Astronomy

Astronomers are many times pictured as people who are wizened Scholars who stare through monstrous telescopes on isolated hills, but the truth is that there are vast numbers of amateur astronomers in the world who enjoy astronomy as a hobby. Many of these amateur astronomers are persons with disabilities; you can enjoy astronomy as a hobby too!

Astronomy doesn't need to involve sophisticated, expensive equipment or any equipment at all. In fact - some basic information and activities can help you to enjoy astronomy as a hobby from your own backyard or nearby.

Astronomy as a hobby is something that can grow with you as your interest grows. People of any skill level or age can participate, and gain a better understanding of the universe of which we are a part. Astronomy doesn't necessarily require you to be a professional, or special training in order to understand objects and phenomena outside of Earth's atmosphere.

Astronomy is a Good Hobby for Almost Everyone

Astronomy involves observing and patience. Because these are two things that many persons with disabilities are very capable of doing, Astronomy is an excellent hobby for us. For those of who have the ability to go outside, look up, and observe the clear skies at night patiently, Astronomy can be a most fulfilling and rewarding hobby to pursue. Astronomy as a hobby is something that can be shared with a friend, and gives you a greater sense of the universe.

Things You Can See From Your Own Backyard

Some of the many things that you can see from your own backyard include the changing phases of the moon, and various star positions. You can observe the various constellations in the sky during different seasons of the year, and things like the Big and Little Dippers. Algol is a variable star that is visible to the naked eye and is predictable. You can also see Messier objects with the naked eye. The North Star shines brightly, and several of the planets are visible in the night sky; such as Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.

You can make an, 'Astrolabe,' which is fairly easy, using two protractors (which are available at local stores) a compass, and straws. You can track items in the sky using it to give you the angles and compass headings for different days and times of objects. The moon and planets change position over a month, and an Astrolabe is a fun and useful thing to use in your Astrology hobby, and fun to share with friends. You can download a Star Chart from: http://www.skymaps.com.

Observing the moon, stars and planets at night is something that is better done away from city lights. Bright lights from street lamps, buildings, houses and other sources inhibit the light from objects in space, making them more difficult to see. If you can, go someplace away from bright city lights in order to observe celestial objects.

Do I Need Fancy Equipment?

The simple answer is that if you are just starting Astronomy as a hobby - "No!" You won't need any equipment at all. The only thing you may want to get is a pair of binoculars if you want to. One of the best ways to increase your knowledge of Astronomy is through information found on the Internet or at the public library; both of which are free. The information you find can tell you which heavenly bodies to look for and how to find them, as well as explaining what they are.

Astronomy is a hobby that can grow with you, and if you want to there is some equipment that you can get to delve further into the universe. Two of the pieces of equipment that you may want as your hobby grows are either binoculars or a telescope. A pair of binoculars is something you can usually find for less than one-hundred dollars, are pretty easy to use, and are smaller and lighter than a telescope. They don't really require any training to use, don't need to be assembled, and can be used by almost anyone. Binoculars have a wide field of view. This makes it easy for beginners to find objects in the sky.

As your Astronomy hobby grows, a telescope can help you to see objects in the universe with greater clarity, and in larger variety. Telescopes cost a bit more and are more complicated. They also require some assembly and knowledge of how to use them properly. People who have experience using binoculars often develop an interest in acquiring a telescope as their interest in Astronomy grows. A telescope can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the kind you want to get and what you can afford.  

For people who become seriously involved in Astronomy as a hobby, there are some other pieces of equipment that can enhance their stargazing. Accessories such as eye pieces which allow you to choose the level of magnification and the field of view for an object, or finders that assist in finding objects to view from a telescope, or special mounts that hold a telescope up in order to free the person's hands, are available. There are accessories including color filters, light pollution filters, and solar filters available. Astronomy as a hobby is a wonderful one because it can accommodate people at all levels of participation from beginners who require no equipment, to those who want to become more involved.

