The Best Telescopes For Turning Your Backyard Into An Observatory
Explore the universe without leaving your property.
The night sky has a lot to tell us even to the naked eye. Yet breaking out a telescope can show you so much more, while teaching the entire family about astronomy. Here are the best telescopes to catch the universe.
![Celestron 70mm Travel Scope Portable Refractor Telescope](https://www.islands.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/51vfoiVL2LL.jpg)
Don't think you need a huge deck to keep your telescope, as there are plenty of portable models that fold away.
![OYS Portable Telescope with Tripod](https://www.islands.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/71bfPXocQLL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
A telescope with a phone mount can not only grab better pictures of what you see, it can make your telescope smarter and easier to use.
![TELMU Astronomical Refracting Telescope](https://www.islands.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/71bjXBzxV8L._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Look for a model with a light tripod that's easy to lift or roll, depending on where you're setting up.
![Gskyer Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids](https://www.islands.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/81nUym12AOL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
If you're interested in time lapses or other experiments, try a wireless remote to make shooting easier.
![Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope for Astronomy Beginners](https://www.islands.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/61rDJutiSPL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
If your family wants to know how the telescope works, look for a model easier to take apart and reassemble.