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[Vieo]

Ever since I sold the last of my chinchillas, I've been looking for a new hobby as pets have been my hobby since I was about.. probably 10 years old(I'm 22 now).

I've always had a fascination with stars and the like, so that it got me wondering about telescopes and stargazing. Though, I wouldn't know much about how to get into the hobby or what the rewarding part about it might be, so I was wondering if someone could hook me up with some info(websites, recommended books, etc.) about what you can do with a telescope.

I tried getting into drawing as a hobby, but since I suck at it, it became more of a chore than a skill. I figured amatuer astronomy would be a little more laid back and less high impact.

 

[Matlock]

You'd be better off with a good pair of binoculars.

 

[Vieo]

You'd be better off with a good pair of binoculars.

LoL. Explain. =P

 

[The Legend]

Your best bet would be to start with binoculars and a few books that are for amature astronomers. eventually you will want a good telescope, get a reflector instead of a refractor. But first you will want to know what you want to look at, with a good set of binoculars you can see the four moons around Jupiter, and try looking at the moon when it is half full. Of course you will need a good dark area, city is no good. any more questions, send me an email, johannb@shaw.ca

 

[Tommie Hu$tle]

Yeah I got one but I only use it as mad wicked bong.

 

[Vieo]

Hmm.. Thanks for the info. Now I will sleep and ponder on it.

 

[3phemeral]

If you're really serious about it, let me tell you -- it's pretty boring All the stats you follow... well, it MIGHT entertain you, but I'd go wth what everyone else here is suggesting and grab a good pair of bino's until you get the hang of it. While you're at it, by a star chart and a compass and take every opportunity to stargaze in the dessert after a storm clears out. You won't regret it

 

[Teknopathetic]

My dad got me a reflecting telescope many, many years ago. I just took it out and reassembled it a few days ago. It's fun, but I'd also recommend sticking with some binoculars or something first.