Complete beginner to the hobby

For people new to astronomy who want to ask those questions that they were afraid to ask. Receive helpful answers here.
Post Reply
Tenkuru
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2014 5:50 pm

Complete beginner to the hobby

Post by Tenkuru »

Hi everyone,

As stated in the title, I'm a complete beginner to astronomy and I would love to have some tips on how to get started. I visited the "FAQ for Beginners" thread, but the links seem to be broken. I browsed the net for some information, but advice from the locals would be very much appreciated.

Some questions that I have in mind are:
-How do I get started on astronomy without feeling overwhelmed/lost?
-What are some places in Singapore that is suitable for stargazing?
-What are some useful resources/accessories that I need?
-Do I use the northern or southern hemisphere's star chart?

Thanks in advance!
User avatar
Mariner
Posts: 548
Joined: Thu Apr 19, 2012 11:18 pm
Favourite scope: Non as of now
Location: Terra Firma

Re: Complete beginner to the hobby

Post by Mariner »

Tenkuru wrote:Hi everyone,

As stated in the title, I'm a complete beginner to astronomy and I would love to have some tips on how to get started. I visited the "FAQ for Beginners" thread, but the links seem to be broken. I browsed the net for some information, but advice from the locals would be very much appreciated.

Some questions that I have in mind are:
-How do I get started on astronomy without feeling overwhelmed/lost?
You've come to the right place young padawan.
-What are some places in Singapore that is suitable for stargazing?
Everywhere where the sky is visible. But the darker it is, the less obstructed, the better.
-What are some useful resources/accessories that I need?
For starters, a good star map/app and a good pair of binoculars is good enough. A veteran is the best accessory if you can find one.
-Do I use the northern or southern hemisphere's star chart?
That's the beauty of living at the equator. You can use both!

Thanks in advance!
OCULARHOLIC ANONYMOUS!!!
Keep Calm and Carry on Observing.
User avatar
Airconvent
Super Moderator
Posts: 5784
Joined: Tue Sep 30, 2003 11:49 pm
Location: United Federation of the Planets

Re: Complete beginner to the hobby

Post by Airconvent »

Hi Tenkuru
Welcome to Singastro. I would recommend the book "The Backyard Astronomer's Guide" as the book to read as it encompasses most of the stuff you need to know to get started. Of courses, do join in all our obs sessions that are organized periodically at Toa Payoh, Bishan Park and Admiralty (Galaxy) CC amongst others. There's one organised by Remus in January at ECP.
BTW, do report any bad links that you come across and we will help to clean them up. I myself loaded quite a few 10-15 years ago so some of them may no longer be up :)

One of the first FAQ I ever read was this useful (albeit bias at times) article written by Starlord.
I did some research and found out he was involved in a bad accident in 2013 and no one knows for sure if he is still around. Nonetheless, this article can get you started but do read it with eyes open as he does have strong personal opinions expressed. :)

http://stupendous.rit.edu/richmond/answ ... tml#sec6.1
The Boldly Go Where No Meade Has Gone Before
Captain, RSS Enterprise NCC1701R
United Federation of the Planets
Tenkuru
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2014 5:50 pm

Re: Complete beginner to the hobby

Post by Tenkuru »

Thanks for the replies! Very much appreciated.
Hardwarezone
Posts: 350
Joined: Fri May 17, 2013 2:50 am
Favourite scope: maksutov

Re: Complete beginner to the hobby

Post by Hardwarezone »

Lurking in forums for a new months can help to avoid buying unsuitable scope or accessories. Mass-produced stuff work better with a little personal modification.
http://www.cloudynights.com/index.php?app=forums

http://www.stellarium.org

http://www.midnightkite.com/index.aspx

http://www.stargazing.net/naa/scopemath.htm
User avatar
antares2063
Posts: 687
Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2005 3:34 pm
Favourite scope: Newtonians
Location: Bedok North Street 2, Singapore

Re: Complete beginner to the hobby

Post by antares2063 »

Hi tenkuru and welcome

There is no need to jump right into getting a telescope to get into the hobby. Do join us for jan 10th to chitchat and get to know more about the diff aspects of stargazing in a challenging place like Singapore . We are willing to share our experiences =)

Regards,
Junwei
I miss the place where stars shine bright, to gaze upwards in awe of the sight
weihann
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2015 3:27 pm

Re: Complete beginner to the hobby

Post by weihann »

antares2063 wrote:Hi tenkuru and welcome

There is no need to jump right into getting a telescope to get into the hobby. Do join us for jan 10th to chitchat and get to know more about the diff aspects of stargazing in a challenging place like Singapore . We are willing to share our experiences =)

Regards,
Junwei
U guys have regular gathering??! can i join for the next one?
Post Reply