How to step up your stargazing game on the cheap in 2025, according to space experts
There’s nothing better than looking at the night sky. It has always brought me a deep sense of peace and wonder, especially in difficult times.
One of my favorite tools to help me identify the stars as I travel through them from the ground is Sky guidean augmented reality app that covers the sky to display constellations.
I often plan my evenings around events highlighted there, such as when the International Space Station passes overhead (I always wave)! And like many people, I have developed a strong bond with the moon. I like to look at it when it’s just a sliver, when it’s round and full, and when it looks like a big smile hanging in the air.
But as much as I love using apps to improve my stargazing, I long for something more. A few years ago a very nice friend gave me a telescope for my birthday.
Although I never got to use it much when I lived in a basement apartment in London, I’m now in Yorkshire with darker skies – and I’m ready to make 2025 the year I really step up my astronomy game.
How to choose the right telescope for stargazing
If you’re considering taking your stargazing to the next level, the first step is finding the right telescope.
“The best telescope is the one you will actually use.” This is what amateur astronomer and astrophotographer Nazmus Nasir, known as Naztronomy online, tells me. “For most people, this is the system that is easiest to set up and takes the least time to maintain.” Otherwise it will collect dust – as mine has for two years.
Tips for photographing the aurora with your phone
Photographer Rebecca Douglas shares her best tips:
1. Night Mode or Long Exposure:
Use an exposure of 3 to 10 seconds in night mode, or set ISO to 800-3200 in manual mode to balance light and noise.
2. Stabilize your phone:
Use a tripod or place it on a sturdy surface. Or hold it firmly with both hands, elbows tucked in, and press the button while holding your breath.
3. Focus on the sky:
Lower the screen brightness to adjust your eyes to the dark and give the camera time to focus in low light.
4. Edit your photos:
Use built-in tools to enhance saturation, contrast and sharpness for more detail.
To find out which type of telescope might be right for you, Thomas Burbinevisiting professor of astronomy at Mount Holyoke College, offers practical advice. “Visit an amateur astronomy club or star party. Talk to people who already have telescopes. If they have observation nights, try looking at a few objects through them. Too many people buy expensive telescopes that they never use. It is best to obtain as much practical information as possible before making a purchase.”
For beginners, Naz recommends tabletop Dobson telescopes. “They really are great riflescopes for beginners,” he explains. “They are small reflectors that you can put on the table and give you the best bang for your buck.” He recommends looking at popular models including the Orion Starblast 4.5, Zhumell z114 and Sky-Watcher Heritage 130p. They are easy to set up and provide an excellent view of celestial bodies.
You might also consider a refractor telescope. Naz suggests starting with a small, broad scope. “These are easier to use, require virtually no maintenance and are ideal for taking photos,” he explains.
Naz warns to avoid cheap telescopes that seem too good to be true, as their optics often disappoint. Instead, look for reputable brands, such as Celestron, Apertura, Astro-Tech and Sky-Watcher. While some of these can be pricey, their quality is a cut above budget options.
Once you’ve chosen a telescope, consider upgrading your setup with a sturdy mount or tripod. “A holder with slow-motion controls makes it easier to track objects,” says Naz. For even more precision, a tracking mount with “go-to” capabilities is a game changer. “You can tell it what to find and it also keeps the object in view so you don’t have to fiddle with the equipment,” Naz explains. He recommends models like the Sky-Watcher AZ-GTi and Star Adventurer 2i; by keeping objects in view, they open up possibilities for better imaging.
If you’re interested in instant gratification, smart telescopes like the Seestar S50 are worth exploring. These compact, automated devices handle everything for you, from locating celestial objects to taking and stacking photos. “The only downside is that they don’t have eyepieces, so you can’t look through them like you can with a traditional telescope,” says Naz. But they are perfect for beginners looking for quick results.
How to take pictures with your telescope
It’s incredible to see the wonders of the night sky, but what if you want to capture them to share or revisit later? Fortunately, you don’t need a lot of new equipment to get started. With just a smartphone and a few smart accessories, you can take impressive astrophotography shots alongside your telescope.
For telescope users, Naz recommends purchasing a phone holder, which allows you to attach your device to the eyepiece. Once you’ve secured it, you can play with what works best for the objects you want to photograph. “For the moon and planets, a single exposure would be fine. For deep sky objects you can make exposures of several seconds,” says Naz.
He suggests starting with an intervalometer app to take photos regularly, or using apps like Deepsky camera and AstroShader (above) to capture stunning night shots, especially of star trails or meteor showers. You can also check out our guide on how to take night sky photos with your phone.
If you’re ready to move beyond your phone, consider investing in one of the best DSLRs or the best mirrorless cameras. “Learn to use manual mode,” advises Naz. “Experiment with ISO settings and exposure times to achieve different results.” Some good starting settings and tips can be found in our guide to photographing the Blue Moon and the Milky Way.
Special T-adapters can also connect your camera to your telescope. “This essentially turns your telescope into the lens of your camera,” Naz explains.
How to take photos with your phone
Not ready to invest in a telescope yet? Binoculars are an excellent alternative. “Even a small pair can improve your view of the night sky,” says Naz. “Through binoculars the moon looks spectacular. You may also be able to see more easily the core of the Andromeda galaxy, or even the Galilean moons of Jupiter.”
Even without advanced equipment, the night sky offers plenty of opportunities to capture its beauty. Thanks to advances in smartphone technology, taking stunning photos is more feasible than ever.
Photographer Rebecca Douglas explains how far we have come. “When I started photographing the night sky ten years ago, it was impossible to capture anything with a phone,” she says. That is changing. “But there are quite a few things you need to know to capture images that resemble the majesty you see with your eyes.”
She recommends using apps like Star walk 2 for celestial identification and PhotoPills for planning your shots. She also tells me that a tripod and a remote control are essential for reducing motion blur.
But I like that Rebecca reminds me that astrophotography isn’t just about technology. “The night sky connects us to something much bigger than ourselves,” she says.
Whether you use a phone, binoculars or a telescope, she says stargazing provides a deep sense of awe. “Whether it’s ancient starlight, the swirling colors of an aurora, or the vast ribbon of the Milky Way across the sky, there’s a little magic waiting for you up there every time.”