Choosing a telescope doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an aspiring astronomer, here’s what to know before you buy.

• 🌕 Moon & Planets: Even small telescopes show craters and Jupiter’s moons.
• 🌌 Deep Space Objects: Larger aperture needed to view galaxies and nebulae.
• 📷 Astrophotography: Requires sturdy mounts and cameras—more advanced gear.

• Refractor: Uses lenses. Great for beginners and sharp planetary views. Easy to maintain.
• Reflector: Uses mirrors. Offers large apertures at a lower cost. Needs occasional alignment.
• Compound (Catadioptric): Combines both for versatility. More portable and expensive.

• Alt-Azimuth (AZ): Simple up/down, left/right—easy for beginners.
• Equatorial (EQ): Tracks Earth’s rotation—ideal for long stargazing or photography.
• Computerized (GoTo): Auto-aligns with celestial objects—perfect for tech-savvy users.

• 🔭 Aperture size matters more than magnification—look for 70mm or larger.
• 👁️ Avoid plastic, toy-like scopes with unrealistic zoom claims.
• 🌌 Light pollution matters—use apps to find dark-sky locations.
• 📱 Use astronomy apps (SkySafari, Stellarium) to navigate the sky.

Your first telescope is your gateway to the cosmos. Start simple, stay curious, and enjoy the journey under the stars!