If you were inspired by the fantastic BBC Stargazing LIVE program and events being held across the country then this competition could be just for you!
Getting involved in Astronomy has never been easier. Modern telescopes offer exceptional value for money and are a window to the amazing universe we live in. The key point to avoid disappointment is to stick to reputable brands such as Sky-Watcher and Celestron.
Finding the right telescope for you with so many choices can be a daunting task for a beginner but help is at hand. Our first recommendation is to contact your local Astronomy Society. Most societies welcome beginners with open arms and are very happy to share many years of experience. You will get a chance to see and try a huge variety of telescopes and receive excellent advice to get you on your way.
Secondly there is a huge range of free resources on the internet including blogs, twitter users, facebook groups and a whole host of astronomy related websites. To get you started we have listed some of our favourites;
The BBC Sky at Night - The original!
BBC Stargazing LIVE - A huge collection of resources
Active Astronomy Website – Includes a list of Astronomy Societies as well as the Awesome Astro Podcasts
The Astronomers Den – A superbly written and often thought provoking Astro Blog
Astronomy Wise – A free Monthly E-Zine written by enthusiastic amateur (and expert) Astronomers.
Wycombe Astronomical Society – Our Locals!
Getting Started Guides – Our own section of helpful tips and advice
This is just a tiny selection, and once you start to engage with them it will lead you to many more!
Our last recommendation is to go to an Astro Camp for the ultimate mix of viewing, astronomy talks and friendly socialising. Our favourite by far is the Astro Camp in Wales. Now a twice yearly event held under the lovely dark skies of the Breacon Beacons. They make you feel very welcome with or without a telescope!
So how can you enter to win a Sky-Watcher Heritage 76 Mini Dobsonian Telescope?
1) By following @KidzOutdoors and Re-Tweeting any of the following messages on twitter;
Win a Sky-Watcher Telescope in the @kidzoutdoors #stargazinglive #giveaway RT & Follow to ENTER – http://ow.ly/gXZeF
Stargazing Rocks! See @kidzoutdoors blog for a chance to #win a Sky-Watcher Telescope RT& Follow to ENT http://ow.ly/gXZeF
AND OR
2) By liking our facebook page (link) and leaving a comment telling us what inspires you the most about Astronomy or Stargazing. You must confirm your entry by also telling us on this blog post.
AND OR
3) Like on facebook or follow on twitter at least one Astro Society or Astronomy Resource! Below are just some of our personal recommendations but please feel free to follow any you choose and just leave us a comment telling us so we can count it as an entry.
@Wycombe_Astro @Astro_Den @AstronomyWise @BBCStargazing @ActiveAstro @TheAstroCamp @skyatnightmag or check out our full list of favourite Astro Tweeters at twitter.com/KidzOutdoors/stargazers-astronomy
AND OR
4) Joining Our Mailing List using the sign up on the upper right side of this blog or via this link
AND OR
5) Following our blog using the Network Blog Link on the right hand column of this blog.
Each Step gains you an entry into the draw. If you are already a member of our Mailing list and or are following our Blog thank you! Please just lease a message to that effect so we can make sure you receive your extra entries into the draw!
The winner will receive a Sky-Watcher Heritage 76 Telescope. This competition closes at 8pm on Thursday 14th February 2013. We will draw one lucky winner from all the entries received by that time and date. Our decision is final and there are no cash alternatives. The prizewinner will be announced on this page and will be notified via the email used to post on this site or via direct message on twitter.
Finally please note that this draw is for UK RESIDENTS ONLY.
GOOD LUCK!!!
I follow & i retweeted @psg1968
i Follow @BBCStargazing
I’ve tweeted as @XFilesFanaticus — I was already subscribed by e-mail — I was already following with Networked Blogs too
Tweeting
we love just looking up & seeing just how big the universe is 
xx
@BBCStargazing following @pegasus1975 tweeted you posted on fb and i am following the blogs also
Retweeted as @mcweasel01
Liked and commented on facebook
Following @ActiveAstro on twitter
Subscribed to the email newsletter
All fingers & toes are now crossed, good luck all.
Though finally, this is a prize that I want for me!
I have tweeted @JaynesDen. I have liked your Facebook page. I have made a comment. I have followed @Astro_Den. I have subscribed to your mailing list. I have followed your blog on Networked Blogs. ♡♥
Id love to be able to show my son the universe. Liked, commented and tweeted
Following @KidzOutdoors as @terricrum & RT:
https://twitter.com/kidzoutdoors/status/293364896668733441
Also liked/following om Facebook as Terri S Crum…& left comment on page.
Followed, liked, shared & tweeted when no man has gone before!
Followed & RTed as @rhodak09
I also commented on your facebook page.
Tweeted – @lebeeuk
Following @BBCStargazing on twitter – @lebeeuk
I follow on twitter and have RT’d and tweeted @lisajane13 and I follow on facebook, Sir Patrick Moore is a person I will always admire for his enthusiasm about astronomy.
My kids are crazy about stars and learning different constelations.. would be amazing to win so can see and learn a whole lot more
Following and rt @bickyhobnob
Fascinating subject !! I’m following @BBCStargazing ..love to share my ‘knowledge’ with my grandchildren !
following and tweeted as @olivia280177
i follow on Networked blogs
i’m on the mailing list too x
Have liked on facebook.
