on what to view either with the unaided eye, binoculars, or a telescope.
A sky atlas or planisphere are two other great gift choices. A planisphere is a flattened globe of the sky that spins under a partially obscured disk to show what the sky looks like at different nights of the year. For anyone serious about observing but who has not yet learned their way around the constellations, one of these two choices is a must.
For a low-price gift choice, try a calendar to get details on the best observing highlights all year long and provide an inspiring new visual each month.
Astronomical Accessories and Equipment
For those willing to spend more, considering purchasing some observing equipment to go along with a guide book and star map. The first step for amateur astronomers is to learn about the sky with the above materials, and then go out and observe it.
There are advantages to buying binoculars for observing rather than jumping right in with a telescope. Binoculars provide a wider field of view, allowing observers to see the entire Pleiades star cluster at once or compare two more widely spread objects. Binoculars are also much more portable than telescopes and being able to use an eyepiece with both eyes is usually easier for children.
For those wanting to take the plunge with a telescope, chose one that is sold at an astronomy-based store or optical/camera store. Because these can be hard to find, ordering online may be the best choice. Telescopes found at large department-store chains or toy stores are usually of low quality. They break easily and have unstable tripods or mounts, causing the images to be shaky and troublesome. The pictures on the box often suggest that the owner will see the universe in far more detail and color than is ever possible with the actual equipment provided.
Look for a sturdy tripod. Whether the telescope is a reflector, refractor, or combination of the two is less important; any work equally well. A choice of eyepieces will help the beginning astronomer to spot their elusive object in a wider field and then switch eyepieces to "zoom in" on it. Colored filters are great for exploring different features of planets that pop out better under different hues of light. Solar filters are pricey but double the observing opportunities. The automated go-to feature is not necessary for someone who has a good, basic understanding of where celestial targets can be found (see above reading materials for getting that basic information). A motor drive for tracking is great for someone seriously into astrophotography. It also helps observers from having to readjust the telescope every few seconds when the turn of the Earth spins the object out of frame. Don't forget a red-light flashlight to help the observer get to their observing spot and check their maps without ruining their night vision.
Any combination of gift ideas presented here are sure to please the beginning astronomer on your list.
Kelly Whitt - I have been a professional writer for more than a decade, covering many topics from science-based articles to do-it-yourself home ...
