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How-To
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How to Buy Your First Telescope

A 16-page must-have handbook for any beginning observer, this booklet includes descriptions of telescope types, mounts, accessories, basic night-sky targets, and more.
By Michael E. Bakich
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Selecting a telescope, like buying a car, is subject to your tastes as a consumer. In other words, the choice is up to you. But the editors at Astronomy magazine have just made that decision a lot easier with “How to Buy Your First Telescope.” This 16-page pluck-out guide sponsored by Celestron appeared in the November 2011 issue of Astronomy.

After reading this goldmine of information, you’ll be able to identify the main types of telescopes (and the advantages of each one), tell the difference between computerized and manual mounts, and select the proper eyepieces and accessories. You’ll also read about getting started as an amateur astronomer. In fact, we’ll even help you target appropriate objects in the sky.

In short, this guide provides everything you need so you can make your first telescope purchase as informed as possible. Thanks to the folks at Celestron for their input and for helping make this 16-page booklet a valuable resource for budding amateur astronomers.
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