Following @BBCStargazing
Am signed up to the mailing list.
Hi, I follow both @BBCStargazing @skyatnightmag
thanks
What an awesome prize – thanks so much. I’ve tweeted (@MyMillsBaby), and liked and commented on FB as Gemma Chamberlain. Also following via Networked Blogs!
Gemma xx
I already follow you on twitter and have retweeted the message @susan_el
I am already subscribed to your newsletter
I already follow your page on Facebook as Susan El Carter and @BBCStargazing on twitter.
I commented on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/kidzoutdoors/posts/110710852440523?comment_id=34086&offset=0&total_comments=13
What inspires me is thinking about the vastness of space, it’s mind blowing.
https://www.facebook.com/kidzoutdoors/posts/588355867858144
I tweeted as GW_78
I’ve followed your blog and joined your mailing list.
I follow several astronomy twitter accounts including @lukornet_scienc, @AstronomyWise, @skyatnightmag and @BBCStargazing as GW_78
I follow and retweeted as @welshmumof3boys
I like your Facebook page as Rebecca ring
I grew up with watching skyatnight with Patrick Moore, my dad is very keen on astronomy so much so he built an observatory in his garden a couple of years ago. My sons love going and stargazing when we get the chance. I love seeing how excited and amazed my 7year old is everytime we go
Following and retweeted
Liked on facebook
following @BBCStargazing
I am following & tweeted as @jean56x
tweeted @ummziyad
Tweeted and liked. Great work
I’ve been retweeting @Saz012
Have joined your mailing list
I also follow @BBCstargazing & @skyatnightmag
Thanks
Following and retweeting for my little Ted from @bumbag
xx
Liked your facebook link and commented – Hannah Jayne Martin
Following @BBCStargazing LIVE x
Mailing list subscriber
Following your blog x
My daughter loves looking at the stars and planets so I’d love her to look through a telescope
Tweeted as @happyhomebird
Like you on Facebook and commented (Samantha Fernley)
Following @ActiveAstro on Twitter as @happyhomebird
Already a subscriber to your mailing list (greendragonfly)
Already a Networked blogs follower – Samantha Fernley
I’ve left my comment on fb and tweeted @mummycat111. It’s a wonderful science and the good thing is that it is constantly evolving through generations of time and scientific advancement. I don’t have a telescope. Would love to win one.
Followed and tweeted.. I wanna win!
Signed up to newsletter
Liked on facebook
I have commented on your FB page
Following you on twitter and have “tweeted the tweet” @LindyHine
Followed Wycombe_Astro on FB
Joined your mailing list
Am @barrybazzabazF1 an i have rt’ed comp entries. I also follow @BBCStargazing @skyatnightmag @VirtualAstro an few others
I really hoping i win as i would love to be able to see more of the sky at night 
Following on twitter and tweeted
@daisydoo12
Also following @BBCStargazing
@daisydoo12
Subscribed to newsletter
I @barrybazzabazF1 an forgot i also follow @PeoplesAstro
Tweeted @MintaB
By following @KidzOutdoors and Re-Tweeting:
@BarbaraAnnRyan
https://twitter.com/BarbaraAnnRyan/status/299622133032681472
Have retweeted and will be sharing the post on FB.
Have liked BBC Stargazing LIVE on Facebook
I’ve liked and posted on facebook.
Following on Twitter and tweeted as @tjsi1963
https://twitter.com/tjsi1963/status/301299503653322753
Awesome comp. Have liked and posted on Facebook and following and retweeted on Twitter (silverbird2). Good luck fellow stargazers.
I’ve tweeted @ljbarton, followed you on facebook and left message.
ps have also joined mailing list!
I’ve tweeted! @lowie789
Subscribed to your mailing list now too.
Tweeted and follow @BBCStargazing as @alistairric
Like on FB and commented
Joined the mailing list but I thought I already received it
Followed the blog
liked & commented on your facebook page.
I have commented on Facebook
Facebooked
Fingers crossed !
Done! Thanks for the chance!
Following and RTed as @LilinhaAngel
x
I’ve left a comment on FB!
x
I’m already following you on Networked Blogs
x
following and tweeted as @dillydondallie
liked & commented on your facebook page.
I have 2 boys my eldest who is 4 love stargazing is has stars and planets all over his room and I had to by a book to be able to tell him the star constellations
Following @BBCStargazing as @dillydondallie
Joined the mailing list
Followed, re-tweeted…
Can recommend a free Andriod App, “ISS Detector” – gives an alarm when the ISS is about to fly over… Also got it alarming when an Iridium flare is about to, er, flare.
@derbyskywatcher worth a follow Tweeters
I am following you and retweeted several. I am @darthprof I also follow @bbcstargazing as well as 3 other astro sites and I am listed for your mailing list. Thanks.
The competition is now closed. Thank you for all your entries and GOOD LUCK.
CONGRATULATIONS to Rhoda K (@rhodak09) You are the winner! Please could you DM your contact details so we can send you your prize.
A big thank you to everyone as always for all you enteries. They are all appreciated! There will be another competition soon
Thank you very much!! I’m absolutely delighted!!