Astronomy is one of those very rare
sciences in which you do not have to be a professional to participate. Even without
binoculars or a telescope, an amateur astronomer can make a contribution - by observing
meteors, for example. In fact, there is a long tradition of observing the sky for
practical reasons, such as navigation, timekeeping, or calendar making. To get started in
astronomy, it helps to learn your way around the sky and to be able to recognize the stars
of different seasons. A pair of binoculars will reveal more and even all amateurs to make
valuable observations such as monitoring variable stars. With a telescope, the sky
literally is the limit. Some amateur telescopes today are more sophisticated than many of
those used by professionals just a few years back!
We can think of planet Earth as a
giant spaceship speeding through the cosmos. Unfortunately, this spaceship is not an ideal
platform for observing the universe. It spins all the time, so everything seems to move
across the sky in the opposite direction - nothing stays in the same place. The solid
Earth beneath us also blocks out our view. Europeans never see the Southern Cross, while
the star Polaris is always hidden from Australians. What is visible in the sky depends on
the time and a person's location. Conversely, observers can use what is visible in the sky
to reveal time and location.
Have you ever want to study the stars?
Well here's your chance! Below is everything you need to get started and what to look for,
so check out what's inside and be on your way... |
STARGAZING 