Beginner's Guide to Astronomy

Newbie's Picks: Astronomy

Identifying Constellations

Introduction to Constellations

What constellations can be seen in the Spring?

What constellations can be seen in the Summer?

What constellations can be seen in the Fall?

Observing the Planets

Observing the Planets - Introduction

Can I observe the Planets with just my eyes?

Where do I look for the Planets?

When should I look for the Planets?

Star Charts

It's All on the Map

What are star charts?

Where do I go to find star charts?

How do I learn to read them?

Telescopes

Choosing a Telescope

What types of telescopes are there?

What is a refractor?

What is a reflector?

All Astronomy Articles:

• Identifying Constellations: Introduction to Constellations
• Identifying Constellations: What constellations can be seen in the Spring?
• Identifying Constellations: What constellations can be seen in the Summer?
• Identifying Constellations: What constellations can be seen in the Fall?
• Identifying Constellations: What constellations can be seen in the Winter?
• Identifying Constellations: What constellations can be seen all the time?
• Observing the Planets: Observing the Planets - Introduction
• Observing the Planets: Can I observe the Planets with just my eyes?
• Observing the Planets: Where do I look for the Planets?
• Observing the Planets: When should I look for the Planets?
• Observing the Planets: Why do some planets seem to move differently?
• Observing the Planets: How do I distinguish a planet from a star?
• Observing with Your Eyes: Observing with Your Eyes - Introduction
• Observing with Your Eyes: What kind of astronomy can I practice with just my eyes?
• Observing with Your Eyes: When do meteor showers occur?
• Observing with Your Eyes: What causes meteor showers?
• Observing with Your Eyes: Can I see aurora?
• Observing with Your Eyes: What causes aurora?
• Observing with Your Eyes: How do I find information on satellite passes?
• Astronomy Equipment: Astronomy Equipment - Introduction
• Astronomy Equipment: What is the best equipment for a beginner?
• Astronomy Equipment: What is the best equipment for a child?
• Astronomy Equipment: I live in the city, what type of equipment should I choose?
• Astronomy Equipment: I live in a rural area, what type of equipment should I consider?
• Astronomy Equipment: I have to travel to a dark sky site. What type of equipment would be best?
• Binoculars: Choosing Binoculars
• Binoculars: Are all binoculars made the same?
• Binoculars: What type of binoculars is best for astronomy?
• Binoculars: Where should I buy binoculars?
• Binoculars: What should I look for?
• Binoculars: What size and power are best for me?
• Telescopes: Choosing a Telescope
• Telescopes: What types of telescopes are there?
• Telescopes: What is a refractor?
• Telescopes: What is a reflector?
• Telescopes: What is a catadioptric?
• Telescopes: How do I choose a scope that's right for me?
• Telescopes: Where do I go to purchase a telescope?
• Binocular & Telescope Mounts: A Mount for Your Telescope or Binoculars
• Binocular & Telescope Mounts: What is a binocular mount?
• Binocular & Telescope Mounts: What is an equatorial mount?
• Binocular & Telescope Mounts: What is a dobsonian mount?
• Binocular & Telescope Mounts: What is an altazimuth mount?
• Binocular & Telescope Mounts: What's the best mount for me?
• Adding Equipment: Adding Equipment - Introduction
• Adding Equipment: What type of equipment do I really need?
• Adding Equipment: What are the facts about eyepieces?
• Adding Equipment: What is a barlow lens?
• Adding Equipment: Do I need special filters?
• Adding Equipment: How can I observe the Sun safely?
• Choosing an Observing Site: Introduction
• Choosing an Observing Site: Why is it important to get away from the light?
• Choosing an Observing Site: I don't have dark skies. Can I still observe?
• Choosing an Observing Site: What should I look for in an observing site?
• Choosing an Observing Site: How do I judge sky conditions from my site?
• Choosing an Observing Site: Where can I go to find a safe, dark place to observe?
• Star Charts: It's All on the Map
• Star Charts: What are star charts?
• Star Charts: Where do I go to find star charts?
• Star Charts: How do I learn to read them?
• Star Charts: How do I translate the maps to what I can see in the sky?
• Star Charts: Are there maps for the Moon and planets?
• What You Can See: An Introduction to What You Can See
• What You Can See: What does the Moon look like?
• What You Can See: What details can I see on planets?
• What You Can See: What are double stars and what will I see?
• What You Can See: What is an open cluster and what will I see?
• What You Can See: What is a globular cluster and what will I see?
• What You Can See: What is a nebula and what will I see?
• What You Can See: What is a galaxy and what will I see?
• Some Sky Savvy: Sky Savvy - Introduction
• Some Sky Savvy: Why can't I find a certain object when I know it's there?
• Some Sky Savvy: Why should I take notes?
• Some Sky Savvy: Why should I keep on trying?
• Some Sky Savvy: Where do I go for help?
• Some Sky Savvy: What are the rewards of the hobby of astronomy?
• Learning the Night Sky: Are the stars always the same?
• Learning the Night Sky: What path do the planets take across the sky?
• Learning the Night Sky: What path do the Moon and Sun take across the sky?
• Learning the Night Sky: Why does the Moon have phases?
• Learning the Night Sky: Introduction to the Night Sky
• Newbie's Picks: Telescopes
• Newbie's Picks: Star Charts
• Newbie's Picks: Observing the Planets
• Newbie's Picks: Identifying Constellations