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Asteroid
It's International Asteroid Day! pixabay.com

International Asteroid Day is here! The holiday was created to spread awareness about the risks of an asteroid impact. The holiday was launched as an initiative to urge scientists to keep working on identifying asteroid threats at a faster rate. The odds of an asteroid hitting Earth is unpredictable and the only way to prepare for it is to catalog asteroids years before they are expected to impact.

Enjoy a new activity with the family by observing heavenly bodies this International Asteroid Day. Make sure to have the right tools to make the most of this experience. Take note that the best telescopes to see planets have at least 2.8 inches (70 mm) aperture. More aperture means you'll get more details in the images you'll see. To help you choose, here's a list of our recommended best telescopes for 2021.

1. ToyerBee Telescope
ToyerBee Telescope
Perfect for kids! amazon.com

This is the perfect opportunity to teach your kids about space. The ToyerBee Telescope is the best telescope for beginners. It is great for viewing the moon and a variety of planets. With an adjustable tripod, you and your kids can take turns watching the sky without hurting your back. Through your smartphone, easily connect the wireless remote and enjoy on-screen viewing!

2. TELMU Telescope

TELMU Telescope
Protect your eyes while you discover the beauty of the skies! amazon.com

The TELMU Telescope has a fully-coated optics glass lens making it safe to use. It also has two replaceable 1.25" Kellner eyepieces and a 5x24 finderscope with cross-hair lines that make locating objects easy. Prop your phone on its phone holder so you can take amazing photos and videos that you can share with friends!

3. Gskyer Telescope
Gskyer Telescope
With high transmission coatings amazon.com

The Gskyer Telescope has high transmission coatings that create stunning images of your discoveries. It also has a smartphone adapter and a wireless remote camera so you can digitize unforgettable moments. Traveling with a telescope is made easier with its free carry bag that can fit the telescope and its accessories.

4. Celestron - NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope
Celestron - NexStar 130SLT
Computerized Telescope amazon.com

For more experienced astrophiles, the NexStar 130SLT is equipped with sophisticated technology that will take your viewing experience to the next level. The 130mm aperture gathers more light than entry-level telescopes. This means better details even for objects beyond the solar system. It boasts of computerized hand control for easy navigation. It also has a database of 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, etc. to help you identify a variety of elements.

5. Maxusee 70mm Refractor Telescope

Maxusee 70Mm Refractor Telescope
Starter telescope massgenie.com

A good entry-level telescope is the Maxusee 70mm Refractor Telescope. Mars will look great with this one. You will be able to see every planet in the solar system and distinguish the features of the moon without any trouble. It includes a backpack for traveling and a phone adapter for ease of capturing precious images.

6. Monocular Aperture 360mm Astronomy Refractor Telescope

360 mm Monocular Aperture Astronomy Refractor Telescope
Produces black and silver images. massgenie.com

Suitable for beginners, Kids will surely appreciate the images they'll get from this astronomy telescope. Its small build is also perfect for storing and easy transportation.

7. Celestron - Travel Scope 70mm Refractor Telescope

Celestron - Travel Scope 70mm Refractor Telescope
With day-to-night performance bestbuy.com

Enjoy great images may it be day or night. Bring the stars to light with up to 168x power magnification while the 5 x 24 mm viewfinder frames the object in the field for better focus. Deepen your knowledge of astronomy with its SkyPortal software.

8. Celestron - AstroMaster LT 60AZ 700mm Refractor Telescope

Celestron - AstroMaster LT 60AZ 700mm Refractor Telescope
Easily navigate through your space exploration journey! bestbuy.com

The AstroMaster LT 60AZ offers a clutch-equipped altazimuth mount for easy and accurate modification of the pointing calibration. With the StarPointer finderscope, easily focus on objects you want to observe. Keep all your accessories within reach with the accessory tray included in your purchase.

9. Cassini - Tracker Series 135mm Reflector Telescope
Cassini - Tracker Series 135mm Reflector Telescope
Features a slow-motion control for easy tracking bestbuy.com

The Cassini Tracker Series C-900135TR 135mm reflector telescope features a Mars-Eye Electronic Finder that helps locate heavenly bodies easily. Be able to make precise adjustments with the TRACKER mount which allows slow-motion control so you can observe moving objects. With the addition of the Cassini Stellarium CD, you can also conveniently explore space on your computer.

10. Cassini - 800mm x 80mm Reflector Telescope with Smartphone Adapter
Cassini - 800mm x 80mm Reflector Telescope with Smartphone Adapter
Features an Altitude Azimuth yoke mount bestbuy.com

The Cassini C-80 reflector telescope is an ergonomic telescope that features an Altitude Azimuth yoke mount for easy adjustment. It includes two 1.25” eyepieces that offer optimal clarity and magnification. Once you find an interesting object, the Mars’ Eye electronic red-dot finderscope tracks it so you can maintain the surrounding field and share it with other people in your viewing party.

11. Celestron - StarSense Explorer 114mm Newtonian Reflector Telescope
Celestron - StarSense Explorer 114mm Newtonian Reflector Telescope
Pair this with the compatible app! bestbuy.com

Gaze at the starry skies using the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT reflector telescope. Its app enables you to calculate star positions with your smartphone. Never lose sight of the celestial objects you find with the Altazimuth fork mount that has slow-motion controls.

12. Galileo - 700mm x 60mm Refractor Telescope with Smart Phone Adapter
Galileo - 700mm x 60mm Refractor Telescope with Smart Phone Adapter
Assemble within minutes! bestbuy.com

This Galileo refractor telescope is very easy to assemble with your kids. Take photos with the help of the included smartphone photo/video adapter. You will be able to collect amazing photos through its two-element objective lens that does color-correcting for more vivid images.