Comments on: Bye-Bye, Kaleidescope! Hello, Personal Planetarium!

By: rick

rick — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:22:40 +0000

I have used one, it is simply AMAZING!!! this thing is wonderful. For someone like me, its great to know what you are looking at or find where something is. I cant justify the money though, so i dont have one… but man, if you are reasonably well on, this is sweet!

note: it doesnt have any magnification to it, just used to identify what it is pointed at. and it works darn well!

By: Jim K.

Jim K. — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:43:29 +0000

@Stuart

Agreed about the DIY spirit of a lot of toolmongers and that a decent dobsonian reflector will provide a great entry point into stargazing that might suit them more.

That said, I’ve had a few of these at our science center for awhile now and absolutely LOVE them. They’re easy to carry, easy to use, and much less intimidating for a lot of first timers. If you’re looking to learn about the constellations and basic night sky viewing these are awesome.

By: Stuart Deutsch

Stuart Deutsch — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:29:47 +0000

Beginners are MUCH better off spending the $300-$400 that this costs on a small tube refractor or Dobsonian mounted reflector telescope. A star map will tell you what you can see, jotting down a sketch and coordinates will help you identify the object later and look it up on Wikipedia.

Heck, even a good pair of Binoculars will offer a better beginner’s experience to stargazing and astronomy. That said, this is a great device for intermediate to advanced hobbyists, but then again it’s not really actively advertised for beginners.

Besides, many toolmongerers pride themselves in their DIY ways. Well, if you’re interested in astronomy, pick up a field guide, a pair or binoculars, and go at it.

By: Fredex

Fredex — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:27:24 +0000

Wow.