Like most kids I wanted a telescope when I was younger, but couldn’t afford one.
My father suggested I try the family binoculars instead.
I did, and headed outside to check out the night sky. The sight of the full moon and nearby Jupiter that night helped start me on a hobby that continues to this day.
Most people, me included, never realise that ordinary binoculars can be used as an astronomical instrument. Sure I knew a little astronomy from books but those binoculars opened up endless opportunities for serious sky exploring. I was hooked!