Ready to buy a telescope?

Do not purchase a telescope from a department store or any outlet that does not concentrate on astronomy related merchandise. More power in magnification is not the key, but aperture is the first consideration.

Get the largest aperture you can afford and transport easily. Keep in mind, if it is too large you will be tempted to stay indoors instead of make the effort to go a distance to a dark place. Then join a club, read astronomy magazines and go star crazy.