Astronomy

This page was written by Christopher Spry.

Index

Astronomy & Astrophysics links
NASA resources
Advice for beginners
Reporting fireballs or meteor strikes in the U.K.

Astronomy & Astrophysics

NASA resources

Advice for beginners

• The important things to consider, in order of importance, when selecting a telescope are: high quality optics (large aperture etc.), a stable mount, observer comfort and convenience. Gadgets, GOTO functions, etc., are of less importance.
• Buying a telescope in the UK: The 'small ads' section in the "Astronomy Now" magazine, which can be bought in many large newsagents, offers a wide variety of second hand telescopes and related equipment for sale. A 'reasonable' used telescope will cost about £200 - £300. Also see Chris Heapy's website where used astronomy equipment is advertized and on-line sales at Astro-Ads, 'BC&F Telescope' and 'Loot'. New telescopes can be bought at Broadhurst Clarkson & Fuller (BCF), London and Sherwoods in Birmingham.
• The Helios Startravel-80 Series (80mm F/400) refractor telescope, available from Sherwoods is an excellent choice for a first new telescope for under £200. The tube assembly can be bought alone and put on a sturdier mount. It has many dedicated users and its own mailing list, so that expert advice and support is available on-line. 
   Also see www.warehouseexpress.co.uk, www.telescopehouse.co.uk, www.scsastro.co.uk, www.davidhinds.co.uk, www.orionoptics.co.uk
• Stephen Tonkin's astronomy site with useful links, amateur telescope making and a tutorial on theoretical and practical issues for budding astronomers.
• * One person's advice on buying telescopes: "If you are after a basic Dob or GEM Newt, then Barrie Watts at Beacon Hill Telescopes is your friend. If you want an SCT, David Hinds is your man. If you want to go upmarket to a decent Parks or Televue, then have a word with Ninian Boyle at Venturescope. If you want the ubiquitous Japanese stuff, you have a choice of lots. For the Russian stuff (optically OK, built like a tank) T&OE or SCS are worth a look. BC&F are good for sound advice and Meades."
• Centro de Observação Astronómica no Algarve, astronomy holiday centre.
• Meade 'ETX Astro' 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain ultraportable telescope'. See Mike Weasner's discussion.
• Celestron telescopes.
• Alistair and Michelle Symon's site, Southampton UK with information on their Meade LX10 and ETX telescopes and CCD imaging.

Reporting fireballs or meteor strikes in the U.K.

• The BAA meteor section and email.
• The SPA meteor section and email.
• The IMO meteor reports.
  It is important that you report as many details as possible, of the event you witnessed.

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© cspry@sghms.ac.uk. Department of Biochemistry & Immunology, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London SW17 0RE, UK. Phone +44 20-8725 5819; fax +44 20-8725 5821. This page was last updated on 10 April 2002 21:24:52.