The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your First Telescope

Aperture: This is the diameter of the telescope's main lens or mirror and significantly influences how much light the telescope can gather. A larger aperture allows you to see fainter objects. For beginners, a telescope with at least a 70mm aperture is recommended, such as the Celestron 31045 AstroMaster 130EQ (£275.00), which offers great views of planets and the Moon.

Focal Length: This determines the magnification and field of view. A longer focal length, like that of the Celestron 11069 NexStar 8SE (£1439.99), provides higher magnification, which is great for viewing details on planets, while a shorter focal length is better for wider views of star clusters.

Mount Type: The two main types are altazimuth (up-down and left-right) and equatorial (designed for tracking celestial objects as they move across the sky). For beginners, an altazimuth mount like in the Slokey 50080 Refractor Telescope (£149.99) is easier to use, while equatorial mounts are more suited for astrophotography.

Portability: If you plan to stargaze in dark sky sites away from urban light pollution, consider how easily the telescope can be transported. The Celestron 21035 Travel Scope 70 (£89.95) is a lightweight option that comes with a backpack, making it perfect for trips.

Computerized Features: Many modern telescopes come with computerized mounts that help locate celestial objects for you. The Celestron 31145 NexStar 130SLT (£499.00) is a great choice if you prefer a more guided experience, especially useful for those new to astronomy.