These observing tips will help you get started.

These observing tips will help you get started.

Astronomy Magazine Free downloads
•    Observing The Night Sky for Beginners - Observing the night sky is a fun and easy activity that anyone can do, but getting started can be daunting for beginners.
https://www.astronomy.com/observing/observing-the-night-sky-for-beginners/

 
•    Astrophotography for Beginners - How to take pictures of the planets, stars, moons, and more!
https://www.astronomy.com/observing/astrophotography-for-beginners/

 
•    Your Guide to the Moon - Moon-watching tips, plus information on the various phases of the moon.
https://www.astronomy.com/observing/your-guide-to-the-moon/

 
•    Viewing the Night Sky through Binoculars - Tips on purchasing and using binoculars so you can explore the solar system.
https://www.astronomy.com/observing/viewing-the-night-sky-through-binoculars/

Sky & Telescope Magazine Free Downloads

•    How To Get Started with that New Telescope - How to start successfully with your new telescope — a guide to what you need to know, how to set it up, and things you can start finding with it in tonight’s sky.
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-resources/stargazing-basics/get-started-with-that-new-holiday-telescope/

 
•    New Resource for Exploring All 88 Constellations - If you’d like to roam the entire celestial sphere virtually, check out a new collection of downloadable high-resolution images of all 88 constellations.
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/new-resource-for-exploring-all-88-constellations/

 
•    Visual Observing vs. Smart Telescopes — Finding Harmony. The latest smartscope astrophotography craze opens the door to some incredible opportunities for both beginners and seasoned observers.
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/visual-observing-vs-smart-telescopes-finding-harmony/

 
•    Astronomy for Beginners: How to Get Started in Backyard Astronomy - Astronomy doesn’t deserve its reputation as a tough, expensive hobby. You just need to begin with the right advice.
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-resources/stargazing-basics/how-to-start-right-in-astronomy/

 
•    How to Choose a Telescope - The incredible variety of telescopes presents a real challenge for first-time buyers. Here's a no-nonsense primer to an astronomical rite of passage.
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-equipment/how-to-choose-a-telescope/

 
•    Hobby Killers: What Telescopes Not to Buy - Here’s how to avoid buying an expensive doorstop.
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-equipment/choosing-astronomy-equipment/hobby-killers-what-telescopes-not-to-buy/

•    How to Choose Your First Telescope - Here's a quick guide to the essential features that you should look for when buying your first telescope.
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-equipment/choosing-astronomy-equipment/telescopes/types-of-telescopes/

 
•    Binoculars for Astronomy: Ultimate Guide to Selecting and Buying - Ordinary binoculars are your ideal "first telescope." And they're so versatile that even seasoned stargazers find them indispensable.
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-equipment/binoculars-for-astronomy/

 
•    What to Know Before Buying a Telescope - Looking through a telescope introduces you to a whole new world of unexpected wonders. But telescopes come in a huge range of sizes and shapes. Here's a detailed, printable guide to the essential features that every good scope needs to have.
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/what-to-know-before-buying-a-telescope/

 
•    The Joy of Small Instruments - No photograph can compare with the experience of viewing Saturn directly — something that's possible with even the smallest telescopes
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-blogs/the-joy-of-small-instruments/

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•    Tools for Stargazing - Learn how to get the most out of your binoculars, telescope, and more.
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-resources/tools-for-stargazing/

 
•    Top 10 Telescope Questions & Answers on How to Use a Telescope - Here are common questions about telescopes culled from an expert’s mailbag.
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-equipment/10-top-telescope-questions/

 
•    Observing from the City - With the stars increasing being lost amid the light pollution of our urban areas, is there no hope for an astronomer in the city? Fortunately, there's still a lot of observing that can be done.
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-equipment/observing-from-the-city/

Other Links
•    Heavens-Above - The web site is dedicated to helping people observe and track satellites orbiting the Earth without the need for optical equipment such as binoculars or telescopes. It provides detailed star charts showing the trajectory of the satellites against the background of the stars as seen during a pass. Special attention is paid to the ISS, Starlink satellites, and others. 
https://www.heavens-above.com

 
•    Skymaps.com - Go to skymaps.com for a free download of this month’s map of the night sky. These maps also contain lists of monthly astronomical events and viewing objects
https://skymaps.com/downloads.html

Go to skymaps.com for a free download of this month’s map of the night sky. These maps also contain lists of monthly astronomical events and viewing objects

Go to our Observing Programs page for more information on objects to view.