Astronomy, a Lifelong Hobby


by Jhye - Date: 2008-10-30 - Word Count: 420 Share This!

The enjoyment of astronomy can be lifelong or just a whim but a lot hinges on how you have your first experience. The mysterious and divine beauty of the universe that you can discover could lead to many hours of pleasure but if there is no proper guidance, there can be many hours of disappointment. So it is essential that you get the right and best telescope that you can afford. 

When you are just starting out, do not attach too high an expectation that the universe will open up to your inquisitive nature. Those that you see in fancy science magazines are attributable to high level telescopes that only scientist and astronomer get access to. The sparkling stars that we see at night are just the tip and astronomy can offer many insights to our fabulous universe.

As a beginner, be circumspect before you look to acquire as some cheap telescopes have optics that verge on the worst, offering you hardly any view. But with a decent telescope, you can see the rings of Saturn and the disc of Jupiter. As you get more experience, you can make more sightings but don't set too high expectations such as able to pinpoint planets that you find in glossy magazine. 

Before you probe deeper into astronomy, try to read magazines for instant "Sky and Telescope" to get an idea of how it is like. Astronomy is a joy and each finding add to your knowledge and satisfaction that our mysterious universe offer. 

To the absolute beginner, you can start with binocular and then advance to a full telescope. The portability and price tag is added attraction for anyone who is just beginning to learn astronomy. The basic telescopes usually come in reflecting and refracting types but reflecting types are less costly and enable you to view galaxies. Refracting telescope, on the other hand allow you to observe planets and stars but considerably more costly.

As telescope is bulkier, you can mount it on a tripod. When you are more experienced, you can try out different telescopes and find one that is suitable for you. Getting a used telescope can build you from the ground up and the alternatives are many. Choose one that you are at ease with and you will be on your way to a lifelong hobby that astronomy can offer. The universe is vast and mysterious and astronomy offers the opportunity to appreciate more of the existence of life and many of the inexplicable things that we are still trying to figure out. 


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Jhye is an author of numerous websites and astronomy and how telescopes work fascinates him. Take a tour at http://www.viewtelescopes.com.

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