There are countless celestial bodies in the night sky that you could be exploring right from your backyard. Basics begin before you even put your eye to a telescope or purchase one for viewing. It starts with learning about the sky, the constellations, and some of the larger objects that you can view without the aid of a telescope.
Learning the Night Sky
You don 't have to purchase a telescope to see the stars. Before you decide on the exact kind you want, whether that 's a refracting or reflecting telescope, you can explore the night sky with your unaided eye. Head into your backyard, spread out a blanket, and spend some time trying to find constellations. When you can point out the North Star or understand where to find the Big Dipper, you 're practicing for when you purchase
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They 'll often hold star parties and other events that will help you learn more. It doesn 't have to be a solitary practice, and you 'll learn plenty from the others in your group. It 's great company, and they 'll have plenty of advice.
Buying a Telescope
After you 've spent some time learning about stars and know that you 're ready, it 's time to start researching telescopes. You 'll want a large aperture, but don 't forget other considerations. Ask yourself questions based on the kind of viewing you 'd like to do. Will you want a telescope that 's easily moveable? Will it be set up permanently in the backyard? Is your child going to have access solo?
Don 't be too concerned with buying the most expensive telescope for your first. Instead, make sure that you 're learning about the sky each time you press your eye to the eyepiece. One of the biggest things you should get out of astronomy is a sense of wonder. When you 're gazing at the Moon, you 're seeing something formed millions and millions of years ago. If you 're searching for distant planets, it will feel as if you 're almost able to touch