Astronomy for the Absolute Beginner

Astronomy for the Absolute Beginner
Getting Started

Astronomy for the Absolute Beginner

Getting Started

I want a Telescope

Time for a new Telescope

Eyepieces and Filters

Book Reviews

Free Astronomy Software

Our First Night Out

Orion SpaceProbe 130ST First Light

Astro Links

My Home Page-

God, Genesis and the big bang

Getting Started

One of the first things we did was to attend a couple star parties. For the uninitiated a star party is an event held by a local astronomy group open to the public for the purpose of educating or just exposing the public to the wonders of the heavens. If your community has an astronomy club they will probably hold several of these events per year. If not seek out a group in a nearby town. It is worth it. This is an excellent way to learn about astronomy and the hobby of stargazing. You get the opportunity to meet people with a similar interest. You get to see all kinds of telescopes. Many of which cost way more than you are probably ever going to spend on one. They will even let you look through their scopes! Just be respectful and careful with their equipment. You will also pick up a lot of helpful information at a star party. Much of the information on this site is based on tips I gleaned at these gatherings.

I highly suggest you join your local astronomy club. The dues shouldn't be very high. In addition to the star parties held several times a year they will hold regular meetings. You will be sharing your hobby with like-minded people. From their experience you will get to learn much about astronomy. Most clubs also have private observing nights where just club members and chosen guests will gather to observe.

You don't need a telescope to get started. Just an interest. In fact you should not get a telescope yet. A lawn chair (or blanket if you are young and limber - and far away from cars!) and a good clear night is all you need. A night when the Moon is not visible is best for viewing the stars. Getting away from city lights and the neighbors security light is very important if you want to see the Milky Way.

Avoid flashlights and headlights. These will mess up your ability to see the sky for several minutes every time you are exposed. Even the dome light from a car will mess up your vision. You will be amazed how little light you need to see to get around once you are used to it. You might need some light at times though so get a flashlight with a red lens. This will not interfere with your night vision.

Take the time to learn to identify several constellations. Generally everyone can spot the big dipper (part of the constellation Ursa Major). If you can do that you can locate the little dipper (Ursa Minor) and the North Star (Polaris). How? Use the two stars at the end of the cup on the big dipper and imagine a line through them proceeding out about two handle lengths. This will point you at Polaris, which is also the last star in the handle of the little dipper.

Orion's belt is also pretty well known and is visible in the winter months. Three stars in a row. If you know Orion when you see it then look a short distance above it. That bright red star is Betelgeuse. Going about the same distance below the belt will lead you to the star Rigel. Between Rigel and the belt is a nebula (M42) that to the naked eye looks like a fuzzy star.

Cygnus (the swan) is an easy summer time constellation. It is also called the Northern Cross which should give you some idea what to look for. Cassiopeia looks like a big W. Then there is Hercules, Gemini, Taurus, and on and on goes the list.

How do you know what to look for and where to look? You need a planisphere or a monthly sky chart. You can get a planisphere from Barnes and Noble for about $10. You can also order one from Amazon.com. A monthly sky chart is included each month in magazines like Astronomy and Sky and Telescope. You can also use the following link to print out a skychart for your location. Skymaps

I have added a link on my Software page to a free double-sided planisphere you can download and print. A planisphere is great for un-aided eye observing and for learning the brighter stars and constellations – every beginner should have one. There are also 3 free Star Atlases on the link page. An atlas is like a road map to the night sky. The 6.5 and 7 magnitude charts are excellent for small scope and binocular observing. The 8.5 magnitude atlas is great for more advanced users who are ready to go deeper.

Before you spend one dime on observing equipment I implore you to first buy, beg, or borrow the book “Night Watch” by Terrence Dickinson. This is an absolute must have for the beginner. It will put the universe into scale in a way you never before imagined. It will help you understand what you are actually able to see from your backyard. It will teach you the basics of observing. It will also help you understand the basics of the equipment available and what to look for when buying. My opinion is that in the long run this book will probably save you many times more money than it will cost you.

As I mentioned earlier, you should consider a subscription to one of the astronomy magazines. Astronomy magazine might sound expensive at about $40 but it is well worth it, besides that translates into only $3.33 an issue. This will keep you informed of what will be in the night sky that month. You also get a little insight into the deeper aspects of astronomy. You get the sky chart, lots of cool pictures, and lots of ads. Some people object to the ads but I like them. It helps me know what is out there and where to get it. Mostly, it gives me something to dream about. Sky and Telescope is considered by many in the hobby to be THE magazine to get. It is a little more expensive than Astronomy but is claimed by many readers to be more advanced. You should be able to buy both magazines at your local bookstore, so try them both out.

The next step would be to get a pair of binoculars. I started with a cheap Tasco 7x35 pair since I already owned them; they worked well enough for my needs. You should probably consider getting a decent 10x50 pair if you don't already have binoculars, but you will be amazed at the amount of detail you will see with almost any set. Take for example the big dipper - did you know the second star from the end of the handle is a double star? Check it out.

I now own a set of 11x56 Oberwerk binoculars. I really like them. They were around $99 when I bought them. They are big - right at the upper limits of usable while being hand held. I sometimes put them on a camera tripod for more stable views. Speaking of views, the Milky Way is incredible through a big set of binoculars. I pretty well guarantee you will be blown away by the view through a nice set of bino's. I actually use them more than my telescope. They are easier to pack and arguably more fun to cruise the universe with than a scope.

If you follow the steps outlined in this article you will be grounded and on your way in no time. If you are like most of us you aren't going to listen and you are going to run out and buy a telescope right away. Knowing human nature read my next article "I want a telescope ".

I hope you found something of interest here. If you did drop me a note. If I have written something that is not correct please point it out to me and if you convince me I will get it changed.

Due to spammers stealing my email address, I had to remove a direct link to email me. You will have to type the above address into your mail program to contact me. Sorry it is a hassle but it had to be done. Never post your address online unless you want to receive hundreds of junk spam daily.

Clear Skies!

Latest revision August 2007