The best telescope is not the biggest one or the telescope that costs the most. Galileo had a telescope which by today's standards it was very slim in its abilities. It was not as powerful as many of today's cheap telescopes; however there was one key difference. Galileo used his telescope more than what many people would use a cheap telescope.



The key then becomes in buying telescopes that you will use more often. And that is truly the key to your astronomy hobby. But, how do you use the telescope more? Buying an expensive telescope does not ensure that you will use it more often - though the saying says that those things we get for free we don't value as much as what we pay for.

Imagine for a moment that you have a telescope, and it can be the best telescope, the biggest, and most expensive. You use this telescope a few times. You look at the Moon, and then you look at the planets, etc. But then you find that you have gotten to a problem. Even though space contains more stars than could be seen in a life time, we become stuck. We just don't know what to look for.

Here is where something often not thought of becomes necessary - star maps. Star maps are simply amazing products. Star maps contain information about where all the major objects are in the night sky. Navigation then becomes an essential in long term enjoyment of astronomy. Without star maps, we often will find that we leave the telescope gathering dust.

Buying a good telescope becomes secondary. If you have a budget leave some money towards the books that will help you get a longer term enjoyment of astronomy. Add to this a notebook and you are in a winning situation. You could have the worst telescope on planet Earth, but with the knowledge of where to look, and a notebook to record your findings into, you will have an amazing time with astronomy, and each day will contain major discoveries. Though these discoveries may not be ones which allow you to discover a new star or planet, you will be making discoveries in your own right.

There are also books that can make your astronomy experience more fulfilling. A star atlas or a good book on practical astronomy are truly amazing as they help small telescope owners and first time telescope owners find some of the universes best attractions, and all in the comfort of your backyard.