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[tj1627]

My name's Tim and I just figured I'd stop by and say hi. I've always loved astronomy - looking at pictures online, histroy channel, reading books, etc... but I never got around to getting a telescope and roaming out to view the universe for myself. And I think its about time.

Like most people I had a telescope as a kid (more readily categorized as mostly useless paperweight). By no means do I want to try and view anything beyond the moon with that so I've been looking around. I think I've found a pretty good telescope for my budget (unfortunately very limited). If anyone has any input for me, I'd love it.

Here's the telescope:
www.galileosplace.com/Telescopes/Reflector_Telescopes/G-1202MD.html

which is available at Fry's Electronics in Glen Ellyn:
www.frys.com/product/5753052?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

one heck of a discount. I can't find much information (reviews etc.) but I think for being in the $200 price range (my current comfort zone) I think it's the best I can do. Also, I know there is a discrepancy with the model numbers (F-1202MD vs G-1202MD), but its a typo on Fry's part. I called up Galileo and they confirmed it.

So yea, any input would be nice. On a separate note, living in geneva, il do you know what sort of things I can expect to see in the sky? (light pollution concerns, etc).

Thanks in advance, and I look forward to finally seeing everything 1st hand

-Tim

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Tim,

Welcome to the Chicago Astronomer.

Even with our light polluted skies, there are still wonders to explore...it's all there.

Once you get your telescope, you will want to observe more than just the Moon. And with the telescope you have chosen for your $177.09 - you can.

The Galileo G-1202MD is mounted on Galileo's fully motorized German Equatorial Mount. The mount is electronically driven in both axis; right ascension and declination. At rest the mount will automatically track to the west at 1x sidereal speed. The included hand box controller controls the scope in all 4 directions and features 4 speeds: 2x sidereal, 8x sidereal, 64x sidereal, and Slew (Slewing moves the scope 3¡Æ per second). The electronic mount can be run on battery power (8 AA batteries - not included) or with the included AC adapter. It also features a deluxe latitude adjuster for proper polar alignment.

The Mount is attached to a very sturdy, fully adjustable, pre-assembled metal tripod with retractable rubber feet. The tripod also features an accessory tray with slots to place 4 1¨ù¡È eyepieces or lenses. The optical tube assembly attaches to the mount by an adjustable tube clamp which in combination with the adjustable counter balance weights ensures easy fluid movement of the telescope at all times. The telescope features heavy-duty primary and secondary mirror cells, and a catadioptric correcting lens for a greater focal length in a shorter optical tube assembly. The telescope tube assembly is finished out with a large 2¡È metal helical rack & pinion focus tube. 2¡È to 1¨ù¡È adapter is included as well. The Galileo G-1202MD optical tube assembly features a catadioptric design providing an 1100mm focal length (catadioptric correcting lens is fully multi-coated). The Primary mirror is 102mm's in diameter and features a heavy duty mirror cell with push / pull collimation screws.

Included with the Galileo G-1202MD are an 1¨ù¡È10mm Astroscopic Plossl Eyepiece , an 1¨ù¡È 25mm Astroscopic Eyepiece and a 1.8x Barlow. Lastly, the Galileo Planetrarium CD rom brings skies over your home or anywhere in the world. It also has photos and voice over explaination fo the available images.

1100mm x 102mm Catadioptric Optical Tube Assembly
Diffraction limited Optical Tube Assembly (¥ë4)
Galileo Fully Motorized German Equatorial Mount with Hand Box Control
Fully Adjustable Heavy Duty, Pre-assembled Metal Tripod w/Accessory Tray
Galileo Color Filter Wheel with 2 filters - Planetary & Nebula
CIR Electronic Finderscope
2¡È Metal Helical Rack & Pinion Focuser
2¡È to 1¨ù¡È Adapter
1¨ù¡È 10mm Plossl Eyepiece
1¨ù¡È 25mm Astroscopic Eyepiece
1.8x Barlow
Galileo Planetarium CD-ROM w/Instructional Telescope Tutorial
One Year Warranty

It appears to be a ok scope. At just over four inches of aperture, it will show you good crater images and good Saturn & Jupiter observations....but other objects may dissapoint. A larger mirror of a 4.5' or more would provide brighter images...and higher magnification abilities.

I understand that budget is a factor...and it seems that the Galileo 102mm you have selected is a fine entry level scope. The color filter wheel is nice and it's good that they include a ac adapter. And the various speed controller is nice too.

I think you will have fun with it and for under $200.00 - a good deal.

Let us know when you receive the scope and perhaps you can join The Chicago Astronomers in an observation session.

Keep posting!