Equip: 12 Essentials for Amateur Astronomers
Apr 02, 2021
As an Amazon Associate, Modded gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
What do you get the stargazer in your life that has everything? If a new high-end telescope is out of your budget, here are some novel and interesting gift ideas for amateur astronomers.
1. LEGO Space Shuttle Discovery
It’s an amazing time to be alive for space lovers. We might not be launching Space Shuttles anymore, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have one of your very own. Lego is releasing a 2300+ piece Space Shuttle Discovery kit which includes not just the shuttle, but the Hubble Space Telescope as well! Appeal to their inner(or outer) kid with this awesome Lego set.
2. Solar Orbit Necklace
Showcase your love for our home system with this gorgeous bracelet that features stones representing each of the eight planets of our solar system. The only downside is that they’ve left out Pluto, thanks to its demotion to dwarf planet, but that doesn’t make this bracelet any less gorgeous.
3. Ozma Records The Voyager Golden Record
Ever wondered what aliens might hear from us once they come across the Voyager probe? Wonder no longer. You can order your own set of Voyager’s golden record which comes with three vinyl LPs, a 96-page softcover book, and other goodies. If you don’t want to break out the record player, you can also download digital versions of the files and listen to them on your computer or mobile device.
4. Sky & Telescope Magazine Subscription
Is there anything better than having a new magazine delivered every month, especially if it’s about a topic you enjoy? Sky & Telescope Magazine is tagged as the Essential Guide to Astronomy and is the perfect gift for amateur astronomers, regardless of their skill level.
5. Uxcell 3-Piece Galaxies Multicolor Duvet Cover Set
Sleep among the stars without ever having to leave the planet. This set includes two galaxy-print pillow shams and a matching duvet cover for queen size beds. For a space-themed bedroom set, this is fantastically affordable.
6. Fangor Wifi/Bluetooth Portable Home Projector
Setting up a telescope and watching the sky on a laptop or phone screen can be an incredible experience, but why not take that up a notch? This portable, battery-powered projector can sync to phones and laptops and project your images in 1080p on any large and flat surface. As a bonus, you can use it for your next staycation too, creating your very own drive-in movie theater.
7. Canon T7i DSLR Camera
One of the best things about astronomy is being able to capture the amazing sites that you see so you can share them with friends and family. A DSLR camera gives you the ability to remove the lens and attach your camera directly to the telescope, and you can get a number of different lens attachments to help you capture everything. No more trying to fiddle with conflicting lenses to get the perfect shot.
8. Soondar Spaceman Astronaut LED Flexible USB Light
Add this adorable astronaut to your collection to keep things lit while you’re editing your photos or planning your next evening of skywatching. The astronaut sits on a flexible arm with a glowing visor and plugs into any spare USB port on your computer or laptop.
9. WatchDesign Astro II Constellation Watch
When the sun is high or the clouds are obscuring your view, you can use this watch to get a picture of the night sky. In addition to telling you the time, this watch comes with a manually rotating planisphere disc that will show you what constellations are in the sky and where to look for each month of the year.
10. Moonlight Lamp Moon Night Light
Bring a bit of moon magic home with you, with this gorgeous moon night light.
11. Fisher Space Pen
Do you need to be able to write in zero gravity? Probably not, but how cool is it to own a pen capable of doing just that. The Fisher Space Pen is an advanced ballpoint pen that can write at any angle — even upside down — and functions in temperatures ranging from -30 F to 250 F.
12. 4.5” Jupiter MOVA Globe
Who needs a globe of the Earth when you can look at the window and see it. Instead, invest in a globe of Jupiter, the biggest gas giant in our solar system. This globe is slightly larger than a softball and uses solar technology to rotate on its own without the need for batteries or any external power source.
Happy Shopping!
If you’re wondering what to get for the amateur astronomers in your life, these items should give you a few ideas. Happy shopping!
