As someone my wife has identified as “not a natural at team sports”, I firmly believe that amateur astronomy is one of the most exciting non-athletic pastimes…Sadly for some newbies, it’s also potentially one of the most intimidating.
As an astronomy magazine columnist and space author-for-hire, I’ve often thought “If only there was a way to make it easier”…Not ‘user-friendly-astronomy-guidebook-easier’…Like, ‘ordering-takeout-easier.’
So I’ve written this guide, based on what people looking through my telescopes at events and public talks have asked for, starting with this 60-second intro the the universe:
While we might like to think we have time to learn all the constellations and operate computer-controlled telescopes, most of us will never get around to it, even if the idea excites us.
What anyone can get around to is learning a constellation or two, finding out where a cool planet is tonight, OR how to see a particular galaxy through binoculars – things that the following pages can help you learn about.
Then, when a truly big sky event comes up – one that makes the evening news, like a bright comet, meteor shower or eclipse – you’ll be all-the-more-excited to take part.
And at that point, maybe you’ll even share what you’ve learned with someone else.
– Peter McMahon, Port Hope, Ontario, [occassionally], Jasper, Alberta, and 18 other dark sky preserves across Canada
OK, let’s get this party started…
- The Night Sky in 60 Seconds
- Constellations for every season
- Sun & Moon
- Planets
- Comets, Asteroids, Meteor Showers & Satellites
- Deep Space (star clusters, galaxies, etc..)
- Binoculars, GPS, astro “apps” and more…
- Telescopes, simplified (& adjusting your telescope)
- Events and further info