Observing Basics

Having trouble finding your way around the night sky? Curious what that celestial object is? Here’s what you need to know to get outside and start observing.

Astronomy for beginners, Astrophotography, Observing Basics, Solar System

Beginner’s guide: How to photograph comets

My first image of the Lagoon Nebula (M8) was effectively zoomed in so far that the object looked nothing like a lagoon. It was taken with a Nikon D3100 on my Celestron 8-inch SCT, with an exposure time of 30 seconds at ISO 3200.

Astrophotography, Observing Basics

How to choose the right focal length for your astrophotos

Observing, Observing Basics

Why aren’t the constellations always drawn the same way?

Orion Nebula

Observing, Observing Basics

How do light pollution filters work?

I captured the Eagle Nebula (M16) at the 2019 Texas Star Party using a borrowed SBIG STF-8300M and Baader 8nm Hα/OIII/SII filters on my Takahashi FSQ106N. Recognize those pillars at the center?

Astrophotography, Observing Basics

How to take Hubble-like photos: Filters and post-processing guide

Never look directly at the Sun unless you wear proper eye protection, like this picture of astronauts in Washington DC with eclipse glasses.

Observing, Observing Basics, The Sun

Some of the the science behind why you should never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection

NGC 4565, the Needle Galaxy, was imaged with a ZWO ASI294MC Pro on a Takahashi FSQ-106N with 18 hours and 50 minutes of exposure.

Deep-Sky Objects, Observing Basics

Here are a few targets Messier missed that are worth a visit

Observing, Observing Basics, Telescopes and Equipment

10 great telescopes to use in the city or any place with lots of light

Saturn, post-processed in PixInsight. Credit: Molly Wakeling

Observing Basics

Observing Basics: How you can take sharp pictures of the planets

Mercury, shown in an enhanced-color image from NASA’s Messenger probe. Credit: NASA / JHU Applied Physics Lab / Carnegie Inst. Washington

Astronomy for beginners, Observing, Observing Basics, Planets

How to observe planets with a small telescope

This map shows the night sky at different times in December, January, and February. Credit: Astronomy: Roen Kelly

Observing, Observing Basics

Learn the constellations

Stunning celestial sights such as the Milky Way under clear skies require absolutely zero magnification at all.

Observing Basics

Strange Universe: Zero-power love affair

Popular Observing Topics

Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.

The Sun

Safely observing the Sun can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Credit: Ted Hauter.

The Moon

Our nearest celestial neighbor provides many great sights.

Planets

Targeting our solar system’s other worlds is well worth the effort.

Credit: Tony Hallas.

Deep-Sky Objects

Nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies are the night sky’s hidden gems.

Credit: Celestron.

Telescopes & Equipment

Explore the tools that can help you unlock the night sky.

Credit: Peter Michaud, Gemini Observatory.

Astrophotography

Capturing great celestial sights is both an art and a skill.

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