Top 10 gifts for lovers of outer space (Synopsis)

"It is worthy of notice that in Table VI the brighter variables have the longer periods. It is also noticeable that those having the longest periods appear to be as regular in their variations as those which pass through their changes in a day or two." -Henrietta Leavitt

The past year has held a slew of victories and defeats, positives and negatives and everything in between for us all. Don’t lament the bad; instead, set yourself up to enter 2017 with something wonderful in hand: an appreciation of the wonder of the natural Universe.

Incredible Stories from Space, and the author with astronaut Chris Hadfield. Images credit: Atkinson/Page Street Publishing (L); Kent Rominger (R). Incredible Stories from Space, and the author with astronaut Chris Hadfield. Images credit: Atkinson/Page Street Publishing (L); Kent Rominger (R).

I lay out my top 10 gift ideas for lovers of outer space, for curious minds of a variety of ages and levels. While it’s book-heavy, you’ll also find recommendations for calendars and a first telescope, and for those who can’t help themselves, everything on the entire list is only around $300, including accessories!

The Glass Universe and the Harvard College Observatory women from the story. Images credit: Sobel/Viking (L); Harvard College Observatory (R). The Glass Universe and the Harvard College Observatory women from the story. Images credit: Sobel/Viking (L); Harvard College Observatory (R).

Come find out what the best recommendations are for the outer space lover in your life. (Hint: it’s probably you!)

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Careful on the telescope pricing :-
FirstScope Telescope
76mm aperture reflector optical tube
Moveable tube for ease of navigation for viewing
Lightweight, portable
Two eyepieces included

New (3) from $99.00 + $14.99 shipping
( from the Amazon site you linked)
:)

Those aren't generally worth bothering with.
You're better off with a decent pair of binoculars, 10x50 or thereabouts. If you want a scope, get a 80 or 90mm F10 Achromat with an EQ3 class mount will sort you out much better.

You're looking at 250$ for the scope. But if you go that route, get the better class tripod: you'll use that much more, and it will likely be reused with another scope if you find out you're interested enough in the hobby,

800-1000mm focal length gives you decent planetary magnification and yet still short enough to make a decent widefield.

You'll mostly get a 10 and 25mm eyepiece. Get a 32mm and a good 6mm EP to complement them. 6mm ~ 150x mag (0.35degree FOV) , 32mm ~ 27x mag (2 degree FOV).

The second scope then comes down to what you enjoy doing most with that scope, get one more specialised to that use.

REST IN PEACE, JOHN GLENN !