Beginning Astronomy?

AnalogBoy asks: "I figure, with the diverse backgrounds offered here on Slashdot, at least 1(,000) of you would have an astronomy background, in some way, shape, or form. I've always had a passing interest in all things space, in particular, i've always been captivated by whats 'out there'. I was wondering if any of youse guys had suggestions on books, programs (Windows or Unix), and especially GOOD telescopes (Sub-$500-range). I've looked through Google, etc - but I want a community opinion! "

Comments

Getting into astronomy

[mmaddox]

Amateur astronomy is an excellent, and quite rewarding, hobby. I've been an amateur astronomer, albeit a serious one, for about 15 years or so. My recommendations for every new astronomer is the same:

• LEARN the sky.

Far too many new astronomers enter into the field by purchasing a poor department store telescope, or conversely, purchasing an expensive instrument far beyond their capabilities and interest. Taking the time to look at the sky with your naked eyes will serve you better if you become serious about astronomy, or if you decide it's just not for you. If you just have to purchase something, check out binocular astronomy. Orion has a wide range of good binoculars for astronomy. Binoculars have a wide, rich field of view, they're extremely portable, and they have uses OTHER than astronomy. The benefits are obvious:

• you'll satisfy your urge to purchase something
• binoculars are extremely portable (most of the time)
• binoculars are good for other things, if your interest in astronomy wanes
• the view through binoculars is often better than that of the best scopes (excepting a few instances)

Good binoculars for astronomy aren't big on power, so avoid getting a big 'X' rating. What you're looking for is aperture (remember, aperture is about light-collection capability; more aperture, brighter images) 10x30 is the smallest binocular you'll find that's useful for astronomy, but an 7x30 can also be fun. 10x50 (~US$200)is about the best all-around binocular for astronomy, but 10x70s (~$300) can be found for reasonable prices these days. Orion has several nice binoculars for good prices.

Buying a telescope is another animal. I strongly recommend learning as much as you can about telescopes before purchasing one (you might even decide to build your own). Check out a book called Star Ware for an excellent description of common astronomical instruments, including a full rundown on scopes. Additionally, I would recommend searching out your local astronomical club. Astronomy clubs are generally filled with interesting people with expensive scopes and lots of good advice. You'll learn more with a club than though any other venue, and you'll get a chance to peer through those sexy scopes your wallet burns to purchase...BEFORE you buy one and have to live with it.

If you actually purchase a scope, my own preferences lean toward the Dobsonian Newtonian. (A Newtonian reflector on a Dobson mount) These things are easy on the pocketbook, have enormous apertures, and really let the beginner learn the ropes of astronomy before becoming encumbered with the automatic push-a-button-see-a-star stuff that Meade wants to sell you. You'll find lots of good stuff at Orion in the range of $300 to $500 - their 6" Skyquest Dob is currently $349. Having owned the first version of this scope, the Deep Space Explorer, I recommend this scope wholeheartedly for a first scope. Buy this and spend the rest on eyepieces (a subject I shan't broach) for a really fun scope that will serve you for years. It's portable (sorta bulky, but portable), big, clean, and perfect to get your feet wet.

Feel free to contact me if you have questions. I have LOTS of opinions that I generally dole out for free. :) Have fun!