Beginner’s Guide To Astronomy

Astronomy is a fascinating field of study that can be pursued at any age. The whole family can get together to stargaze, and your participation can vary from unaided view of constellations to using high-powered telescopes for a more up close and personal view of the planets and the moon.

Getting started with astronomy

The easiest way to get started with your astronomy study is by spotting constellations. A simple book or online guide to show what constellations are easily visible at the current time of year in your country is enough to get you underway. Start with the easier constellations, such as Ursa Major or Orion, then move on to some that are a bit more difficult to pick out. A seasonal study of how the constellations move in the sky from summer to winter will add a deeper dimension to your astronomical knowledge.

Studying the phases of the moon will also increase your awareness of the night sky and how it changes from day to day and season to season. These kinds of exercises can be particularly meaningful for children as they learn the various patterns of the seasons.

Viewing the moon and planets

It's possible to get a good look at the moon and some of the nearer planets using binoculars rather than investing in a telescope. If you want to venture into a more detailed examination of our nearer neighbours, but aren't quite ready to purchase a telescope, use binoculars to get a look at the details of the surface of the moon in particular.

Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn can be easily viewed with the naked eye or with binoculars. With binoculars and a little work, you can generally find Uranus and Neptune. Pluto, however, requires use of a telescope due to its distance and small size.

Taking the jump: buying a telescope

As your study of astronomy continues, you'll eventually want to invest in a telescope. While telescopes are expensive, there are several models that are reasonably priced enough to make them a good investment in your education. Even a low or medium power telescope can greatly increase your enjoyment of your astronomy hobby. Be sure to do plenty of research, though, and be sure you purchase a telescope that will work well and that will last. With the right telescope added to your repertoire, your enjoyment of astronomy will continue growing for years to come.