We’ve often said here at Deep Astronomy World HQ that we live in the Golden Age of Astronomy, but it’s also true that we live in the Golden Age of Amateur Astronomy.
At no other time in human history has the mysteries and wonders of the universe whirling and spinning over our heads been more accessible. Today, people with very little experience behind the eyepiece can find and enjoy some of what has been traditionally difficult to objects to find, easily and quickly.
Technology has reached a point where it is now relatively easy to find dim objects like the planetary nebula M57, the Ring Nebula; or the supernova remnant from a the death of a star in the year 1054, M1, the Crab Nebula; it is even possible to find distant galaxies millions of light years away, all with simple equipment from the comfort and familiarity of a reasonably dark back yard.
But this article isn’t directed at helping you select and buy a telescope (we have many articles and videos for that). Here, we wanted to give you some ideas for what to buy that person in your life who has an innate curiosity about the wonder and mysteries of the universe and it’s OK if that person is you!).
John Suffill, Adam Smith and Alexander Reinders are all amateur astronomers from the UK and Germany who have given some excellent suggestions based on their years of experience. We also have amazing ideas from Galaxia, a long-time astronomy enthusiast and awesome contributor to the Deep Astronomy Hangouts.
While we won’t have time to go over every link we’ve provided, we do discuss many of them here in this Telescope Talk Hangout:
Some of Our Astronomy Gifts Suggestions
Galaxia, a good friend of Deep Astronomy, has put together some great resources full of astronomy gifts, please check these out for a really comprehensive list of ideas!
- Astronomie.space Etsy Gifts Page
- Deep Astronomy Hangouts Favorites!
- Great tattoos, wall art, jewelry and prints
- All of Galaxia's Etsy faves. Be sure to check out the Antique & Science Gadgets
- U.S. Amazon List of great gifts
- Same list from U.K. Amazon
- Want an armillary sphere like the one in Tony's office? Galaxia found a very good one!
- AWESOME ILLUMINATED SCARF!
- Astronomy Gloves, absolutely essential
- Cardboard Kits of telescopes, and other scientific instruments. Recommended by both Alexander and Galaxia
Some puzzles are something for cloudy nights, maybe with a cup of tea and your relatives, children or grand children
Some Technical Gifts that every amateur astronomer can use
- Dew prevention
- Meteorites
- Red light flashlights/torches
- Power Bank
- Celestron observers accessory kit
- Celestron Binocular tripod adapter
Cornucopia of ideas:
- Great Fashion statement!
- Great outfit that makes a 'Stellar' impression
- Who doesn't love Mars and Legos?
- Calendars are always great and no one does them better than ESO
- Another great gift resource, lots to choose from-check out the astronomy jewelry and constellation mug
- I need these sheets!
- More great gifts here!
- Support the International Dark Sky Association
I hope this helps narrow things down a bit and perhaps give you some great ideas. One gift that never fails: spending time with your loved one under the stars. It's free and priceless.
