Re: "Go to a star party" is regional advice

Maybe a star party isn't the best way to check out entry level scopes, but check your local astronomy club. My club, as I'm sure many other do, has a monthly beginner's night usually around first quarter moon. It's a chance to get out and talk astronomy with beginners and show them how to use thier new equipment or to show them what we use. With a big bright moon and any visible planets as targets it helps to ease beginners into observing. We have six a year beginning in April and ending in September and even with Michigan's unpredictable weather we usually get in at least three sessions.