Amateur astronomy is so hot right now, and it’s never been easier for backyard enthusiasts to gaze into the cosmos and contemplate their puny, meaningless existences. We’ve assembled a collection of exceptional gift ideas to help your favorite space enthusiast take their skywatching skills to the next level.
For those looking to enhance their night sky experience, finding the right equipment is key. From advanced robotic telescopes to essential accessories like solar filters and tripods, our picks aim to improve observation skills and overall enjoyment. So whether you’re shopping for a beginner or a more experienced astronomer, our recommendations will guide you to the perfect gift.
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of Gizmodo’s 2023 gift guides.
Celestron NexStar 8SE telescope
Why we like it: The Celestron NexStar 8SE is highly regarded in the astronomical community owing to its impressive 8-inch aperture design that captures copious amounts of light for bright, sharp views of deep-sky objects. Its iconic orange tube and compact design allow for easy transportation without disassembly, while the computerized mount and intuitive hand controller ensure precise and straightforward navigation. The telescope is particularly appealing for astrophotography, providing smooth tracking for long exposures. Despite its premium price, the NexStar 8SE offers excellent value due to its outstanding performance and versatility, making it a top choice for both beginners and experienced stargazers. Price: $1,599 Where to buy: Amazon
Celestron Inspire 100AZ refractor telescope
Why we like it: The Celestron Inspire 100AZ is a gem for beginner astronomers, with a special adaptor for easy astrophotography. It combines a 100mm aperture and a 660mm focal length in a budget-friendly package that’s ideal for young stargazers. This lightweight, portable scope comes ready with two eyepieces and a red LED flashlight for night use. At just 13.5 pounds and designed for quick assembly, it’s ideal for newcomers eager to explore the sky with minimal setup time. Price: $360 Where to buy: Amazon
Unistellar eQuinox 2 Smart Telescope
Why we like it: This robotic telescope, by effortlessly navigating to target objects and ensuring precise tracking for extended exposures, rocks on multiple levels. Its user-friendly design and shallow learning curve make it accessible for beginners in astronomy, but it’s also suitable for more experienced users (Unistellar’s network of citizen scientists is quite active).
Read: Gizmodo’s full review of Unistellar’s eQuinox 2 telescope
The eQuinox 2 robotic telescope, which works well in light-polluted conditions, allows users to quickly start capturing stunning images of deep space, while its compact and sleek design, combined with practical features like a USB port for device charging, adds to its appeal and functionality. The inclusion of a high-quality tripod and the ability to simultaneously connect multiple handheld devices make it suitable for both individual and group observations. Users will also enjoy Unistellar’s Smart Solar Filter ($249) for observing the Sun (including during solar eclipses), which is sold separately. Price: $2,499 Where to buy: Amazon
Vaonis Vespera Observation Station
Why we like it: We appreciate the Vespera robotic telescope for its compact design, making it perfect for a variety of settings, from a light-polluted balcony to a secluded cottage. It presents an affordable option for a robotic telescope, balancing cost with advanced features.
Read: Gizmodo’s full review of the Vespera Observation Station
The user-friendly interface, including a straightforward app and hardware setup, makes astronomy accessible for beginners, while its autonomous tracking and extended exposure capabilities allow for detailed deep-sky imaging. The digital nature of the device facilitates instant sharing and cataloging of astronomical images. Price: $1,499 Where to buy: Amazon
Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150P Telescope
Why we like it: The Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi Tabletop Dobsonian telescope features a combination of compactness, power, and user-friendly features. Its 150 mm aperture and fast focal ratio, paired with a collapsible optical tube assembly (OTA), provide bright, bold views of celestial objects, making it a fantastic option for both beginners and experienced astronomers looking for a portable observation option. The inclusion of built-in WiFi for full GoTo telescope control via a smartphone app enables users to easily locate and track over 10,000 celestial objects. The package also comes with all necessary accessories, including eyepieces, ensuring users have everything they need to start their astronomical journey immediately after unboxing. Price: $470 Where to buy: Amazon
Orion SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope
Why we like it: The Orion SkyScanner 100mm Telescope is a great choice for beginners seeking a portable and affordable option. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a “grab n’ go” telescope, perfect for quick observations, whether at home or away. Despite its low price point, it delivers impressive capabilities with a 100 mm aperture and a 400 mm focal length, providing sharp and clear views of celestial objects. Additionally, the telescope’s ease of use, with minimal assembly required and user-friendly mount design, ensures a smooth observing experience. Price: $150 Where to buy: Telescope.com
Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15×70 Binoculars
Why we like it: These binoculars offer great optics with a large 70mm aperture, ensuring a substantial amount of light collection—a necessity for astronomy enthusiasts. This feature makes these binoculars capable of providing views comparable to a 4-inch telescope. They’re reasonably priced with flexible uses; they can be used handheld or mounted on any kind of tripod/monopod. These binoculars can serve as a valuable supplement to your giftee’s astronomy gear, especially if a telescope is out of reach financially, or if they already own a telescope and are looking to enhance their viewing options. Price: $105 Where to buy: Amazon
Benro Mach3 3 Series Carbon Fiber Tripod (TMA37C)
Why we like it: This tripod means business—it’s designed to meet the demands of dedicated amateur astronomers and photographers alike. It’s a lightweight yet sturdy tripod, perfect for landscape and astrophotography buffs who need something portable and reliable. It’s tough enough to handle any weather, making it a solid pick for serious shooters. Yeah, the carbon fiber model is a bit pricier, but it’s built to last, and your loved one gets the freedom to pick the tripod head that suits them best. Price: $385 Where to buy: Amazon
Medical King’s NASA-approved solar eclipse glasses
Why we like it: The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, will offer a stunning spectacle across North America, from Mexico to Maine, providing a rare opportunity for skywatchers to witness the Sun’s hidden corona and experience daylight turning to darkness. Solar eclipses, when viewed without protection, can be very damaging to our eyes, and that’s where solar eclipse glasses come in (to be clear: regular sunglasses ARE NOT solar eclipse glasses). We obviously recommend only those solar eclipse glasses that comply with ISO 12312-2 international safety standard for filters, a criterion that Medical King’s cardboard eclipse glasses meet. Price: $9 for a 10-pack Where to buy: Amazon
SafeShot solar filter for smartphones
Why we like it: Manufactured by Pennsylvania-based Grafix, SafeShot Viewer is made from heavy-duty cardboard, featuring dual solar filters; one is a darker visual filter for direct viewing, and the other is a lighter filter designed for a smartphone’s camera. It’s ISO compliant and is suitable for both Android and iOS devices (exact requirements here). The filter, in addition to making it possible for your handheld device to image the Sun during normal conditions, can be used to observe the upcoming total solar eclipse. Price: $15.95 Where to buy: Grafix
The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide (4th edition)
Why we like it: This is the must-have classic written by astronomers Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer, encompassing a ton of knowledge and resources for amateur astronomers at all levels of experience. The latest version of the book has been updated to include the newest developments in observing equipment and techniques. From rookies to experts, The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide is the ideal tool kit for the astronomy enthusiast in your life. Price: $49.95 Where to buy: Barnes & Noble, Amazon
SkySafari astronomy and eclipse software
Why we like it: SkySafari from Simulation Curriculum is a powerful and user-friendly mobile app (for both iOS and Android) that converts a smartphone or tablet into a virtual planetarium, providing detailed and interactive maps of the night sky in real time or at any date and time. Depending on the version, it allows users to identify stars, planets, constellations, and satellites, plan observing sessions with notifications for celestial events, and even control some computerized telescopes. The basic version costs $4.99, and the intermediate version costs $19.99—but how cool would it be to gift your loved one with the $49.99 pro version that’s packed with an assortment of additional features? Price: Basic: $4,99, Plus: $19.99, Pro: $49.00 Where to buy: iOS app store and Android app store
Subscription to Sky & Telescope
Why we like it: Magazine subscriptions are so underrated, and virtually everyone loves to get new issues in the mail, or even online. Sky & Telescope is a premier provider of astronomy and astronomy-related content, offering a comprehensive array of resources including detailed sky charts, in-depth articles on current astronomical events, equipment reviews, photography tips, and expert advice for observers of all skill levels. Both digital and print subscriptions are available for yearly periods. Price: Digital one-year subscription: $37.05, print and digital one-year subscription: $57.75 Where to buy: Sky & Telescope
Rio Swinging Hammock Chair
Why we like it: For stargazers seeking comfort during long observation sessions, the Rio Swinging Hammock Chair offers a practical solution. This chair combines the comfort of a traditional hammock with the added convenience of portability. It’s designed for easy transport, making it suitable for various outdoor events, from beach outings to concerts, or simply for a night of stargazing in the backyard. Its built-in cup holder is a nice added touch. Price: $80 Where to buy: Amazon
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