With Christmas just around the corner, the question is, what to buy that loved one who is mad-keen on all things Astronomy? Well, we’ve done the hard work for you and put together a list of the perfect ‘Astro Gifts’ to keep that space enthusiast hooked!
Telescope Class Gift Voucher
Do you have someone in your life who has a telescope? Maybe it’s one they’ve had for a while or perhaps you’ve bought one to put under the Christmas tree this year! Lucky
them! To get the most out of their telescope, send them off to a BYO Telescope class where they will learn heaps
of tips and tricks. They will be exploring the universe like a pro in no time!
The Annual Astronomy Almanac 2023
This is our all-time favourite book. It has everything you need to know about what’s happening in the night sky for the year.
From what’s up in the night sky to meteor showers, eclipses, star charts, lots of topical astronomy information and the rising and setting times for the Sun and Moon. This book gives you a diary, months in advance so you can really plan what you’d like to see.
Hand Brass Spyglass
For the person who has everything, this unique spyglass is an ideal gift. The 25x scope has an antique vintage look combined with modern day optics. The leather handgrip makes the scope easily adjustable and features a satin brass finish and fully-coated 30mm achromatic objective lens.
Sky and Telescope Australia Magazine
This magazine is considered a ‘bible’ by amateur astronomers and provides the latest astro news from around Australia and the world. First published in 2005, it is one of Australia’s most respected sources for the latest developments in astronomy and space exploration and is published six times per year.
Membership to Stargazers Club WA
Is the astronomy lover in your life ready to join a friendly community of like-minded people? Stargazers Club WA has a membership to suit all levels. The Club is especially for beginners and holds events every month.
Gold Galaxy Membership is the best value membership by far and includes entry to all 12 events over a year. That’s telescope classes, astrophotography nights and much more.
Versatile White & Red Torch
A must-have tool for the avid astronomer is a red torch. While out under dark skies, your eyes become used to the darkness, this is your night-time vision! If you need light, using red light doesn’t affect your night- time vision and still enables you to see what you are doing when adjusting your telescope or other tools. With the ability to also switch to white light, packing up is a breeze.
Virtual Solar System Drive Audio
For a gift that’s just a little bit ‘out of this world’, bring the wonderful Fred Watson, Astronomer-at-Large, to life as you listen to him point out three-dimensional planet models while travelling the world’s largest virtual solar system drive. Even without experiencing the drive, this audio is filled with heaps of interesting facts about the planets plus how we know as much as we do.
Gift Vouchers from the Historic Perth Observatory
A special ‘Experience’ such as a Night Sky Tour at Perth Observatory, is sure to be a tick off the old ‘bucket list’ for any amateur astronomer.
The experienced and passionate tour guides operate their unique collection of modern and historic telescopes to give evening visitors a glimpse into the fascinating world of astronomy, space science and astrophotography.
Starry Galaxy Projectors & Astro Lamps
Here’s some ideas for the astronomer who has everything! There is now a multitude of gadgets available to light up a room, from levitating Moon lamps, Glow-in-the-Dark Star Maps, 3D Saturn Night Lights and Night Sky Projectors, turning kids’ ceilings into a stunning planetarium. There is something for everyone.
Looking for an even better view?
So, with all your Christmas present shopping done, why not take a breather, re-charge the batteries and go outside to look upon our marvellous starry skies. The views are breathtaking, particularly in #astrotourism country, and maybe stargazing and astronomy can become your hobby as well.
