Getting into Astronomy
November 23rd 2010 03:52
Category: No Category
Some people think that getting into astronomy can be expensive.
You don't need expensive telescopes,fancy cameras all you need is a clear sky and a keen interest.
Where do you begin? Most of us start out by looking at the moon, with just the naked eye you can see most of the features on the surface of the moon craters smooth valleys.
Many people just starting out in astronomy seem to wonder where to begin, some give up in utter frustration, It does not have to be that way.
You will be surprised at what you can see with just the unaided eye. The moon the Milky Way small galaxies like the small and large Magellenic clouds can be see with the naked eye.
Planets like Mercury Venus Mars Saturn and Jupiter can be seen easily with the naked eye alone.
The next step is to possibly invest in a pair of binoculars, nothing too fancy say 10x50 power is quite adequate. Generally larger front lenses give a better field of view with greater magnification. Binoculars are cost effective and are widely available.
Spotting the constellations can be fun, with a bit of practice you'll be able to trace out star patterns in the sky with the help of star charts. A home computer or laptop can be a handy option.
There are lots of free programs designed for star gazing.
Free programs like Stellarium can be very helpful in finding your way in the night sky. Stellarium is like having your own planetarium that shows exactly what you see when you look up at the stars, and its free. www.stellarium.org Download Here
The ability to look up and say, "There's the Big dipper" or "That's Jupiter" will provide a sense of accomplishment, and perhaps an awareness of where we are within the universe. With a bit of basic knowledge you too will be able to decipher the cryptic night sky.
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Comment by S.L.
The Political Brief
Now I can still find the Big Dipper, North Star and nothing else. I think I'll get those binoculars, though and see if I remember anything else (then I'll try the star charts!). That is, when the sky clears up. I can't believe the weather here...
Comment by CarlCan
Astroearth
Camera Sense
Hi S.L
Mariners old and new sure know there stuff. Since ancient times the stars have remained a constant in our night skies.
Although the stars, our Solar System are all moving, and still the stars from our perspective change very little over the centuries.
No doubt the Southern Cross as will the big dipper and all constellations will change there shape in time to come.
Is it funny that what we learn as children stays with us.
Well you know some of the constellation that’s a great start I am sure when the weather clears you will find the planets other constellation and various nebulas.
Clear Skies