[js2]

Astrophotography is a hobby like any other. People enjoy capturing their own images of the universe.

Most hobbies with gear have setup costs and it's not unusual for that to be in the several thousand dollar range, and maintenance costs. $100-400/month for a hobby isn't all that much and it gives you exclusive access to your own scope in ideal skies that you can operate from your home.

[asxndu]

Cool, makes sense.

[whartung]

I'm putting one of the modern "Smart Scopes" on my Christmas list this year.

I had a friend with a 10" Meade with which not much happened. Just a bear to lug around and set up and mess with, not even including trying bumble through getting astrophotography started.

But the new-ish Smart Scopes looks fun and accessible, so gonna see if I can get one of those to play with.