Page 1 of 1
Complete beginner to the hobby
Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2014 4:06 pm
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!
Re: Complete beginner to the hobby
Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2014 8:45 pm
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!
Re: Complete beginner to the hobby
Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2014 12:50 am
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
Re: Complete beginner to the hobby
Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2014 3:38 pm
by Tenkuru
Thanks for the replies! Very much appreciated.
Re: Complete beginner to the hobby
Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2014 11:20 pm
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
Re: Complete beginner to the hobby
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 12:07 pm
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
Re: Complete beginner to the hobby
Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2015 3:44 pm
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?