Final answer:
A reflecting telescope is recommended for an amateur star-gazer due to its balance of cost, ease of set up, and maintenance simplicity. (Option C)
Step-by-step explanation:
For an amateur star-gazer looking for ease of set up and the ability to stay aligned easily, a reflecting telescope would be a suitable recommendation. Reflecting telescopes use a concave mirror to gather and focus light, which is easier to manufacture and support, especially for larger apertures.
On the contrary, refracting telescopes, which utilize lenses, are typically more expensive and complex because the lens demands high-quality glass and precision in polishing. Although radio telescopes offer fascinating insights into the cosmos, they are not practical for amateur stargazers due to their large scale and complexity. Reflecting telescopes provide a good balance between cost, ease of use, and maintenance, making them ideal for someone starting out in astronomy.