It is a very exciting thing - you have made the decision to learn more about night sky! Perhaps you are looking to buy your first telescope, or you have just received one during the holidays. Or maybe you are simply interested in finding out what all the excitement is about!

More and more people of all ages are becoming amateur astronomers, and with the equipment now made available to consumers, many are making cosmic discoveries right alongside the professionals. Canada has a reputation of engaging in first-class astronomy research, from our collaborations with the Gemini, James Clark Maxwell and Canada-France-Hawaii telescopes, to MOST and SPIRE - two of the the latest space telescopes to be launched. Are you ready learn more about this exciting field hands-on?

On this page, you will find all sorts of information, from what to look for in the sky, what to look with, and even with whom you can share this new hobby. Astronomy week in the spring leads up to International Astronomy Day - look in your area for Astronomy Day activities, when there will be plenty of opportunity to find out even more about amateur astronomy.

Where can I observe? | What do I need? | With whom can I observe?
What can I observe? | When can I observe? | Anything else I need to know?

Clear Skies!

Where can I observe?

The best places to observe are the darkest ones. The less ambient light around you, the better your eyes will adapt to the dark, and the more you will be able to see in the sky. Because of this, and because of the general light pollution caused by many buildings, streetlights, etc., large cities are often poor choices for observing!

• More information on light pollution in Canada
• How do my eyes adapt to see in the dark ("night vision")?

If you do live in the city, all is not lost. Even finding a corner in your backyard where streetlights and porch lights do not reach, you will find an improvement in what you can see. Binoculars will improve seeing somewhat, but it is still better to get away.

The best alternative is to take a small trip away from the city's lights. A park outside city limits, or a friend's or relative's property. Be sure you know the area before venturing out, and do not observe alone if the area is at all unfamiliar. The first link in the list below will take you to the clear-sky chart site (more on this below). Locate the nearest clear-sky chart to you, and then click on "light pollution" to see how far you have to travel to get dark skies.

• Clear-sky charts: checking light pollution near you
• Stargazing getaways in Ontario
• Dark sky observing sites in Canada

What do I need?

First and foremost, you need something to help you see where you are going, or to help you read star charts and maps that WON'T blind you and make you lose your night vision (mentioned above)! A flashlight with a red filter on it will do the trick. You can also make one by covering the lit end of a regular flashlight with several layers of brown paper bags.

• Making a red flashlight filter
• Two sites for building your own LED flashlight: e-scoutcraft.com, pbase.com

If you have never observed the sky before, it is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the basics of the night sky. Get to know the constellations, and how to use "pointer stars" to locate objects. The best way to do this is to use a star chart either from one of the sites listed below, or from a book or magazine. You could also practice indoors, using a planetarium software program, such as Starry Night.

• Tour the night sky
• Sky charts from the Montréal Planetarium
• Sky charts at SkyMaps.com
• Starry Night Software

In order to keep track of your accomplishments, you may wish to start an observing log. Not only will you be able to remember what you have seen (and can show others!), but this will also help you set and accomplish observing goals.

• Creating and using logbooks

What about equipment...binoculars or telescope? Refractor or reflector? Newtonian or Schmidt-Cassegrain? The following links will point you to some good resources on what to buy to take your hobby to the next level.

• Buying a telescope
• Equipment articles from SkyNews Magazine
• Information on choosing, using, and taking care of a telescope, from Sky & Telescope Magazine

With whom can I observe?

Of course, you can always observe on your own. Many prefer the solitude and the peacefulness of the night. But most prefer sharing their discoveries with other enthusiasts, together braving the night chill to see a distant galaxy or nebula. For this reason, there are many amateur astronomy clubs across Canada which you can join.

• Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - The largest amateur astronomical society in Canada, there are 29 RASC centres across the country. Most centres host monthly meetings, public star parties, private observing sessions (most often at club observatories), guest speakers, allow access to libraries of astronomy books, offer observing certificates, and more.
• There are other, independent amateur astronomy clubs, many of which are listed on the SkyNews Magazine website.

What can I observe?

Now that you know where to look and how to get around the local sky, give yourself some observing goals. Do you want to take pictures? Observe planets or Messier objects? Obtain an observing certificate? Become a Canadian Junior Astronomer? You might find the links below help you in deciding just what to observe.

• Planetary data for this year
• Canadian Junior Astronomer Program
• Observing the Sun
• RASC Observing Certificates
• Astrophotography
• Aurora watch, SkyNews Magazine

Many amateur astronomers continue to make contributions to the field of astronomy through their observations. Below is a link to a page which summarizes some of these contributions and includes information on how amateur astronomers can continue to make important discoveries.

• Amateurs' contribution to astronomy
• Getting involved in Canadian astronomy

When can I observe?

You can observe whenever you can find the time...provided it is dark and clear. There are several sites which astronomers use to forecast the weather in their area, and decide whether or not to go observing. Here are a few of them:

• Clear-sky chart
• The Weather Network: Stargazing forecast
• Environment Canada

Is there anything else I need?

• You may be interested in a subscription to an astronomy magazine, such as SkyNews Magazine, or Sky & Telescope.
• The University of Manitoba makes some suggestions as to what to wear while observing in the winter. Even though it may not seem all that cold outside, remember that you will be standing (or sitting) still throughout most of your observing session!

created by the CASCA education Webteam, (2009)