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Telescopes
If you are considering purchasing a telescope and are not sure what type to get take a look at our intro to telescopes section.

Astronomy Books
There are a number of books you can look at weather you ar just starting out os are an avid armature astronomer.
 
What is Light Pollution? About
'astro-observer.com' is dedicated to providing usefull information for individuals interested in astronomy. While the main focus of this site is on visual observing, it includes plenty of other information about the cosmos. Whether you are a beginner or advanced observer there is plenty here for you to look at. Use the menu above to navigate this site. Please let us know if you have any suggestions.
Winter Objects
Try to find these objects with your telescope.
Easy
  M45 - Pleades (Seven Sisters)
    In the east near Perseus and Taurus
  M31 - Andromeda Galaxy
    Directly over head near the great square of the constellation Andromeda
  NGC-869 - Perseus Double Cluster
    Between Perseus and Cassiopeia
  M42 - Orion Nebula
    You need to say up late in December to see this. Orion come up around 8:30PM and gets high enough for viewing aroung 11PM
Medium
  M52 - Open Cluster (Scorpoin)
    Near Cassiopeia
  M39 - Open Cluster
    Between Cygnus and Lacerta
Hard
  M33 -Triangulum Galaxy
  Blue Snowball
   


 

Go get your telescope!
Saturn is at opposition Feb-Mar 2008
Saturn
Saturn will be at opposition on Feb 24 2008. This is the best time to view Saturn which is certainly the most exciting object to view through a telescope. Opposition is when Saturn will be closest to the earth as both planets travel around the sun. Saturn will also be visible the entire night. Saturn will rise at sunset and set at sunrise.

To find Saturn look for Regulus the brightest star in the constellation Leo. "How do I find Leo" you ask. Just after sunset, Leo will be rising in the east. Leo's head looks like a question mark and Regulus is the dot at the bottom of the question mark. To find Saturn, look for a bright yellowish "star" to the left of Regulus. That is actually not a star, it is Saturn.

When looking at a plantet, or any other object, through a telescope it will look better if you wait until it is high up in the sky. Thats because there is less of the earths atmosphere distorting your view. After about 10:00 PM Saturn will be in a good postion to see a clear image. Saturn will look even better

While you are out there there are a few other objects to look at. Set the winter objects list to the left.


Getting Started (for budding astronomers)
Telescopes
If you are considering purchasing a telescope and are not sure what type to get take a look at our intro to telescopes section.

Observing Basics
If you are considering a night out observing, here are some tips that can help make sure you night goes well.

Star Parties
Here is a list of star parties. These events consist of lectures, demonstrations, equipment swaps, and plenty of observing.
 
Night Sky Objects
Here is a list of interesting object to look at. Also found here are links to challenge lists.


Books
There are a number of books you can look at weather you ar just starting out os are an avid armature astronomer.

LIght Pollution
Light pollution is one of the fastest growing forms of pollution. The stars of night sky are quickly disappearing due to indiscriminate lighting.
     
   
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