If you are starting out with a telescope or a set of binoculars for astronomy, and wanting to find your way around the night sky, you might come across astronomy terms you’ve never heard before. So, I’ve compiled the following to help. What is astronomy? Astronomy is “the scientific study of all objects in space” 1 or otherwise defined as “the … Read more
This guide will introduce you to what you get in telescopes under 100 dollars, which are options considered by the budget-conscious and for inquisitive kids to start stargazing. Here’s a checklist for buying budget-friendly telescopes for kids: Remember to keep safety in mind and always supervise kids when using telescopes. Happy stargazing! #1. Celestron 80mm … Read more
If you’re looking to get away from the light pollution there are several dark sky places to enjoy the ultimate stargazing experience. Here are some fantastic options for you, including those said to be the darkest places on Earth to experience the best night sky viewing. Where are the darkest places on Earth to stargaze? … Read more
Fascinating phenomena are happening above us every night. From shimmering auroras to mysterious black holes, join me as I cover 25 fascinating astronomy facts about the night sky to enhance your cosmic viewing and leave you starstruck. These will expand your understanding and spark intrigue for when you start stargazing.
You might have this cheap refractor you bought or were given as an intro to astronomy. These types are fun for looking at the moon and planets. But you’ll find the tripod is not up to scratch and it makes sense to consider upgrading. Here’s how to fix a flimsy tripod and what to know… … Read more
Conjunctions in astronomy happen frequently. The rarer ones are interesting and worth getting out and observing. It’s a way to acquaint yourself with the night sky as a beginner. Not all conjunctions are the same and if you’re a beginner here’s what to know about the meaning of conjunctions in astronomy… Key takeaway about the … Read more
Is Mercury visible through my telescope? What can I see of Mercury? It is the smallest planet in our solar system and the closest to our Sun. Here’s what to know about seeing Mercury through a telescope, binoculars, or with the naked-eye. When is Mercury visible? What does Mercury look like through a telescope? To … Read more
You might be wondering what magnification works best for getting a close-up of Mars and what features you’re likely to see? Polar caps, moons? You know how Mars is the red planet but what and how can you see beyond a red disk? Let’s dive in… A bit about Mars: Mars has an apparent magnitude … Read more
Are you observing Jupiter’s moons or aiming to, and are wondering which moon is which? Here I explain how to identify Jupiter’s moons and some other helpful info about what to expect and what to look for when viewing these standouts. Jupiter’s satellites how many? Jupiter’s satellites number 79. But, most are too faint for … Read more
What coordinate system is used in astronomy? How do you decipher these celestial points to locate an object with your telescope? What do all these different terms mean? It can be confusing when you’re starting out. Here I look at what you need to know about sky coordinate systems, what they mean, and how to … Read more