We've teamed up with OpticsPlanet to create a fundraiser where you can support SETI@home while getting great deals on telescopes, astronomy gear, sunglasses & prescription eyewear and much more! Check it out here at the SETI@home coupon store.

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@SETIEric@qoto.org (Mastodon)

i wouldnt do the optics planet. i bought a night vision from them that was broke. i returned it to an address in new york city at their request. then they said they didnt get it and the postal investigator shows they did. after many contacts.... they cant speak english very well we were unable to get an answer so id be leary of planet optics man!!!!!!

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Is it possible you have the wrong company? Optics Planet is based outside Chicago and ships from a warehouse in Northbrook, IL.

It's got an A+ BBB rating, 91% positive on amazon.com and 4 checks on epinions.com, and like most internet companies all the reviews seem to be either 5 check or 1 check reviews with a few in between. Most people seem to have had good experiences, but some have had bad experiences, which seems typical for an internet retailer.

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@SETIEric@qoto.org (Mastodon)

This is an excellent idea as well as option in my view.

So the question then becomes what about the optics with regards to itself.

If you are running Seti@home, there may me a slight chance you are an astronomer (or at least an amateur astronomer) on your own.

At least you may be having an interest in the subject. At times, you may become dedicated to the subject.

If you are living in a city which over time becomes larger and larger, the problems which are related to light pollution becomes one of your main problems.

If you are mobile or can get transport be means or help from other people, you could become stuck with problems which are related to either temperature or humidity or both. Most of the time, you also may have a moon visible in the sky which makes observing distant or weak objects like distant galaxies difficult or impossible. Also the weather may not always be on your side. It may be raining.

So if you are not bringing a pair of 7*50 (or maybe 10*50) binoculars with you, you could be stuck with either an expensive Meade or a Celestron telescope which you may not afford to give a scratch in the late hours of the night, or possibly you may have another instrument which may weigh in at a ton, but which can tolerate a kick or two.

This is the reason why you still may consider yourself an amateur astronomer, most of the time.