
The Northwoods Explorers
of Space and Astronomy
Getting Started in Astronomy
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If you wish to learn more about finding your way around the sky, here are a few suggestions to get you started.
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1. Here is a website that covers just about everything about Space from Universe Today. There are many easy-to-understand topics, from our Solar System to the Universe, including lists of great scientists, astronomers, space missions, and more:
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​2. Swinburne University Cosmos Astronomy Encylopedia. Astronomy topics written by research astronomers. Free.
Swinburne Cosmos Astronomy Encyclopedia
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3. Here are a few videos to learn more about the tools and accessories used to observe the night sky. They are from Ed Ting, who is a great writer and reviewer.
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In Part 1, Ed talks about selecting astronomy guides and what makes a good set of binoculars for stargazing. In Part 2 he covers beginning telescopes. The last video is 7 common mistakes that amateur astronomers make. But before you ever think of buying anything we hope you can visit a star party to see what works. (Also, soon, we will have a loaner telescope program.)
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Each video opens with an ad but you can click "Skip Ads" after a couple of seconds.
Beginning Amateur Astronomy Part 1 ( 14 minutes)
Beginning Amateur Astronomy Part 2 ( 18 Minutes )
Last, common beginner mistakes (#1 is the most important!)
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4. One of the best ways to get started is to attend a starparty. Wherever you are you there's usually one near you. Check the nationwide calendar of events at NASA's Night Sky Network.
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Here are a few handouts that can be useful:
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Can you see the Flag on the Moon?
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Is it possible to stand still?
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Also checkout NASA's SpacePlace
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For Further Study:
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Astronomy Textbook – A free, open source Introductory textbook to Astronomy from OpenStax
Astronomy timeline – A very concise history of Astronomy
Astronomy MOOCs – A list of open courses in Astronomy
Astronomy courses – A compilation of MOOCs
Crash Course Astronomy videos – If you are new to Astronomy and short on time, these youtube videos offer a good start
Silicon Valley Astronomy lectures – Audio and video of well-known scientists explaining astronomical developments in everyday language.
Astronomy lectures – Videos of an Introduction to Astronomy course
Frontiers in Astrophysics – Video lectures from Yale university
Astronomy video – Introduction to Astronomy videos from Starship Asterisk forum
Solar System Astronomy – An introduction to solar system Astronomy by Ohio state (lectures, audio)
Astronomy notes – Introduction to Astronomy notes, recorded lectures, and practice tests from University of Northern Iowa
Mike Eracleous’s teaching page -at Penn State University
Intech open Science – Free, Open Access Books in Physical Sciences, Engineering, Technology etc
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