If someone were to ask me what I think the best way to spend a weekend is, I would tell them they should buy a telescope. There’s something about looking up at the night sky and seeing it in all its glory that makes you feel small and connected to something much bigger than yourself.
And telescopes are great for learning more about astronomy and science; after all, you’re not just looking at stars—you’re learning about them too! Here are five reasons why you should consider buying one for yourself or someone else.
Stars are beautiful
Stars are beautiful, unique, fascinating, and a source of inspiration. What more do you need to know? Seriously though, did you know that there are more than 100 billion stars in our galaxy alone? That’s a lot of stars! And each one is unique. Just think about how many different-looking stars there must be in the universe! It’s an incredible thought to comprehend—and one that will keep your mind busy for years as you continue stargazing with your new telescope.
It’s an excellent exercise for your eyes.
With a telescope, you’ll be exercising your eyes like never before. The more you use the telescope, the better your vision will become. It’s like a muscle that needs to be exercised to gain strength and improve its function. After all, how often do we use our eyes? So anytime we do something that works out our peepers (like looking through a telescope or taking an eye exam!), it’s good for us!
It expands your mind.
You can also learn about astronomy, space travel, and other sciences. You can learn about different cultures and civilizations throughout history. A telescope will allow you to explore the world around us in ways we could never have imagined before.
Maybe your child has shown an interest in STEM subjects but hasn’t had the opportunity to pursue them further. Or maybe he or she is just curious about how things work or why they work that way. If this sounds like something that might be interesting for your child, then a telescope might be just what he or she needs!
There’s so much to see and learn.
You can see things you wouldn’t be able to see without a telescope. There are plenty of unique celestial objects you can only see through telescopes.
- The Moon: The moon is one of the most popular things used in night sky gazing. It’s easy to find and observe, and it’s always there! Some amateur astronomers even like using an image of the moon as their computer desktop background because they know it will always be there when they look up at night.
- Planets: Planets are also great subjects for observation with a telescope, but they’re harder than stars as they move around more quickly across our sky. You need some practice before you become familiar with their movements, so you know when to expect them in your field of view. And when it comes time for your first look at Mercury or Venus or Jupiter yourself? You’ll be amazed by these bright balls shining against a dark background like diamonds on black velvet!
- Constellations: Identifying constellations isn’t just fun and an excellent way to learn about astronomy! For example, did you know that Orion’s sword consists of two separate stars? Or how about this little factoid: Aries contains one asterism called “Rukbat,” which means “the head.”
Telescopes are fun!
A telescope is a great way to learn about and appreciate the solar system, especially if you have a kid interested in science. They’re also just fun! If you want to see Saturn, its rings and moons; Jupiter, its moons and the great red spot; or the moon up close (and let me tell you—it looks fantastic up close), then a telescope is for you.
Telescopes are also great for stargazing and seeing the Milky Way, which can be challenging to see with the naked eye. A telescope is also a great way to learn about astronomy and space: how far away planets and stars are from us, how big or small they are compared to each other; what makes up their atmospheres; etc.
Conclusion
I hope that you’ve learned something about telescopes. Ultimately, it all comes down to what kind of experience you want with this hobby. If you’re looking for a fun activity that will engage your mind and body, I encourage you to consider buying a telescope! Happy stargazing!
