Best telescope for amatuer astronomer6/23/2023 ![]() ![]() ![]() It contains entries for 105 stars and 39 constellations, organized by calendar date (when they first rise in the east around 9 PM). ![]() THE STAR GUIDE by Steven Beyer (Little, Brown, $12.95) has a unique method to introduce readers to the sky. Area maps show how to find constellations from the brightest stars using straight lines, triangles, etc. Very accessible to beginners.Ī WALK THROUGH THE HEAVENS by Milton Heifetz and Wil Tirion (Cambridge University Press, $12) is another introductory guide using geometry. “Heavier” material appears in the last part of the book - movements of the stars, coordinate systems, etc. This is followed by all-sky maps for each month (with and without constellation lines, like those in Night Sky magazine). The sky is broken into 17 regions, and introduces the constellations in each region, using mnemonic techniques (for example, “Carnivore’s Corner”). Rey (Houghton-Mifflin, $11.95) represents constellations in a “non-standard” way, so that they “look more like” what they are supposed to represent. I have chosen a few with a variety of techniques to improve the chance of finding a method you’ll take to (publisher and list price in parentheses). There are many observing guides for beginners. I have the Sky Calendar to thank for my first views of Uranus, Neptune, the asteroid Vesta and the Beehive Cluster. Occasionally, an entry will show something more adventurous - perhaps a fainter planet, an asteroid, or star cluster that can be easily found near the Moon or a bright planet (usually using binoculars). On the reverse side of the calendar page is an all-sky map showing the brightest stars and planets. Because bright objects are involved, it works even for the city. Even if the only thing you can recognize is the Moon, if you go outside or just look out the window, you will learn several planets and stars after a few days. On a calendar-style page for each month appear daily diagrams showing the movements of the moon and planets as they pass bright stars. It is hard to imagine an easier introduction to observing. Also on the site is an interactive sky map - by adjusting the date and time, you can familiarize yourself to the motions of the stars.Ī personal favorite of mine, the SKY CALENDAR produced by Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI 48824 $11 per year. I strongly advise anyone looking for binoculars or a telescope to read this material before proceeding. ![]() Here are a few resources I highly recommend to get a newcomer up to speed.įor general advice, SKY & TELESCOPE magazine’s website has several excellent articles offering a nice introduction to stargazing in the areas of Astronomy Basics, Visual Observing, Telescopes & Binoculars, and Astrophotography/CCD Imaging. It should only take a month or two before you know what you need to use that scope. If you’re in this position, even if you have a telescope or binoculars, but have little knowledge of the sky, take a little time learning how to see the sky with the naked eye. First of all, what are the interesting objects, other than the Moon and planets? Where can I find them? How do get them in the field of view of my scope? It really doesn’t take too long to get straightened out if you find the right guides, but where are they? Too many beginning amateur astronomers give up - their scope languishes in a closet. Many people who buy or receive a telescope are lost when they try to find objects in the sky. These are open to all, and members are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge of the sky. The Amateur Astronomers Association of New York hosts observing sessions each month in the city. Let me stress first of all that nothing can benefit the beginner more than contact with more experienced observers. Subsequent articles will address the intermediate and advanced observer. Essentially, naked-eye astronomy from the city is covered - bright stars, major constellations, and planets. In this article, I mention several books, magazines, charts, websites and anything else useful to the beginning observer. The good news is there’s a lot out there to introduce us to the heavens, or to get us to the next level. Others have persevered and become active observers, but would like family members or friends to share their interest. Many of us give up and become “armchair” astronomers. By Richard Rosenberg Part 1: Beginning Observers #Īs amateur astronomers living in the New York City area, we have to confront miserable observing conditions. ![]()
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