Southern Georgia Astronomers

Easy Things To Do In Astronomy

People often think that Astronomy is a difficult subject to learn and lots of expensive equipment is needed. In many ways this is true - but not always. If a person wanted to study background radiation in space, black holes, or measure the mass of exosolar systems, then expensive equipment would likely be needed. But to watch a lunar eclipse or a meteor shower, observe Messier Objects, see the rings of Saturn, or learn to name the constellations or stars within them - no fancy equipment is needed. The Pioneers of Astronomy used the simplest of equipment, and an amateur astronomer can spend the rest of his/her life watching the skies with a simple 4.5" reflecting telescope on a decent mount. Of course a 16" light bucket would show much more detail of these objects, but we must work with what we can handle and afford.

Below is a list of Easy Things To Do In Astronomy.

A work in progress!!

Constellation Identification -

Star Identification -

Planet Identification -

Messier Objects -

Meteor Showers -

Important things to know about your telescope:

Polar alignment -

Eyepieces -

Finder scope -

Barlow's -

Cleaning Optics -

Collimating -

Last modified 02/27/2008 07:45 PM -0500

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