A BEGINNER'S PAGE

Are you new to astronomy? If you don't know a star cluster from a peanut cluster or a double star from a double scoop, if you can't tell a galaxy from a planetary nebula or a comet from a meteor, then this page is for you.

We want to explain what you need to get started in the hobby of astronomy. First, however, we'll tell you what you don't need, at least right away. You don't need a telescope. You don't even need a pair of binoculars, though they might come in handy occasionally. Last, you don't need an intensive background in mathematics even though the hobby you're embarking on is largely based on math.

The first thing you will need are the most important instruments used in the hobby of astronomy, your two eyes. You also need a bit of innate curiousity, and a willingness to learn.

You'll start by studying the sky. Probably the most important capability the new amateur astronomer can possess is a knowledge of the constellations and how they relate to each other. From that knowledge you'll be able to find and identify objects such as nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, double stars, etc. There are many aids to help you learn the constellations. Some astronomical websites offer free starmaps for downloading. There are also planetarium programs offered as freeware. Some are very sophisticated. Probably the best way to learn the sky, however, is to attend your local astrononomy club's meetings or star parties. There you'll find very knowledgeable individuals not only willing to help, but eager to share their wisdom and experience with you.

There's another advantage in attending your local astronomy club's meetings and star parties. If you become really interested in astronomy, there will come a time when you'll begin to think about acquiring a telescope of your own. Telescopes come in a variety of types and sizes. Accessories for telescopes are nearly endless. Prices for telescopes and accessories can be less than $100.00 at one end of the scale. At the other end of that same scale prices could bankrupt a millionaire. It can be very bewildering and confusing for the novice. Mistakes can be expensive. Through attending activities of your local astronomy club, you can gain experience and knowledge by trying out members' scopes. You can, so to speak, go to school on our money. Hopefully, that process will help you select a telescope that both fits your needs and your budget, and help eliminate the pitfalls along the way to selecting your first scope.

OUR SOLAR SYSTEM'S LARGEST PLANET

JUPITER (NASA PIX)

Once you have your new telescope, you'll begin learning to see. Yes, that's right, learn to see! Believe it or not, the capability of seeing dim objects, and detail in nebulae, clusters, galaxies, and solar system objects is learned. It does not come naturally. When you begin, probably all you'll see when observing, Jupiter for example, is a white blob with four of its moons in a line adjacent to it. With experience, using the same scope and eyepiece, the planet's cloud bands become visible. After a few more weeks, perhaps even months, you'll begin to see detail within those cloud bands, and the Great Red Spot. Soon cloud bands on Saturn and divisions within its ring system become visible. You're learning to see. The objects you're observing will never look like the pictures of astronomical objects in books or even on the internet. The light that made those images was to allowed accumulate for many seconds or minutes. Today images are stacked, and what you see is the best of many images combined to give oustanding results. Your eye cannot accumulate and process light in that way. So don't get discouraged when first using a telescope. Once again, attending meetings and activities of your local astronomy club can help. Experienced observers will point out details in objects you've missed. Once you know those details are there, however, they gradually become visible. Your skills and abilities in seeing will grow and mature in a surprisingly short time, and you'll be observing details that were invisible to you as an absolute beginner.

M42 IMAGED AT OUR CLUB'S STAR STARE 2007

IMAGE BY DAVID POFAHL & HIS 6" STELLAR VUE APO

We're going to assume for the moment that you've taken the advice on this page to heart, and are ready to attend your first star party. So, what now? Are there rules or regulations. If you do the wrong thing, can you get into trouble? While there are no carved in stone rules, there is a star party etiquette that's pretty much universal regardless of where the gathering is.

First, arrive early. If you get to the site before dark, you avoid ruining the night vision of the other participants with your headlights, flashlights, matches, or whatever. You'll also avoid getting yelled at by a bunch of irritated amateur astronomers and astrophotographers.

Second, arrive slowly. You'd be surprised how long dust raised by a thoughtless arriver driving too fast stays suspended in the air. Every dust particle reduces the transparency of the atmosphere. Every dust particle reduces the quality of the evening other participants experience.

Third, bear in mind your dome lights, stop lights, backup lights, tail lights, etc. can ruin night vision as easily as your headlights. Try to handle your vehicle and park so this doesn't happen.

Fourth, If you're planning to leave before dawn, try to park so that your headlights leaving won't be a problem for those still observing.

Fifth, While you're at the site, please do not use flashlights, matches, or other white light sources. Dim red lights, used sparingly, are ok. Many astronomical equipment dealers actually sell such red lights intended for night use by amateur astronomers.

Sixth, if you come without a telescope, please park a little further away. This allows amateurs with heavy equipment to park closer, and carry less.

IN THE CONSTELLATION OF SCORPIUS

THE OPEN CLUSTER M7

Seventh, We know it's dark, but be careful where you step. Furthermore, please be careful without using a flashlight. There will be expensive equipment scattered about, and wires powering drives and other equipment on the ground. It might be better if you didn't step on any of that stuff.

Eighth, always ask permission before using someone else's telescope, but don't be afraid to ask. Most amateur astronomers are agreeable, friendly folks. Unless they're aligning their scope or engaged in astrophotography they'll probably be glad to let you have a peek. Remember, we're all proud of our equipment, and one way of manifesting that pride is letting others sample it. One thing, if there's a line at the scope you want to sample, try to be brief.

Ninth, please don't touch any glass optical surface. Besides smudging mirrors and lenses, many of the surfaces have delicate coatings to enhance their abilities. The substances on your fingertips could seriously impair or damage those coatings.

Tenth, and we're going to make this the last, please don't be a litterbug. In all liklihood there are trash receptacles located conveniently at the site. If not, feel free to carry your refuse with you when leaving.

The main thing at star parties, or any other area of amateur astronomy, is to have a good time. We really want you, as your evening ends, to go with a good feeling about the experience, and a desire to do it again.

THE GALAXY

NGC4639 (NASA PIX)