Re: Starter scope for 9 year old: StarBlast or SkyQuest?

On Wed, 13 Dec 2006 17:08:57 -0700, W. H. Greer <sendnomail@xxxxxxxx>
wrote:

LurfysMa wrote:

My latest thinking, since I am close to the Orion store, is to talk to
the store about exchanges (trade ups). If they are reasonable, Im
thinking about buying the StartBlast to put under the tree. I'll then
tell him that we can go to the store and look at better scopes if he
wants to. I figure the store will be a lot more interested in trading
up than down.

Hi,
In my opinion you're on the right track with the StarBlast for a 9
year-old's first astronomical telescope -- either the regular
StarBlast or the equatorial version.

If the boy has (or can be provided with) some kind of sturdy platform
to rest the non-equatorial StarBlast on, then the non-EQ would be a
reasonable scope to get. Otherwise the equatorial version would be
preferable. The EQ's tripod would allow the boy (while standing) to
use the scope on uneven ground.

I'm not sure I fully understand the difference between the StarBlast
and the StarBlast EQ. The magnifications are different (26x, 75x vs
39x, 75x) but I think that's because they come with different
eyepieces (Explorer II 17.0mm, 6.0mm vs 3-Element 15.0mm, 6.0mm).

The big difference seems to be the mount type (altazimuth vs
equatorial). According to Wikipedia, the altazimuth mount is simpler
to build and use, but more difficult for tracking moving objects
because tracking must be done on two axes. The equatorial mount is
more complex, but eliminates the earth's spin as a variable. It then
goes on to say that altazimuth are more appropriate for dobsonian
scopes.

Would you only get the EQ if a sturdy platform is NOT available?

As for trading up, I would suggest first giving the boy a year (or so)
to further develop his interest. The StarBlast is good enough to keep
an interested individual busy for at least that length of time. After
a year (or so) you could present him with a larger or better
telescope. He might then be inclined to give, trade, or sell his used
StarBlast to a friend, thereby permitting two youngsters to observe
together and fuel each other's interest.

Good Luck with your ultimate decision!

Thanks for the help

--
.

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