Re: getting started

BDB wrote:
I am new to astronomy and to get started I would like to just learn what some
of the objects are that I can see with my naked eye. Can anyone recommend a
website (or a book if no such websites exist) which describes the most obvious
items in the night sky and how to locate them, without getting lost in other
topics. 

Hi BDB,

The first step is learning your way around the constellations. I'd recommend going to http://skyandtelescope.com/resources/organizations/ and finding your local astronomy club. They will have public nights when you can go and visit with members, look through scopes and generally have a good time. But most important, they will show you how to find your way around the sky by recognizing a few key constellations. Once you have those key constellations down, you will be able to find your way to others from a map.

You may also be able to borrow a loaner scope from the club. Or you may find a great deal on a pair of binoculars. From there, Exploring the Sky or Exploring the Moon Through Binoculars are good books.

Let me also invite you to the Lunar Observing Group. We have great discussions and a lot of people who enjoy helping others get started observing. Also, Dr Wood will be our special guest this Thursday night, October 20 at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (US), for 60-90 minutes. He will field questions from anyone in the group. Dr Wood is the Lunar Columnist at Sky and Telescope magazine.

Clear Skies

Chuck Taylor
*********************************************
Do you observe the moon? If so, try
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lunar-observing/

If you enjoy optics, try
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ATM_Optics_Software/
*********************************************

.

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