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
General Guides
Telescopes aren't the only option for observing astronomical objects.
The value of binoculars
Get to grips with the practicalities of observing our lunar companion
How to observe the Moon
Use a tried and tested technique to navigate the celestial sphere
How to star-hop the night sky
We explore what the Universe’s most sudden and violent events can tell us
When stars collapse: what is a supernova?
Which catalogue is suitable for your observations?
Astronomy star catalogues: which to use and when
A guide to Phobos and Deimos
The moons of Mars
'How To' Guides
A non-permanent alternative to a solid pier or home observatory
Build a low-cost wooden tripod
Build a clip-on finderscope illuminator
Build a clip-on finderscope illuminator
Protect your scope from rain and wind with this lo-tech shed mod
Create a protective shield for your telescope pillar
Keep your permanent astronomy setup in ship-shape condition
How to clean your observatory
How to take a photo of the ISS
Safely centre your telescope on the Sun with our DIY add-on
How to build a simple solar finder
Astronomy Dictionary
Singularity

A point in space and time where gravity (amongst other things) becomes infinite and the laws of physics break down.

Magnitude

The brightness of an astronomical body. The lower the number the brighter it is. Magnitudes brighter than 0 are represented with a negative number.

Perigee

The point of closest approach for an object in orbit around the Earth.

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