How to Get Started in Amateur Astronomy
Read about astronomy., Visit a planetarium or observatory., Purchase a star atlas or a star map which will enable you to determine what you are looking at while gazing at the sky., Find someplace dark to observe that is away from city glare., Buy a...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Read about astronomy.
Merely looking up in the sky will not teach you all you need to know, so visit your local library and browse through the astronomy section.
There are a variety of books which are geared toward beginners as well as the more advanced.
Find one that is an introduction to astronomy, and learn about the physics of the cosmos.
Surf the Internet under 'Astronomy' and be assured you will receive a vast array of information as well as pictures. -
Step 2: Visit a planetarium or observatory.
Many observatories have huge, expensive telescopes and offer you an exciting as well as informative way of observing the many wonders of the sky.
Check with your local science museum to see if they offer a star-gazing night open to the public.
Visit the observatory at night, climb up to the tower, and observe first hand, through their powerful telescopes, what you have learned and seen up until now only in books.
A planetarium uses projectors to offer an artificial view of the night sky.
The chairs recline, the room becomes black, and all you see are stars in a darkened sky.
This is a great way to get started because you will have access to an expert guide to answer your questions.
You also will get to meet others with similar interests. , Your library will probably have one, but since maps will be an important part of your astronomical study, it is best to buy your own.
If you are unable to afford one, then download free star maps from the Internet. , Good choices might include national and state parks.
Inquire at these places about naturalist lead presentations about the night sky as well.
Use your eyes.
It is not necessary to buy an expensive telescope because the naked eye can see a great deal in the night sky.
By observing with only your eyes you get a true feeling of how ancient astronomers practiced their craft.
If you can, try to lie down on the grass and look at the sky above you.
The darkened sky takes on another dimension in this position, and creates a feeling of you being totally alone in a vast universe.
Locate the North Star, and follow the 'map of the sky'.
Make sure you have the correct star map to coincide with the date and location.
If you have studied the books, you might be able to find the "Little Dipper" and other constellations or asterisms. , If your naked-eye observations have gotten you excited about astronomy, get a good set of binoculars and observe the night sky with them for a more close-up view. 10x50 binoculars are excellent for stargazing. , There are several types of telescopes, with different features, uses and prices.
However, you need not purchase the most expensive one in order to enjoy astronomy.
The most important thing to consider is the telescope’s aperture, or the size of the light-gathering part of the telescope.
The larger the aperture, the brighter your image will be.
The next most important characteristic is the focal length of the 'scope, which will determine how much of the sky you can see in the image.
Magnification is much less important than quality of optics.
A good way to choose a telescope is to attend star parties (see below) and ask a few of the members for permission to try theirs so you get an idea of which models you prefer. , Amateur astronomy is very popular in most cities and small towns.
Search the Internet to find a club in your vicinity or get information by calling a local planetarium.
For clubs in the U.S.A., go to http://www.nightskynetwork.org, a website dedicated to amateur astronomy which will help you locate clubs and events.
Clubs give you the opportunity to learn from others who have more experience, and to meet and make new friends with other beginners who have the same interest in astronomy. , Star parties are outdoor meetings where amateur astronomers meet and look at the sky together.
Many are already members of an astronomy club.
This can be quite interesting, especially since each person might find a new area, star or planet that you might have overlooked. , There are a number of periodicals which cater to amateur astronomers.
Among the most popular are Sky and Telescope and Astronomy.
These magazines provide monthly calendars, a wealth of sky watching tips, amazing pictures, and up-to-date information on new products and discoveries. , They are free and you can search for them in iTunes and many other podcast directories. , Membership in these large astronomy organizations will give you the opportunity to network with other astronomers and to participate in observing programs.
The Astronomical League has observing programs for every age, skill, and equipment level, and by participating in a program and submitting your observation log, you can earn certificates of completion (and a wealth of new knowledge). , Amateur astronomy can be a lifelong pursuit, and there’s always something new to look at.
What’s more, amateur astronomers actually make significant contributions to the study of astronomy, and amateurs have discovered stars, comets, and other phenomena before professionals.
In astronomy, you don’t have to be a professional to make a difference. -
Step 3: Purchase a star atlas or a star map which will enable you to determine what you are looking at while gazing at the sky.
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Step 4: Find someplace dark to observe that is away from city glare.
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Step 5: Buy a pair of binoculars.