Some amateur Astronomers like to take pictures of the objects they observe in the night sky through their telescopes. Pictures can be taken through a telescope using either a traditional camera, or a digital camera with pleasing results. For people who want more detailed images, there is a camera called a, 'Charge-Coupled Device,' (CCD) camera that has silicon chips which are light-sensitive; able to detect faint objects that regular camera's can't capture. CCD cameras also require special software in order to both view and manipulate the photos they take.

Ways to Have Fun with Astronomy

There are some fun ways to get involved in your Astronomy hobby that are inexpensive and enjoyable to pursue. They include:

Joining an Amateur Astronomy Club: By joining an Amateur Astronomy club you get to exchange resources, information, receive tips, and meet others interested in Astronomy.

Going to Star Parties: Star Parties are gatherings of Astronomers who are from a range of different skill levels and experience. Going to these parties can help you to learn more, meet great people, and share your interests.    

Reading: There are books, magazines, and information on the Internet available containing a wealth of information for beginning Astronomers. Tips, star charts, and much more on Astronomy can be found through these resources.    

Curiosity, practice and patience are the keys to starting a hobby in Astronomy. With some skill and patience Astronomy as a hobby is incredibly fun, and is a great way to increase your knowledge of the universe!

Further Information Regarding Astronomy

BOINC Projects to Help Health Science and SETI Projects
BOINC can use the idle time on your computer (when the screen-saver is running) to help cure diseases such as HIV, Parkinson's, arthritis, and breast cancer, study global warming, help SETI search for life on other planets, discover pulsars, and do many other types of scientific research safely, securely, and easily.

40th Anniversary of First Manned Moon Landing and Todays New Frontiers
In anticipation of the anniversary of the first moon walk, The Science Coalition asked university researchers across the country to reflect on that event and share their thoughts about the next frontiers in science and what America must do to ensure that these scientific frontiers are reached. While each response is unique and reflective of the background of the respondent, together they make clear that there are many exciting new horizons in science.

Finding Twin Earths: Search for Earth Like Planets Harder Than Thought
Does a twin Earth exist somewhere in our galaxy? Astronomers are getting closer and closer to finding an Earth-sized planet in an Earth-like orbit. NASA's Kepler spacecraft just launched to find such worlds. Once the search succeeds, the next questions driving research will be: Is that planet habitable? Does it have an Earth-like atmosphere?

Astronomers Observe Asteroid Before it Crashes into Earth
UK astronomers, using the Science and Technology Facilities Council's (STFC) William Herschel Telescope on La Palma, observed a rare asteroid as it was hurtling towards our planet and have captured the only spectrum of it before it exploded in our atmosphere.

Telescopes for Viewing Objects in Space
Since the dawn of time, man has looked up at the heavens and wondered the beauty it may contain. Over the last few hundred years, the telescope has been an instrument which has allowed the heavens to come into our doorstep. A telescope is an instrument that makes it possible to look at stars and the planets from the comfort of your own home.

Missions to Mars Past Present and Future
Dozens of spacecraft, including orbiters, landers, and rovers, have been sent to Mars by the Soviet Union, the United States, Europe, and Japan to study the planet's surface, climate, and geology. Roughly two-thirds of all spacecraft destined for Mars have failed in one manner or another before completing or even beginning their missions.

Listen and Track Space Station Space Shuttle and Satellites
Amateur astronomers and those interested in tracking satellites, the international space station (ISS), and orbiting space shuttles on your home computer may be interested in these live spacecraft tracking maps.

Planet Mars Facts and Information
Interesting facts, discoveries, and information on the planet Mars and how the red planet differs from Earth. Hopefully some of this information will of interest to students doing assignments and homework.

Astronomy - An Introduction
People have a few different definitions of Astronomy, beginning with a definition describing it as a study of matter and objects which are outside of Earth’s atmosphere, and their chemical and physical properties. Another definition describes Astronomy as a science that is dedicated to studying both the nature and motion of celestial bodies; such as stars, galaxies and planets.