Scope choice for family and kids

[rcheshire (Rowland)]

A friend asked me to have a look at a 4" alt/az go to for his 6yo daughter who has developed a love of astronomy - I understand her interest is more than passing. The family visited the SVAA camp last month to have a look and get a bit of expert advice on visual observing.

The scope is a Celestron NexStar4se in need of a clean and some superficial repairs. Otherwise it is in perfect working order.

I had a look at the user manual and thought the goto might be a bit daunting for the youngster and perhaps the family would be better with a push-to Dob?

I was surprised by its performance, resolving the Trapezium and Sigma Orionis from what I can tell from a recent image of the area. Two of Jupiter's rings were visible as well.

Is this the best choice the family and particularly the 6yo, or is it a bit of overkill.

Thoughts appreciated as to best advice.

[raymo]

Hi Rowland, The scope itself would be ideal for several reasons, but the
setting up process of the GoTo system would be a problem unless one
of the parents was prepared to do it. It only takes a few minutes after you have got used to it. One thing I can't recall is if you can set it to
track without doing the set up. If you can it would be a great scope for the littly. Kids are that tech savvy these days, it probably wouldn't be that long before she could set it up herself. I'd say go for it, especially if the price is right.
raymo

[astro_nutt]

Hi Rowland.
In starting off with the very basics, it would be prudent to learn the constellations via the key stars, etc, and learn your way around.
Having said that, a scope that is easy to use and that a child will probably grow up with would be a garden variety 8" dob.
No go-to, just point and look with a planisphere on hand, a detailed map to confirm, and a notebook to record it all!
I hope this helps!

[rcheshire (Rowland)]

Thanks Ray and astro_nutt. My first thought was perhaps too techy at this stage. The iPad replaces the Atlas of course, but I'm not sure how patient they might be setting this up each time. I think they are paying around 150 - not bad given the condition. I know the guys at SVAA recommended an 8" push-to Dob. I understand that the parents are cautious, given the age of the young lady, and don't want to over invest in equipment right now.

As you mentioned Ray. The kids will probably be across the technicalities in no time, if not now, in a few years.

I wouldn't mind one myself, but the convenience of a Dob is very attractive. It was a joy perusing the heavens. A nice way to spend time.