Equipment

This hobby isn't cheap if you get into in a big way. However it's important to note that the equipment, while it comes in differing levels of cost, capability and quality isn't nearly as important as the enthusiasm to explore the night sky. Starting with the the basics of identifying constellations and their contents requires nothing more than your eyes and some dark skies. Moving on to a relatively inexpensive telescope will give you access to the wonders of the deep sky objects such as galaxies, clusters and nebulae. It's usually at this point that you'll want to spend a bit more to gather more light using more advanced instruments and you bank balance takes a pasting! It's worth it if you're enthusiastic about the subject, there's so much out there to explore and learn about. Feel free to contact me if you'd like some feedback before you buy.

Suppliers in the UK

Having dealt with a number of suppliers in the UK I can currently recommend the following as providing outstanding service and advise - not in order :-)

- First Light Optics @ http://www.firstlightoptics.com/

- Modern Astronomy @ http://www.modernastronomy.co.uk/

Current Observatory Configuration

Deep Sky Imaging