[SJAAboard] Low-end scopes

[Akkana Peck]

Craig Scull writes:
> Lee, I had the same experience. I had a department store 50mm that was good enough to at least see craters on the moon the first time in my whole life,and that's a WHOLE LOT more than I could see naked eye, so I was really excited. I could also see the moons of Jupiter, which was a big leap for me as an 11 year old.

I had the same experience as Craig and Lee, with a Jason 60mm from a
yard sale. I knew it wasn't a particularly good telescope, but it
showed me moon craters and Jupiter's bands and the Galilean moons and
M42 and M13 and lots of other things until I was able to upgrade.
It didn't turn me off astronomy, though it did give me an appreciation
of what to look for in a second scope.

If you're worried about people getting turned off, then include with
the scope a sheet that reminds the buyer about the club's loaner
program, beginner classes and public star parties. (Not "This
scope you just bought is crap", but "If you want help or want
to learn more, join SJAA!")

And it might be worth arranging with Kevin to auction the low-end
scopes late in the auction, and some "real" scopes first: it would
be a shame to have a beginner score a department-store scope for $25
then see a C8 go for $50 later in the auction.

	...Akkana