Astronomy Lessons for Beginners

One of the goals of the Fox Valley Astronomical Society is to help educate the public on Amateur Astronomy. Our newsletter is running a Beginner Feature and the articles are contained here. We hope they help you understand the heavens better.

Learn the Constellations | Star Hopping how to articles | General Observing
How do I get Started (External Links) | Using Binoculars

How do I get Started

Astronomy Basics Sky and Telescope Magazine Site)

FVAS Binocular Objects for beginners

The essential concepts in astronomy — the science and the hobby.

Your First Steps in Astronomy: Astronomy doesn't deserve its reputation as a tough, expensive hobby. You just need to start out with the right advice.
Words Ya Gotta Know: Take a few minutes to learn the most important astronomy terms.
Names of the Stars: Confused by the bizarre names that astronomers have given the stars? Here's where they come from and what they mean.
The Stellar Magnitude System: Why do larger numbers mean less light? Here's the story of astronomy's odd but beloved scheme for describing star brightnesses.
Names of Deep-Sky Objects: Expert observer Brian Skiff explains NGC, UGC, and everything in between.
Visual Observing: How to see the wonders of the heavens with your own eyes — with or without a telescope.
Using a Naked-Eye Star Map: Just a couple hours spent learning to read a star map can open up the heavens for a lifetime of exploration.
Star-Finding with a Planisphere: How do you find out what stars are visible tonight? With a planisphere or "star wheel." It's easy!
Using a Map at the Telescope: The essentials of navigating the heavens with a telescope and a star atlas.
The Art of Using a Telescope: Congratulations — you've followed our advice and bought the telescope that's best for you. Now learn how to get the most out of it.
Secrets of Deep-Sky Observing: Here's how to hone your galaxy-hunting skills — and what to expect at the eyepiece.
Telescopes & Binoculars: How to choose, use, and get the most out of your instrument.
Choosing Your First Telescope: A no-nonsense primer to an astronomical rite of passage.
Binoculars: Halfway to a Telescope: All you need to enjoy the wonders of the night sky is a pair of binoculars.
Choosing Binoculars for Stargazing: In less time than it takes to read them, you can perform these tests and judge the value of any binoculars, new or used.
Caring for Optics: When cleaning lenses and mirrors, the most important rule is the doctor's Hippocratic Oath: "First, do no harm."
Beating the Seeing: "Seeing" — the atmospheric quivering that fuzzes out high-power views — is the bane of every telescope user. Here's how to minimize its impact.
Dealing With Dew: How to keep your optics dry and clear even on the dampest, dewiest nights.
Four Infamous Telescope Myths: Here are some plausible-sounding "facts" about telescopes that turn out to be less than true.