Free Public Talk - How to choose a Telescope and Binocular for Stargazing

My next free public stargazing talk is titled "How to choose a Telescope and Binocular for Stargazing"

DATE: Monday, 18 February 2013

TIME: 7:00pm - 8:30pm

VENUE: Toa Payoh Public Library, Programme Zone, Level 1.

Admission is FREE. No pre-registration required. Late comers are also welcomed!

These are some of the most frequently asked question we encounter during our free public stargazing sessions - where to buy a telescope/binocular, how much to spend on it, what is a good one for a beginner?

In this talk, I will share with you my personal experiences of how to go about finding what is the most suitable telescope/binocular *for you*. You will learn about the common pitfalls, how to avoid them, how to do research and make smart purchasing decisions that will give you the best value for your money. You will also learn that there is no such thing as a perfect telescope/binocular as each design has its own pros and cons.

There will be live demonstration of telescopes and binoculars and free hands-on session so you can understand and appreciate the important astronomical concepts mentioned in the talk. 

*Weather permitting*, after the talk, there will be live stargazing session outside the library where you can see how different telescopes performed in actual sky condition and enjoy the wonderful views through them. You can also interact with the telescope volunteers and get some useful tips from them.

On that same night, there is a rare very close conjunction of Jupiter and Moon visible in Singapore. They are so close you can cover both with your pinky fingertip held at arm's length! Both objects will fit into the same view of most telescopes and binocular.

It is my sincere wish you can learn and benefit from this free talk so in return you can share the information with your family and friends who are also keen to start this hobby.

Hope to see you there and let's all pray for clear skies on Monday evening!