Astronomy for Beginners
New to astronomy? Not sure how to get started in stargazing or which telescope to buy?
Here’s where you’ll find observing guides, how-to articles and great astronomy hints and tips. Don’t forget to check out our comprehensive astronomy dictionary.
General Guides
'How To' Guides
Astronomy Dictionary
Basin
Basins or impact basins are the results of massive impacts on a planetary surface. They appear as vast craters. Some lunar basins have been covered or partially filled by lava, which has later erupted from beneath the surface.
Interstellar medium
The matter that lies between the stars in a galaxy. It is composed of 99 per cent gas, and 90 per cent of that is hydrogen. The remaining one per cent is dust mainly made up of carbon and silicates.
Main Belt
The large asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
