what do i do!

[drunkenbozo]

hi, im new to the astronomy scene. im just wondering what i have to "do" exactly to get started? i don't own a telescope and i wouldn't know what to be looking at if i did have one (the stars would be an obvious place to look :P)

any help is appreciated :)

[shelltree]

Hi Matt, welcome to IIS! :)

As a beginner as well I would suggest buying some star maps and simply looking up at the sky and trying to pin point the constellations and some of the main stars. I started by taking out my Dad's binoculars and looking around the constellations I knew then referring back to Stellarium (http://www.stellarium.org/) and it's free!

I see you also live quite close to me so you could always check out the South East Queensland Astronomical Society as they have an "Urban Observers" night at Indooroopilly High School on the first Sunday of every month (the next one will be the 7th of November, pending weather) and one at Bracken Ridge on the 17th of October http://www.seqas.org/.

There is also the Brisbane Astronomical Society who have public viewing nights at Mt. Coot-tha Lookout where you can have a look through other people's scopes at the moon and planets. The next one is next Saturday night at 7pm http://www.bas.asn.au/.

Other than that, just read everything you can find and enjoy! Hope this has helped, even though I'm just a beginner myself :)

Shelley

[Liz]

Welcome to IIS Matt :hi:

Shelley's advice is spot on. :thumbsup:

[jjjnettie]

Hi Matt, welcome to IIS!
Sky and Telescope magazine have a beaut all sky map that's ideal for beginners. Just hold the map over your head and line up the constellations.
There's some of the brighter Deep Sky Objects (DSO's) to hunt down too.
Binoculars are great, there's so much you can see with them. It's a rare night that I don't have mine out.

[Suzy]

Hi Matt and :welcome:

First up how about you start with the basics and just use your eyes to learn your way around the constellatons. Take it slow - they will always be there. Important though that you at least get to know the brightest stars, as this will help you to hop around the constellations. Know where north, south, east and west are too (of course). I bet in time you will form a personal bond with the sky and upon their seasonal return jump for joy in welcoming them back (okay, I do anyway :screwy:)

Okay, so Let's go shopping! :jump::jump2:

1) A planisphere (around $15 from Bintel, Andrews etc) is a must. It will tell you where the constellations are at any given time and month. Priceless as a learning tool.

2) A couple of basic books...

"A Walk Through The Southern Sky" (by Milton D. Heifetz & Will Tirion), will teach you how find constellations, explain the very interesting mythology behinds them, teach you how to measure distances in the sky, lists of bright stars to help navigate you, etc. It's a very simple and easy to understand book - very important when first starting out. Both Liz and I own and love this book.
http://bookdepository.co.uk/book/9780521689458/A-Walk-Through-the-Southern-Sky
You can also google preview the book on this link.

"The Practical Astronomer" (by Will Gater & Anton Vamplew) is another great introductory book. Full of maps showing objects and accompanied by lots of coloured pics. Covers all the basic to get you started, and then lots to look for and keep you entertained. http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9781405356206/The-Practical-Astronomer (http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9781405356206/The-Practical-Astronomer)
I have seen this book at Borders Books for around $30.

Just a note: Some books may have the maps upside down due to northerly orientation, just turn maps around to suit.

3) Dark adapt your eyes for a good 15 minutes - it will help pop out those fainter stars.

4) Spend a lot of time reading through the brilliant tips in this forum. In particular, the two beginner sections (beginner talk & beginner equipment). Trawl through astronomy books & media section as well - there are loads of recommended books. So, read, read, read. I can't stress that enough. When it comes time to get your scope, you will have much knowledge under your belt, to know what you want in a scope etc.

Enjoy Matt! :)

Kind regards,
Suzy.

[astro_nutt]

Welcome Matt!
Visit the local Library for some brain food!
Cheers!

[Brian W]

Ok basically the same advice with a twist or two.

(1) planetarium software which will show you the sky right above you. Lots of good free programs ready to download.

(2) sit under the stars with a good book (possibly from the library) and get acquainted with your new friend.

(3) DO NOT BUY A CHEAP TELESCOPE FROM A DRUG-STORE

(4) 3 repeated

(5) a dob mounted reflector in the 4.5 to 12" range will show you lots. Your budget will dictate the aperture.

(6) if you cannot get to an astronomy club then this is a great place to ask questions and learn

(7) THIS HOBBY LIKE ANY HOBBY HAS A LEARNING CURVE THE MORE YOU OBSERVE THE BETTER YOU WILL GET AND THE MORE REWARDING IT WILL BECOME

Brian

[OzRob]

I would definitely buy a book to guide you through the stars and give you a bit of background information. Either at about the same time or soon after look at buying some binoculars. That worked for me anyway. I also used planetarium software. Here is a link to one of the free ones often recommended on this forum: Stellarium (http://www.stellarium.org/)

[ZeroID]

I concur with OzRob. Stellarium is excellent ! I use it lots for planning sessions, finding and identifying targets, verifying my hits and just learning heaps more.
Download a few of the updates to get more stars for your money ... for free.

[stattonb]

i agree Stellarium is great and its free :)

[BLiTZWiNG]

I haven't been to Mt Coot-tha yet! I didn't even know we had a society here, but then I haven't exactly checked. I'd love to take my scope but transporting an 8" dob is not exactly childs play (in fact its painful enough just taking it outside).