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Step 6: Obtain a telescope.
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Step 7: Join an astronomy club.
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Step 8: Attend a star party.
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Step 9: Subscribe to an astronomy magazine.
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Step 10: Subscribe to an astronomy podcast
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Step 11: such as What's Up in Astronomy
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Step 12: StarDate
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Step 13: or SkyWatch.
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Step 14: Join the Astronomical League or similar organization.
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Step 15: Enjoy your new hobby.
Detailed Guide
Merely looking up in the sky will not teach you all you need to know, so visit your local library and browse through the astronomy section.
There are a variety of books which are geared toward beginners as well as the more advanced.
Find one that is an introduction to astronomy, and learn about the physics of the cosmos.
Surf the Internet under 'Astronomy' and be assured you will receive a vast array of information as well as pictures.
Many observatories have huge, expensive telescopes and offer you an exciting as well as informative way of observing the many wonders of the sky.
Check with your local science museum to see if they offer a star-gazing night open to the public.
Visit the observatory at night, climb up to the tower, and observe first hand, through their powerful telescopes, what you have learned and seen up until now only in books.
A planetarium uses projectors to offer an artificial view of the night sky.
The chairs recline, the room becomes black, and all you see are stars in a darkened sky.
This is a great way to get started because you will have access to an expert guide to answer your questions.
You also will get to meet others with similar interests. , Your library will probably have one, but since maps will be an important part of your astronomical study, it is best to buy your own.
If you are unable to afford one, then download free star maps from the Internet. , Good choices might include national and state parks.
Inquire at these places about naturalist lead presentations about the night sky as well.
Use your eyes.
It is not necessary to buy an expensive telescope because the naked eye can see a great deal in the night sky.
By observing with only your eyes you get a true feeling of how ancient astronomers practiced their craft.
If you can, try to lie down on the grass and look at the sky above you.
The darkened sky takes on another dimension in this position, and creates a feeling of you being totally alone in a vast universe.
Locate the North Star, and follow the 'map of the sky'.
Make sure you have the correct star map to coincide with the date and location.
If you have studied the books, you might be able to find the "Little Dipper" and other constellations or asterisms. , If your naked-eye observations have gotten you excited about astronomy, get a good set of binoculars and observe the night sky with them for a more close-up view. 10x50 binoculars are excellent for stargazing. , There are several types of telescopes, with different features, uses and prices.
However, you need not purchase the most expensive one in order to enjoy astronomy.
The most important thing to consider is the telescope’s aperture, or the size of the light-gathering part of the telescope.
The larger the aperture, the brighter your image will be.
The next most important characteristic is the focal length of the 'scope, which will determine how much of the sky you can see in the image.
Magnification is much less important than quality of optics.
A good way to choose a telescope is to attend star parties (see below) and ask a few of the members for permission to try theirs so you get an idea of which models you prefer. , Amateur astronomy is very popular in most cities and small towns.
Search the Internet to find a club in your vicinity or get information by calling a local planetarium.
For clubs in the U.S.A., go to http://www.nightskynetwork.org, a website dedicated to amateur astronomy which will help you locate clubs and events.
Clubs give you the opportunity to learn from others who have more experience, and to meet and make new friends with other beginners who have the same interest in astronomy. , Star parties are outdoor meetings where amateur astronomers meet and look at the sky together.
Many are already members of an astronomy club.
This can be quite interesting, especially since each person might find a new area, star or planet that you might have overlooked. , There are a number of periodicals which cater to amateur astronomers.
Among the most popular are Sky and Telescope and Astronomy.
These magazines provide monthly calendars, a wealth of sky watching tips, amazing pictures, and up-to-date information on new products and discoveries. , They are free and you can search for them in iTunes and many other podcast directories. , Membership in these large astronomy organizations will give you the opportunity to network with other astronomers and to participate in observing programs.
The Astronomical League has observing programs for every age, skill, and equipment level, and by participating in a program and submitting your observation log, you can earn certificates of completion (and a wealth of new knowledge). , Amateur astronomy can be a lifelong pursuit, and there’s always something new to look at.
What’s more, amateur astronomers actually make significant contributions to the study of astronomy, and amateurs have discovered stars, comets, and other phenomena before professionals.
In astronomy, you don’t have to be a professional to make a difference.
About the Author
Kathleen Wilson
Writer and educator with a focus on practical home improvement knowledge.
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