Howard, Ben, etc. Debbie Whitaker was just crowing about that very book to me on the phone this afternoon (she found a copy in the St. George library), so that's two recommendations. Rich --- Howard Jackman <sumoetx@yahoo.com> wrote:
Ben,
If you'd like to know a great book that has an extraordinary amount of information in it to help the budding astronomer I would highly suggest looking at "The Backyard Astronomers Guide" by Dickinson & Dyer! The second edition just came out and it is absolutely amazing. I bought the first edition when I was just starting out, before I even knew what the difference between a reflector and schmidt cassegrain was, but after reading this book I knew enough to have decent conversations with members of the astronomy club at star parties, and I knew what to look for, and what to avoid when I started buying telescopes and eyepieces, they even discuss binoculars, photography and CCD imaging and a lot more! The imagery is inspiring and they have charts, tips, pretty much everything you need to get going in the right direction. You should be able to find it at any Borders or Barnes&Nobles.
I'd also echo everyone else's advice to come to the star parties, they're free and fun, and a great way to "test drive" any possible scopes and accessories, not to mention we're all pretty friendly (just don't put fingerprints on our eyepieces) Good Luck and welcome to the hobby that becomes an obsession. :-)
Howard
--- Ben Record <specialed112@msn.com> wrote:
Hi,
My name is Ben, and I have a few questions. I've been a member of this mailing list for a while, but I haven't said anything, yet. I've had an interest in Astronomy for as long as I can remember, and I want to take that interest a little deeper. I was wondering if someone could suggest a few pieces for a beginner to buy to look up at the stuff above that I can't learn enough about. And maybe, if some of you wouldn't mind, if I could tag along to one of your gazes. It would be very appreciated. Please let me know on an item I could get my hands onto, and if you wouldn't mind if I tagged along with some of you.
Thanks, Ben
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