Go Out:  Look Up!

A Guide to the Sky, Telescopes, and Telescope Programs

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Potential Equipment Estimated Cost based on NHAS's program

There are many types of scopes within the price ranges of the Orion Starblast series.  Ease of use, robustness, aperture and value make the Starblast a preferred solution.

I have included costs for the 4.5" scope and the 6" with and without the computer.  Our bright skies might demand the 6-inch scope.  Click on the scope links for complete information.

  4.5 6 6i
Total $304.85 $384.85 $504.85
StarBlast 4.5 Astro Telescope (click for link) $199.95
StarBlast 6 Astro Telescope (click for link) $279.95
Starblast 6i Telescope with Computer Object Locator(click for link)  $ 399.95
Orion Mini Pro Cleaning Tool #05836  $9.95 $9.95 $9.95
Celestron 8-24mm Zoom eyepiece (from various venders) $69.00 $69.00 $69.00
Constellations National Audubon Society Pocket Guide ISBN: 0-679-77998-1 $9.95 $9.95 $9.95
Items from retail stores nearby:
Extra battery for the finder scope: 3-volt lithium (CR 2032) $3.00 $3.00 $3.00
Red/White 3-LED Headlamp (from Home Depot) $6.00 $6.00 $6.00
Laminated and spiral bound instructions
Belt pack for holding eyepieces (Outdoor products, #1243WM-000 at WalMart) $7.00 $7.00 $7.00
tax and shipping charges may apply

The Computerized Object Locator (COL), if desired, cannot be purchased as an add-on (because the base needs encoders). 

There are a number of considerations about the computer.  The upside is that, as far as computerized telescopes go, the Orion COL is very easy to use.  It allows finding objects without deep knowledge about the sky.  It also provides an interesting technology backstory to science side of astronomy.  The downside is that it does add quite a bit to the observer's learning curve.

Once the scope type is determined, decisions need to be made about what accessories to purchase and what customizations to make (click here).

Questions or comments? Email:Jeff Martin