Are you new to Astronomy? Are you new to Observing?
This page contains guidance and resources to make you an OBSERVER!
Heck, once you start observing, you can call yourself an Amateur Astronomer.
"Amateurs" can do real science that real scientists can't (any professional telescope has a waitlist. "Amateurs" can do whatever they want for as long as they want. Professionals just can't. And there are a lot more amateurs.)
Here's How:
Learn what you can see (even without equipment):
- Learn a bit about the sky: Sky Home
Learn some about Observing:
- Learn some Constellations! Here's why: Why Learn Constellations? (hint: it's so you can find stuff).
- If you have binoculars or a telescope, learn about it and how to use it.
- Learn what targets you can see with your equipment and from your location. The Sky with Instruments
- Do a little bit of planning: make a list of what you want to see (or at least have an idea). Why Observing Lists?
- Once you have a target you want, learn how to point your scope to it: How To Starhop
- If you want to know how to push one of the scopes to a target, here's how to do that: How to Aim a Scope (page), video)
- Thinking about taking some astro photos? Got a phone? Got a DSLR? Astro Photos
Most importantly:
- Find some resources on websites that are current (this one will grow very stale very soon)
- Get a phone Sky App (like SkySafari)
- If there is a local Astronomy Club, they absolutely fantastic resources. in San Diego, we have San Diego Astronomy Association (SDAA.org).
- Subscribe to one or both of the Astronomy Monthlies: Astronomy Magazine and Sky & Telescope.