When choosing a telescope to begin your cosmic adventures with it is important that you follow some basic guidelines.

•    Go to the library
•    Join a club
•    Follow your instructions
•    Don’t be afraid to experiment

So you’ve purchased that “just right” telescope. You followed our suggestions from our previous articles on choosing a telescope.  The box is sitting in your living room begging to be opened and put together. STOP, before you do a thing you need to take a few more steps as outlined above.

Go to the library? Yes, this first step can make the rest of your cosmic adventure more enjoyable. What you need to be looking for are books on telescopes and astronomy. The first to give you insight into the power contained in that box sitting in your living room;  the second to show you what and where to look to get the most out of your choice of telescopes. If you’re just starting out with your star gazing be sure to check out books that are easy to understand.

A second important step in getting the most out of your choosing a telescope is to find a local astronomy club to get involved with. Don’t be shy just because you’re just starting out. Remember every member was in the same place you are right now. They had to learn. In fact, when getting in touch with someone from the club be sure to mention that you’re a novice. You’ll find a warm welcome and lots of ideas to make your first trip into space an enjoyable one.

Yes, it’s not easy to follow simple instructions, but when setting up your choice of telescopes for the first time following the instructions that came with it could very well make the difference between enjoyment and complete frustration. Remember your choice of telescope was a choice of a finely tuned precision instrument. Most instructions will provide you with the best information on where to place your telescope for the best results, how to adjust the eyepiece for the best view, and how to use your mount to find out what it is you are viewing.

So you’re all set up, the night skies are calling, you and your family want to see what’s out there. Go ahead, play around with your choice of telescopes. It won’t break. Scan the skies. Look simply for the enjoyment of looking. Let the kid’s play with it. Enjoy their astonishment in seeing the moon up close for the first time. Once this initial amazement slows down start searching the skies for particular things, planets, stars, galaxies.

You should be proud of yourself you have laid claim to a new adventure and an adventure that will bring years of enjoyment not only to yourself but to your family. Who knows your choice may result in one of your kids becoming an astronaut.