Thinking of purchasing a telescope

[avander]

Hi all,

I am moving to the area (Pattaya) and while never getting into stargazing am thinking of purchasing a maksutov-cassegrain telescope and giving it a go. We have a semi-open rooftop with views over both Pattaya and Jomtien coast (from about 4kms).

I have done a little research on the maksutov-cassegrain type and it appears they may be a good cross over for both terrestrial and "near" space observation (none of the obvious innuendo required ...thx).

I have looked at new pricing in Australia and for an "entry level" 90mm Saxon brand 90125AZ3 I would be up for AU $430 delivered or about 12,500B at todays rates.

A few questions:

- Are there any local new / 2nd hand suppliers in the Pattaya/Chon Buri area and if so, are they expensive? As this is my first purchase and not sure where it may go I would prefer a good 2nd hand unit at a cheaper price.

- Secondly, does anyone have any experience with stargazing in the area who can make any recommendations or suggestions on a suitable piece of equipment for this? Also, is it worthwhile or too much light or pollution to get any reasonable stargazing done?

I am interested in views of the local area and while not interested in massive distance viewing I am also interested in relatively near Earth objects such as the moon, Mars or Venus etc.

[Pattaya28]

Googling the constellations would be much cheaper, and Google has hi-res too

[sustento]

Get yourself a copy of Stellarium. It's free and will show you what's in the sky anywhere at any time.

http://www.stellarium.org/

[johng]

There is quite a lot of light polution in the Pattaya / Jomtien area and not many cloud free nights.

but I'm sure a telescope could reveal some interesting "sights"

[guzzi850m2]

I seen some telescopes for sale in Central, small open shops on 2-3 floor, most likely expensive crap.

No shops in Bangkok? If not maybe best to buy one via E-Bay?

[WaywardWind]

There is a shop set up in Central Festival which sells optics, including telescopes, but I have no idea of the quality or pricing. It is located right outside the SuperSports store.

There is also a retailer in Bangkok who carries a range of telescopes, primarily Celestron, but I don't know enough about them to say whether their pricing is competitive: http://www.tmktrading.co.th/product-category.php?catid=5

[KittenKong]

You wont be seeing much here due to the almost constant haze/cloud, not to mention the light pollution. When I walk out of my condo at night I can hardly ever see any stars, and often I cant even see the moon clearly if it is out. Back in Europe the skies were crystal clear in comparison.

If you are on the beach you wont get much smog or exhaust pollution due to the prevailing onshore wind, so that's a good thing. But from what you say you may be 4km inland and if so you will probably be getting quite a lot.

There's a reason they put observatories on the tops of mountains.

[swissie]

Light pollution,exhaust pollution. There is a place and time for everything. But stargazing in Pattaya?

As long as you are in Pattaya, just focus on the twinkling in the eyes of the ladies. The twinkling of the stars themselves are better visible in your home-country.

While "twinkling" around in Pattaya, don't forget to take along your wallet and leave the telescope at home.

Cheers.

[canman]

As many have said light pollution and haze will be an issue although moon viewing would be ok on a clear night. you may get a dozen or so nights a year clear enough for some planet gazing

[avander]

Thanks everyone for your input.

Seems like starting my stargazing will have to wait until I am either on a mountain somewhere while also doing the navel gazing or when I return to the clear skies of Oz.

While the virtual 'tours' may be ok I prefer some reality when I can get it. We all know it's out there but nothing like seeing for yourself if at all possible.

[fakename]

There was a telescope at Collinbourne Auction house a few weeks ago, maybe still there. The Pattaya near universe has some nice stars at night, so dont worry about the light pollution or cloud cover.

[sensei]

City stars... there are almost none

[sustento]

Get yourself a decent pair of bins and a tripod. Much cheaper and you'll be surprised at what you can see with them.

Celestron Skymaster 15x70s

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Celestron-71009-Skymaster-Porro-Binoculars/dp/B00008Y0VN

[chris2004]

I am looking to sell my Meade ETX-90 maksutov-cassegrain telescope if you are interested. Comes with stand and autostar suite. 6,500 baht. I am based near Jomtien.

[tonytigerbkk]

Post removed.

Sorry Chris2004, did not notice that you had offered your telescope for sale until after I had posted.

[chris2004]

I am looking to sell my Meade ETX-90 maksutov-cassegrain telescope if you are interested. Comes with stand and autostar suite. 6,500 baht. I am based near Jomtien.

Picture attached for anyone interested

[Astrodoc]

Hi, if you interested I have a Meade Maksutov 7" with goto autostar II for sale. I live in Phuket.

Going for a 90mm will satisfy you only for a short time and you wished you had taken a larger aperture.

[avander]

Hi, if you interested I have a Meade Maksutov 7" with goto autostar II for sale. I live in Phuket.

Going for a 90mm will satisfy you only for a short time and you wished you had taken a larger aperture.

Hi Astro,

Thanks for the offer. I have since bought a Celestron Nexstar 4SE which is 100mm aperture so hope this keeps us interested for longer.

Cheers

[wineman]

Collingbourne Auctioneers have telescopes quite often. www.collingbourne-auctioneers.com/‎