As beginners in astronomy we feel inadequate to the task sometimes. I am sure that making choices is hard for you when considering what is needed to get a start in this new hobby. Hopefully you have decided to include your children and teach them along with yourself. It’s not hard at all, simply getting the right telescope, supplies and learning materials will help all of you. Choosing the right telescope is the subject of other articles I have written. I hope to point you to the right supplies and learning materials in this article.
Choosing A Good Primer To Astronomy
Astronomy For All Ages: is a book by Globe Pequot Press, and it is an excellent choice. The title says all we need to know in making this choice. This book covers everything you need to know about basic astronomy. It is a book that a young teenager can follow easily, and is written for that purpose. The subjects covered in it are valuable and straight-forward, taking you through a step by step introduction to the hobby. Learning is essential to having real fun. As a primer, this book will teach the necessary lessons you need to go forward, even to the point of upgrading to a new telescope with technical features.
As a beginner, it is outside our experience to buy a high end telescope with camera attachments and computer controlled tracking systems. But, with this book you will be well on your way to understanding how a telescope works and what hobby extensions rise from it. I am sure that Astral Photography will become a logical next step. There are many books on that subject alone. There really isn’t a hard learning curve in astronomy. It is fairly straight-forward, so there is no reason to be skeptical of your ability to master the hobby. Reading is the best thing for you at this point.
Star Charts (Printed and Software Publications)
Another thing you will need is a star chart. I began with a simple set of printed charts and learned to read them simply by studying the instruction that came with them. A good choice is published by: American Educational Products LLC, and entitled, American Educational Products Seasonal Star Charts with Luminous Star Finder. The price range is: $25.25. This book is fairly straight-forward and easy to use. The public library is another source of quality information, and you can use that to hone your star chart reading skills.
Another good choice would be: The Observer’s Sky Atlas : With 50 Star Charts Covering the Entire Sky, by Erich Karkoschka (Author). This book of charts comes in at the price range of: $25.51. This is an excellent option also. Give it serious consideration.
There are many software driven options for learning planetary positioning and star chart reading. A very good choice would be: Win*Star Express V3 by Matrix Software Platform: Windows 7 / Vista / XP. This is a deluxe option and very easy to follow. Several well known astronomers were involved in the creation of this platform. For a price range of: $69.95, you can’t go wrong. It’s probably the best option if you prefer using computers for learning as I do personally.
Telescope Accessories:
Even as a beginner certain accessories should be considered. Each telescope manufacturer has specific accessories available for the make-model of their telescopes. For the basics, you should be looking for a Lens Cap for both ends of your scope; multiple secondary lenses for you to increase the viewing power on the object you are looking at, and lens filters. The lens filters are attachments to the secondary lenses, allowing you to look at bright objects like the moon, and bringing out contrasts. It enhances viewing pleasure, and the aesthetics of the individual object being viewed.
As an example, I will point to an accessory case a set you can view online at your convenience. If you go online to Amazon.com, you opt for the Cameras category and type in: ” Orion Telescope Accessories”, and press enter. Look for: Orion Pluck-Foam Accessory Case, then you can inventory what is offered there, as it is a very good indicator of what you need. Remember, each telescope is specific, although some sizes will work on other telescopes, it is better to get those designed for your scope.
I hope this article has helped you and reinforced your interest in Astronomy as a hobby. Remember, this is a great hobby you can share with family and friends. Take advantage of it, it will be a very rewarding enterprise for all of you. Children do love to learn, just participate in that learning process and you’ll see what I mean.
Good luck in this new adventure, learn and have lots of fun. Remember this, if you develop your skills and upgrade, the possibilities of astounding photography and viewing awaits you.
Amateur Astronomy - References To Information You Need To Watch The Night Sky
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