|
Adapted from Sky & Telescope, 1994,
February, 48. |
HOW TO START OUT IN
ASTRONOMY? These suggestions were taken from MacRobert's
article and are presented in abbreviated form.
1. Ransack your public library. "Astronomy
is a learning hobby ... self-education is something you do yourslef, with books,
usinf the library."
2. Learn the sky with the naked eye. "Astronomy
is an outdoor nature hobby. Go into the night and learn the starry names and
patterns overhead."
3. Don't rush to buy a telescope. "To
put a telescope to rewarding use, you first need to know the sky as seen with
the naked eye, be able to find things among the stars with sky charts, know
something of what a telescope will and will not do, and know enough about the
objects you're seeking to recognize and appreciate them."
4. Start with binoculars. Ease of use, cost
and performance make binoculars the ideal 'first telescope'.
5. Get serious about map and guidebooks. "A
sailor of the seas needs top-notch charts, and so does a sailor of the stars.
Fine maps bring the fascination of hunting out faint secrets in hidden sky
realms. Many reference books describe what's to be hunted and the nature of the
objects you find. Moreover, the skills you'll develop using maps and reference
books wth binoculars are exactly the skills you'll need to put a telescope to
good use."
6. Find other amateurs. "Self-education
is fine as far as it goes, but there's nothing like sharing an interest with
others."
7. When it's time for a telescope, plunge in deep.
Don't skimp on quality. "The telescope you want has two essentials. One is
a solid, steady, smoothly working mount. The other is high-quality optics ...
You may also want large aperture (size), but don't forget portability and
convenience."
8. Lose your ego. "Astronomy teaches
patience and humility - and you'd better be prepared to learn them ... The
universe will not bend to your wishes; you must take it on its own terms. ...
Most objects within reach of any telescope, no matter how large or small it is,
are barely within reach. Most of the time you'll be hunting for things that
appear very dim, small, or both. If flashy visuals are what you're after, go
watch TV."
9. Relax and have fun. "Part of losing
your ego is not getting upset at your telescope because it's less than perfect.
Perfection doesn't exist, no matter what you paid. Don't be compulsive about
cleaning lenses and mirrors or the organization of your observing notebook ...
Amateur astronomy should be calming and fun. If you find yourself getting wound
up over your eyepiece's aberrations or Pluto's invisibility, take a deep breath
and remember that you're doing this because you enjoy it. Take it as fast or as
slow, as intense or as easy, as is right for you." |
