VISIT AN OBSERVATORY

QUESTION: Why shouldn't I just buy a telescope, set it up in my back yard, and start observing?

observing terms

 

ANSWER: You can, but the results will probably not measure up to your expectations!

 

Before purchasing observing equipment, doing preliminary research is recommended by many amateur astronomers. Following are suggestions about where and how to start:

  • Visit a local observatory. The Astronomical Society of Kansas City offers two observatories in the Kansas City area for non-members - Powell Observatory north of Louisburg, Kansas and the Warkoczewski Observatory on the UMKC campus.

  • Become a member of a local astronomy club. There you can talk with others about all the different aspects of amateur astronomy like equipment, observing, etc. You can join observer groups, attend beginner's courses etc. In the Kansas City area, ASKC holds monthly meetings that present various topics relating to astronomy as well as allowing time before and after meetings to ask questions as you interact with ASKC members. Also, an hour prior to the meeting, Astronomy 101 is offered with the goal of providing basic information to those new to astronomy. Both of these meetings are open to the public - additional information can be found here.

  • Subscribe to an amateur astronomy magazine such as Astronomy, or Sky and Telescope, both of which have observing tips, equipment tests, book and software reviews, links to astronomy websites etc. Members of ASKC can take advantage of discounted subscription rates.

  • Join one or more Internet discussion groups and forums ASKC has a Yahoo Group that is open to all ASKC members. Its an area where ASKC members can share their observing experiences, discuss the pros and cons of observing equipment, and share astrophotos taken by members, In addition to the ASKC group, There are hundreds of groups concerning amateur astronomy, but all with there own field of interest.

  • Browse through the Internet. There are thousands of web sites concerning astronomy. A good place to start is the ASKC astronomy link page. There are also some organizations with very informative websites that you should visit: The Astronomical League, The Society for Popular Astronomy and NASA (special sections for kids, students and educators).