Ask HN: I'd like to get a telescope for my kids. What do I need to know?
One of my daughters is developing a keen interest in Astronomy, and I'd like to get her a telescope but I don't know much about them.
What I'm trying to find out is how to tell if I'm buying a toy or something good. There seems to be lots of telescopes in places like Dick Smith (Australian electronics retail chain) that are not much more than toys. What should I look for, and how do I tell if it will be any good?
My budget is about AU$200, but if needed I'll spend a bit more to get something that's actually going to be useful. This is an area I know nothing about, so any advice would be great.
What I'm trying to find out is how to tell if I'm buying a toy or something good. There seems to be lots of telescopes in places like Dick Smith (Australian electronics retail chain) that are not much more than toys. What should I look for, and how do I tell if it will be any good?
My budget is about AU$200, but if needed I'll spend a bit more to get something that's actually going to be useful. This is an area I know nothing about, so any advice would be great.