h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hello. I read in your introduction that you are just starting in astronomy. I am an avid amature astronomer and astronomy is one of the best hobbies (if you will) that you can choose to be interested in. If you want someone to talk to, or need help starting out, drop me a line! Bye!

Hey, thanks for the offer, I got started last year and I haven't really done much except identify a few basic objects and some constellations. None of my friends and family are interested so I haven't had any feedback. This has made my enthusiasm dim a bit (understandably)But I mean to get out and do it more this summer. It'll be nice to have someone to chat with about it.

Well, you have to start somewhere. Do you have a telescope, and if so, what kind?

No telescope, fairly decent pair of binoculars though

Great! Binoculars are an excellent tool for looking at the sky. Using both eyes increases your contrast, and makes it easier to see dim objects. Good objects that are in the sky now are:

1)M42, the Great Orion Nebula: This emission nebula is lit up by the four bright stars in the trapezium cluster in the center of the nebula. If you look carefully you can see it through binoculars, although binoculars usually don't have enough maginfication or light gathering ability. Still, this is a facinating object.

2)M44, the Beehive Cluster: This star cluster has many bright stars, and is neat to see thru binos or a small scope.

3)The Double Cluster in Perseus: This incredible object might be hard for a pair of bino, but with a solid view (a feild tripod works great) you might find it. It is a pair of star clusters that are next to each other that form a sort of hourglass shape. This cluster has lots of red, yellow, and blue stars.

If you need help finding these objects, or would like some more info on them, or more things to look at, just ask!
Enjoy!

Hi there,
If you haven't already found it and you're interested in things astronomical, there is a H2 astronomy society which you can find here: A413876
Take a look and contact yeliab if you'd like to join up.
All the best
A.M.

Ive found the orion nebula but haven't looked for the others yet. Unfortunately, the sky here has been overcast a lot so i havent had a chance to go outside much. I have hope for the future though I will check out that site austin, thanks!

Yeah, our skies here in Idaho have been clear the last few nights, but I have failed to go out and observe. I have been busy lateley, building my own telescope. I just recentley got a few packages of things I ordered for the scope, and I haven't gotten to try them out yet, but... Mabye tommorrow night, but it is Easter, so. Those objects I gave you might be a little challenging, but I can help you.
-M44, the Beehive: Right now, the Beehive is right next to Jupiter, look around and you will see it.
-The Double Cluster: This is a bit difficult. First, get up to date with Cassiopeia and Perseus (hope my spelling is right). To find this object - or rather, objects - find the alpha (main; bright) star in Perseus. Draw an imaginary line from it to the bottom left star in Cassiopeia. About halfway down that line, slightly closer to Perseus, lies the Double Cluster. If your skies are really dark you might see a sort of "faint fuzzy" patch in that area.
Good luck and clear skies!

I have a few decent star guides so they should be able to help me find those if I get lost, ever since I got interested i have been picking up various books and maps of the sky. Found something useful in each one. All I need now are some clear nights.

Hi Austin-I thought i would drop in to see you...but look what s happened no-one home.I hope you dont mind i helped myself..to whats was in your freezer.Cheers mate.








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