Christmas time is coming, and many people look at buying a telescope: either for themselves or for their children. Perhaps a recent news article spawned an interest in astronomy; perhaps something else attracted them to this hobby. Either way, a telescope has come to mind.
As a public service, the GRAAA has collected some Internet Sites that discuss how to purchase your first telescope: what to look for, what to avoid, etc., in choosing your instrument.
WARNING! -- DO NOT buy a telescope a Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Meijer, Sears, etc. They sell junk, and this will ruin your experience very quickly.
Disclaimer: The following sites are not a part of the GRAAA web site and are provided only as a convenience to you as you visit www.graaa.org. We do not guarantee, endorse or assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the content found on these sites and shall not be liable to you or to any other person or entity for any damages you may experience because of any incompleteness, errors or omissions in the information or its transmission to you from these sites or for any action you may take in reliance on that information.
Heretic's Guide to Choosing and Buying Your First Telescope
How to Buy (and Not Buy) a Telescope
How to Buy a Telescope: A Buyer's Guide
Recommendations for Beginning Amateur Astronomers
So, You Want To Buy A Telescope?
So You Wanna Buy a Telescope... Advice for Beginners
Space.com: Telescope Buying Guide
What kind of telescope should I buy?