Sky and Telescope

Did you know you can see a galaxy 2½ million light-years away with your unaided eyes? Craters on the Moon with binoculars? Countless wonders await you any clear night. The first step is simply to look up and ask, "What's that?" When you do, you're taking the first step toward a lifetime of cosmic exploration and enjoyment.

But what, exactly, comes next? Too many newcomers to astronomy get lost in dead ends and quit in frustration. It shouldn't be that way.

What advice would help beginners the most? A while ago, the Sky & Telescope editors got together to brainstorm this question. Pooling thoughts from more than 100 years of collective experience answering the phones and mail, we came up with the following pointers to help newcomers past the most common pitfalls and onto the route to success.

Sky and Telescope