[dave]

Alright bitches, got one of these badbwoys for our eldest's birthday:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SkyWatcher-Infinity-76P-300-Telescope/dp/B003CXMOAQ

Seems decent for fuckall cheddar and pretty indestructable. Anyone got the skinny on a decent iPad app that shows you what's what in the night sky on a particular day and time, that type of ting? We just managed to find Jupiter but a few more pointers would be good.

[SA Chris]

Dunno about iPad, but I've got the Mobile Observatory Android App and it tells you all you need to know and more, costs a couple of quid. Otherwise free is Google Sky Maps? Tells you where planets, major constellations are etc.

[Stu Littlefair]

On the ipad you're talkin Star Walk. Not free but pretty and accurate.

[dave]

Nice on Stu, I'll check that out. (Star Walk sounds like star trek but less arduous.)

[Stu Littlefair]

If they get well into it, splash out on this little chestnut http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0521781906

One of the nicest things to look at first are bright and colorful double stars. Quite nice to see the colour contrast from stars of two different temperatures. Good article with some of the classics here:

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/doublestars/3304626.html

In combo with the aforementioned app you'll be rocking.

[Fultonius]

Stunning photos of the dark sky?  Look no further:  https://www.dpreview.com/news/6105275491/astronomy-photographer-of-the-year-2016-shortlist-announced