Cost can be a prohibitive factor in many interests but not astronomy for kids when in the beginning it doesn't have to cost you a cent - so if you are interested, read on. Now that the thought of a free hobby has peaked your interest further, just what do you need to start it? Fortunately not much but it is very good to have a star chart at hand which can be found in books that show you Star Charts or something referring to the Zodiac. Some charts are simple and easy to follow but you can easily get much more complex versions that illustrate far more. You can find them at any Planetarium or Observatory and the cheaper the better as you only need one to show you the brightest stars because the rest you can fill in yourself.
When it comes time to purchase a telescope then the best advice is to avoid cheap scopes (the sort children are given) that quite frankly will spoil your vision of looking at the stars. Many would be astronomers forget that most of the stars they look at will fade from view as the earth rotates - this is quite normal and no concern is needed. There is no need to be disappointed by this, the star will back the following night so instead of putting the scope away, focus it on another. I recommend buying a Meade telescope.
My second tip is a far cheaper option but one that will bring many nights of star gazing and all you need to do here is lend, borrow or buy a normal 10x50 set of binoculars. With this sort of power you will be able to see the moon much more clearly than ever before but you will also find it easy to see whole constellations in their entirety. As for information, other than the internet of course just about every library will have a number of books on star gazing but so will your local school so you will not be short of help.
Books that contain good start charts should be the preferred target and don't worry too much if you cannot get the latest edition because as far as you are concerned, the stars will not have moved or changed. Before you go into too much depth, locate the Southern Cross or Scorpio in the book and then see if you can find it in the night sky. As it's name suggests, the Southern Cross is situated in the south while Orion can be found moving from East to West as the night progresses. Note that it may not be conspicuous as you look for it since it may rise towards the later part or early in the morning.
Most people seem to think there is a lot to learn before you can enjoy it and while this is true, it is not necessary to enjoy it but in all probability you will want to know more as you start to recognise stars. You can acquire plenty of such information in books meant for children which would provide you with some basic knowledge. To summarize, when star gazing you need at least a star chart and at least one eye and you are on the verge of discovering the Universe. And then you get yourself a pair of binoculars and once you have grasped the basics, invest in a good telescope. Buying a Meade telescope is well worth the money spent.
