Infinitessimal

[Infinitessimal]

Joined this day.

Green as a crab apple.

Before jumping into space with a basuka, I am interested in celestial navigation, and get some basic maps/tips for star identification.
Where would I begin ?

Infinitessimal

[Alchemy]

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=1878

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=6323

[Robh]

I would start with a Planisphere. It will show you what stars and major objects are in the sky for any day of the year and hour of the night. BINTEL sells several varieties, which you can by online.

Regards, Rob

[mill]

Or get Cartes du ciel for free.
http://www.stargazing.net/astropc/
Sorry Bintel :)

[The_Cat]

Hello Infinitesimal,

This is my first post also.

Celestial Navigation? Can't go past "Pocket Stars"

The_Cat

[charsiubau]

I found the book A Walk through Southern Skies by Heifetz and Tirion really useful for learning my way around.

[Roobi]

have a go at stellarium, free download. Great program to begin learning where things are and helps for planning the nights ahead.

:)

[RobF]

Binocs and freeware is a great place to start. Aim to learn the main constellations and names of the brightest stars. Cruise some clusters, find a comet if you can. Every astronomer should have access to a pair of decent binocs, before you need worry about which scope to buy.

Read up all you can here to see what interests you.

Try to get meet up with some other IIS'ers - have a look at the Forum area for "Stars Parties, Club and Community Events" to see if you can find something within driving distance. Most new moon is there is someone hosting something.....;)
Great place to check out gear, ask questions, learn what there is to see and do....

And Welcome too Infintessimal :welcome:

[Suzy]

:welcome: Everything they said! :thumbsup: :)
I too have the book, "A Walk Through The Southern Skies" - great learning book! :thumbsup: