Telescopes are a useful tool, but they do not teach you the night sky.
First, are you a novice sky gazer? In that case, don’t buy a telescope just yet! Telescopes are a useful tool, but they do not teach you the night sky. Often, they can be frustrating if you get one before you’re ready. We recommend starting with a sky map to build some familiarity.  Learn a few constellations, watch for the Moon's changing phases, and find a planet if any are visible. Try our Neighborhood Stonehenge activity to help you get your bearings. Another great resource is your local observatory or amateur astronomy club. They likely have regular stargazing events, which are an ideal time to try out different telescopes and ask advice from knowledgeable and enthusiastic people.