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Posted by Kelly Whitt Nov 10, 2006 |
There are a number of great ideas to give someone interested in astronomy. I'll help you make that wish list. Read on.
Telescopes, Binoculars, and Accessories. The most important point here is to know the person you are giving the gift to. If they are just starting out, a good pair of binoculars and a guidebook on binoculars objects, such as Touring the Universe through Binoculars by Phil Harrington, is an excellent place to begin. For someone ready for their first telescope, stay away from department store telescopes and go to the brand name manufacturers to get a product worth the money. You can order catalogs from Orion, Celestron, Meade, and others online. If your space-lover already has a telescope, consider buying accessories that will expand the uses of that telescope. A solar filter, colored nebula filters, new eyepieces, and a motor drive for tracking are all great ideas. Be sure you know exactly what kind of telescope they have, though, or you may end up with an item that is not compatible with their scope.
Gift Certificates. Don't know what they already have? You can't go wrong with a gift certificate. If you're lucky enough to have a local store, purchase one there to save on shipping costs. If there are no stores near you that sell telescopes (a common problem) then find a vendor online who can accommodate you, such as Astronomics.
Books, Maps, and Calendars. There is a huge range of items in this category to choose from. For advice on books and maps, see my blog for recommendations. Calendars are also a great choice. They are filled with beautiful space images, they last all year, and most important, they remind you of important viewing events and historical dates so you won't miss a thing!
A Vacation. That's right, a trip! And there really are many places to choose from. Plan a getaway to a dark-sky location in one of the forgotten corners of the country. Try one that caters specifically to astronomy-lovers, such as the Star Hill Inn in New Mexico. Or use the professional scopes at Kitt Peak Observatory in Arizona for a special observing night. Travel to Hawaii and take in the mighty Keck or head up to Alaska to experience the Northern Lights. Plan a vacation to see the next eclipse, or best of all, take a trip to the Southern Hemisphere and view a whole new sky!
Happy Holidays!