A telescope for your star gazer?

Do you dream of reaching the stars?

With Nasa recently sending back pictures from Saturn (left) your ideal gift is the essential tool required for any potential star gazer: a telescope.

The latest telescopes on the market are marginally less powerful that those used by Nasa but even so you can still get to see what the average Martian is getting up to in their back garden.

Whatever your level of interest in star gazing and astronomy there are telescopes out there to meet your needs and your budget.

What level of astronomy are you at?

To get an idea of what to expect from a telescope, you first have to make an honest assessment of your abilities and needs. Are you a newcomer to the hobby of astronomy or an old hand at it? What is your level of interest? Are you a casual stargazer or a real space cadet?

Will this be your first telescope? (or at least your first good one)

If this is to be your first telescope, your choice of the right one depends greatly on you. There are a number of telescopes available, with the better ones costing slightly more than the simpler telescopes. So it really boils down to how serious you think your friend or loved one will become.

How much money do you want to spend on the telescope?

Less than £100
Unfortunately you do need to spend slightly more for a good telescope, although having said that there are some good telescopes available for around £100 and a minimum budget of about £100 is a safe guide when buying your first telescope.

£100-£200
There are many excellent first telescopes in this price range, search around to find one that best meets the requirements and budget for your friend or loved one.

£200+
There are many excellent telescopes from which to choose in this price range, but stop for a moment. Do you really want to spend this much money on a casual hobby? If you do then don't forget to stock up on some good astronomy books to help the budding star gazer know her Leo from her Libra.

A telescope makes a fabulous gift for all occasions. Looking up at the stars can be both romantic and humbling and will provide hours of fun to the right person.

Good Gift Guide Recommendation: 4/5