I'm going to go look around myself here, but do any of you have any recommendations for a good-quality telescope that would be good to use with college-level astronomy classes? Price doesn't matter too much at the moment.

Thanks.

I would say that the most important part of the telescope is the teacher behind the eyepiece.

I would recommend looking for an astronomy club where you could try looking through various scopes and finding something that is a good fit for your teaching style.

Could you be a little more vague?
At least put some limits on it or risk getting 6 or 7 figure recommendations.

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For teaching, I would recommend a "go-to" scope, since money is not a problem and you don't want to waste teaching time star-hopping. 8-in or 10-in would probably be sufficient and easily portable

Yes, catch their interest. If Venus is in the sky, say
"See that star?"
"Yes, teacher."
(Aim telescope at Venus.)
"Well, it's actually just a poser."

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There's so much you haven't said I don't know where to start.

College level astronomy courses go from basic observing to research on quasars etc. That's quite a range. Where do we fall here.

What are your skies like.

Is this to be a permanent setup in an observatory?

If to be used portable does this mean it will be rolled out of a building onto a viewing pad or packed and driven to dark skies?

That's just for starters.

I know a top quasar researcher who gets lots of Hubble time who teaches a basic astronomy course (astronomy 101) using a 6" home built scope that cost him all of $35 yet it has produced peer reviewed research papers! So yes, the person behind the scope is by far the most important element! That's true of telescopes, cameras, paint brushes, typewriters etc.

Rick

A local community college sometimes gives astro students extra credit if they come to a star party at our observatory.

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I agree in part. An 8 or 10" goto Schmidt-Cassegrain would be a good choice. However, if money is no object why not throw in an 8" Dobsonian reflector with a Telrad as well? Learning how to locate objects on their own is an incentive to most students.

Dave Mitsky

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I agree, but probably not most of these students.

I really need to talk to the science division chair and ask him exactly what the idea here is, but an 8" goto 'scope is about what I have in mind. Something that I can easily use in moderate light pollution to show 15-30 community college students (in introductory courses) a number of objects. The figure I was quoted was about $2000, for the record. I found a few good GOTO's for that price after a quick search. I haven't had the time to look seriously yet.

If I ever get around to teaching the "backyard astro" course I have in the back of my head, I'd probably just pick a $500 equatorial mount scope to show how to find thing on your own.

Thanks to all for the responses. Sorry my OP wasn't worded better, but Friday was a busy day.

Let us know what scope(s) you end up with.

I'll try to remember to, whenever I end up getting it.