Category: Fundamentals

Not long after you begin your amateur astronomer journey, you will no doubt discover “Messier objects.” They are some of the most well-known deep sky objects but what exactly are they and why are they so special? In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Messier objects and give you…

Averted vision sounds complicated. In principle, it’s about as simple as can be. In practice, it sometimes turns out to require a lot of practice and patience. The basic idea is to look slightly away from whatever faint object you are trying to see rather than staring directly at it. This works because the edges…

When you think of star clusters, the chances are you think of a scattering of stars, like the Pleiades or the Beehive. However, there’s another common type that’s popular with amateur astronomers everywhere: the globular star cluster. While not as numerous as their open star cluster cousins, nearly two hundred are currently known to exist,…

Hosting your first star party can be a lot of fun as every amateur astronomer will probably enjoy sharing the night sky with family and friends. In this guide, we’ll explore the key elements to ensure a successful and enjoyable stargazing event for a small group. From preparing a list of observable objects to creating…

Curious about a telescope’s “zoom” or more accurately “power” and how far its gaze can extend? Wondering which planets might grace your view? It all boils down to magnification, a key factor often misunderstood. In this article, we’ll demystify telescope magnification, offering insights that enhance your understanding of your telescope. From the basics to choosing…