Mother-daughter skywatchers need a boost!

[indradawn]

Hi, Everyone!

I have not been a member for terribly long, but long enough to find out that there are many knowledgeable people who contribute to this site.  Surely one of you could be of some help in pointing a couple of beginners to some introductory material that would aid in getting us started in this fascinating field.  For us, with a lot of love for the heavens but not a lot of knowledge, the internet can be a bit daunting due to the sheer volume of information out there.  And you guys are WAY over our heads!

But we would like to change that. 

So where do a couple of skywatchers start?

I seem to remember someone on the guestbook referring to a book which Dr. Clay had written; no title or other information was provided by the poster.  Would this be helpful to us?  Even a website, or several of them, with some basic (and I do mean BASIC) information, would be great.  I would eventually like to purchase some decent equipment, but wouldn't know where to begin there, either.

We appreciate any help someone may offer.  Thanks so much!

Indra (and Erica)

[lindendave]

Indra (and Erica),

Welcome to ASO!

Although Doc Clay is my most favorite person on planet earth I think there might be better choices for starting out. One of the best beginner books I know of is Night Watch by Terrance Dickinson;

http://tinyurl.com/2uf5t8

You could also browse a few of the links from Google I came up with;

http://beginnersguide.com/astronomy/
http://tinyurl.com/2l9fxa

I do highly recommend the book, Night Watch!

I'm sure that some of the other regulars here will also chime in with some helpful information.

[Ron]

Indra & Erica,

Looks like you got started by watching the Perseid's back in August and there is another Meteor Shower coming up this month.

I still consider myself a newbie and I got started by watching the Leonids back in 2001 and have been looking up ever since

One of my favorite places to get information is from this web site, ASO. and  the ASO Forums.  If a specific question can't be answered by a member they always seem to be able to point you in the right direction.

Another site I like is http://www.skyandtelescope.com/letsgo a lot of good information for just starting out.

I would definitely start with a good pair of binoculars and a star chart and learn my way around the night sky.  Also, if you have digital camera that can take a timed exposure, just go out and take a few pictures of the sky and then study them on the computer and see if you can pick out different constellations and brightest stars that can be found from your sky chart.  I started out using this one http://www.skymaps.com/  It turned out to be an exciting game just to be able to identify the stars and constellations from just using the digital pictures from the camera, and star charts and star programs I found on the internet.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

Ron

[dsnay]

Hi,

Even before you get NightWatch, which I also recommend, I'd suggest "The Stars, A New Way to See Them" by H. A. Rey (that's right, the Curious George author).

This will help you identify constellations very quickly. Then I'd suggest getting NightWatch and maybe a pair of small binoculars (7x35) if you don't already have them. Then I'd suggest you get outside and enjoy the view, learn your way around the night sky with the binocs. NightWatch has some great guides to finding things that are binocular friendly.

Once you're familiar with what's up there that you can find with your eyes and binoculars, then you can think about a telescope. At least that's the path I'd suggest.

Dave

[indradawn]

Just wanted to stop by and tell you guys how much I appreciate the info.  I think you've given us a great place to start, with information that is basic enough for my daughter and I to explore together.  I had a feeling that you would point us in the right direction!  I'm ordering both of the recommended books, and we'll be visiting the websites (as well as ASO!) regularly.

So glad I found this site.  Thank you all kindly for your replies and suggestions, and for helping me spark a love of astronomy and science in my daughter.

Indra

[lindendave]

Indra,

You will find nothing but friendly and helpful folks here at ASO so stop by any time, we have lots of opinions! 

[rkbrook]

Indradawn, welcome to the site. I cannot emphasis enough the importance of learning the constellations. There are many basic planetarium programs out there that will give you a basic feel for things. One is winstars. You should be able to find it on the internet. But before you can churn out spactaclular images as the others do on this site satisfy yourself, as I did and am still doing, by learning the constellations. And, the astronomical magazine websites such as Sky & Telescope have many resources for beginners that are useful. When my wife first bought me my telescope a woman I know bought me one of those little kids books that they sell at the check out counters for a present. That was five years ago and I still have it and refer to it now and again for it's basics and simplicity. I'll dig around and find you some other resources.

[Brian W]

my wife and I were in the back yard with binoculars and Myra said to me what is that fuzzy spot? I did not know so i started web searching. here is a list of resources that we have found helpful. (1) Stellarium software (just type in Stellarium in search and go to their home page) will show you what can be seen with a 4" or bigger scope from a reasonably dark site. (2) Celestia is an educational program that is down loadable that will put you into the cockpit of your personal space ship and take you through the universe in a fun and educational way. (3) the Hubble telescope site has a lot of really good and basic educational material.

the 2 down loads are free and believe me when I say that they were not above us and they will not be above you. If there is an astronomy club nearby you could give them a call. Do you have a university or college nearby that teaches astronomy and has a planetarium or visitors night.

as for what equipment to buy... good binoculars will show you a lot. (not an arguable point) Any reasonable quality telescope of 4" or up will show you a lot from a dark site. Most of the mid range scopes are manufactured by two outfits and the various sellers put their own name on them.  About half the cost of a telescope is in the mount. My suggestion would be to go with a 6" DOB mounted reflector. it will show you a lot, it is low priced (under $400.00 US) and is simple to use. The other end of the scale would be a 6" goto Nexstar sold by Celestron. more expensive ($1000.00 US) and more complicated to use but it is an excellent scope.

DO NOT BUY A DRUGSTORE TELESCOPE. they are cheaper in all senses of the word and will just give you frustration.

Finally i do not have a direct line to the astronomy gods so please realize that others will have different opinions and advice. (especially about equipment) Nevertheless I have never heard anything bad said about the downloads I have recommended.
Brian