There's something magical about that first time you look through the eyepiece of a new telescope. Maybe you suddenly see the rings of Saturn, or admire the dusty tail of a passing comet, or a distant star cluster that suddenly pops into focus. Telescopes are a big step in your stargazing journey, as is upgrading when it comes to that point...

Making an investment in a telescope is a big decision. Whether you're just starting out or ready to upgrade, there are lots of features and factors to consider. One of the most important considerations is price; the next is ease of use to unlock the mysteries of the universe at whatever level you can afford...

As an amateur astronomer, your most powerful tool to unlock the mysteries of the universe is your telescope. But especially when you're first starting out stargazing, it can be hard to know which telescope to invest in. How much should you spend? Which features should you care about? Choosing between the best stargazing telescopes for your budget is a tough decision...

While stargazing is great under any circumstances, there's something special about using equipment to enhance your view. Using a telescope or binoculars will unlock wonders further in the solar system and deep space, and can encourage a love of the universe for yourself or someone you love. That's why I've put together so many guides for the best stargazing equipment, including the best binoculars for stargazing at each price point...

When most people think of stargazing with equipment, the first thing that comes to mind is a telescope. This certainly makes sense, as telescopes have a much greater range of use and can be made to peer much further into deep space. However binoculars should not be overlooked, especially for beginners who might not want to invest a ton or feel comfortable switching to an entirely new piece of equipment that's only useful at night...

When it comes time to upgrade your telescope, there’s a lot to consider. After having a starter telescope in the $100 to $200 range, you’ve probably learned which types of telescopes you like (and know how) to use; you’ve also noticed some features you may enjoy – or perhaps absolutely hate and want different on your next telescope. In any case, upgrading your telescope is a big deal...

When you first get started stargazing, you might have a lot of questions. What am I seeing? Is that a planet or a star? Will a telescope or binoculars help me see even more? Plus loads of others too! But as someone who's new to astronomy, you might not want to shell out a ton right away. If you're budget-conscious and/or brand new to stargazing and just want to get started without spending a lot, this post is for you...

Don't get me wrong: stargazing with our eyes is great. Nothing has the same effect on our mental state as starlight entering our eyes after billions of miles of light-speed travel across the galaxy. But there is something special about unlocking a deeper level of the night sky with equipment like binoculars or a telescope...

When you just start out as a stargazer, there's a literal universe to discover. And initially, you can make many discoveries by just using your own two eyes and finding a good stargazing spot with dark skies. But as your interest in astronomy increases, you might want to increase your viewing power and invest in some equipments to unlock the deeper secrets of the solar system and beyond...

As you get more interested in astronomy, you might find yourself wanting equipment to level up your stargazing experience. After all, while our eyes are great tools for exploring the wonders of the night sky, they're also severely limited. That's why we spend literally billions of dollars to launch space telescopes like Hubble, Spitzer, and Webb... And why people invest in telescopes right here on earth...