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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Guide to Space

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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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Moon Map

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Can you see the Flag on the Moon?

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The Scale of our Solar System

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Lives of Stars

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Meteor Showers

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How Telescopes Work

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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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