Astronomy, something I've been wanting to get into for a long time

[Great Unclean One: VK]

Now, though I enjoy painting minis, wargaming, video gaming, and programming, I do enjoy looking at the stars.

 

And being in the country side where it's nearly or is pitch black, maybe it's time I get into astronomy.

 

Any astronomers out here that can tell me how best to start?

[Catman25]

Purchase a star.

[Lt. Colonel Remo]

Purchase a star.

There really isn't any other way

[Fusion X. Denver]

I'd say buy a telescope and learn constellations so you're able to map out the sky wherever you go.

Then from there, you'll be able to pinpoint other planets/stars in relation to those constellations and eventually you can probably distinguish between those and satellites.

And looking up stuff such as when meteor showers, comets, and other spacial events will probably hook you in to the wonder.

[Flinsbon]

I've taken a few Astronomy classes so far at college (going for the minor, and it's what I want to do) and from what I've heard, at least for amateur astronomers, Altitude-Azimuth (short, alt-az) telescopes are best and easiest to use.  Often, they have an interface which allows u to put in a location and the telescope will automatically turn and point to that location. All you have to do is show it where 3 bright stars are when u start. My college buys Celestron telescopes, which seem to be pretty good.  An 8-inch telescope is sufficient to see some cloud bands on Jupiter.  The only downside is these telescopes tend to go for at least $1000 - $1500.  If u wanna start cheaper, Celestron also has some high-powered Binoculars made for astronomy. I have a 20x80 pair, which is pretty decent, for like $200.  You can see the 4 Galilean moons with it, but it's not good enough for the clouds on Jupiter.  If you get the binoculars, you'll still need a tripod because the magnification is so high that any shaking of ur hands is extremely noticeable.

 

Some objects to check out for your first time:

The Moon (ya gotta do it. seeing the Moon's craters and imperfections for yourself gives you a whole new perspective)

Venus

Jupiter (and moons)

Mars

Saturn if you can find it

Betelgeuse (you can see in a telescope that it's clearly redder than other stars)

The Pleiades

Mizar and Alcor (the center star in the Big Dipper is actually made of these two systems. They look like 1 star to the naked eye, but even low-powered binoculars will let you see them both)

 

Some of these are assuming you live in the northern hemisphere. If you live in the southern hemisphere, youll have to check  with someone else about cool things to look at lol.

[Βyakuya]

Taking an Astronomy course in school is a nice way to get interested. If that's unavailable in your area, books are the closest things you can invest in. And of course, you should get a telescope if you can. Since you do live in the countryside, if you're willing to observe the wonders of the stars, just do some naturalistic observation. And finally, be sure to keep in touch with astronomical events like eclipses and meteor showers. It will keep you invested. :)

[Cin]

I wanted to do this at Degree level, but don't have the mathematically ability to have gained the Psychics and Maths required.