How-To - Astronomy Magazine

Learn how to set up and operate observing equipment

Learn how what Senior Editor Michael E. Bakich calls the least appreciated observing accessory can help you spot granulation and track sunspots on our home star.

By Michael E. Bakich

Observing Basics: Buying Binoculars

In this first installment visiting Senior Editor Michael E. Bakich's "Little Corner of the Universe," learn what to look for and test when picking out new binoculars.

By Michael E. Bakich

How to Buy Your First Telescope

A 16-page must-have handbook for any beginning observer, this booklet includes descriptions of telescope types, mounts, accessories, basic night-sky targets, and more.

By Michael E. Bakich

Using binoculars

Portable and relatively inexpensive, binoculars offer great views of the Moon, comets, Milky Way star fields, and large deep-sky objects.

By Richard Talcott

Giant binoculars

Giant binoculars can provide stunning views of the night sky.

By Michael E. Bakich

$Refractor Telescope$

Buying a telescope

Buying a telescope is a big decision. Here are a few tips to get you started.

By Michael E. Bakich

Buying your first telescope

Senior Editor Michael E. Bakich shares the top 10 things you should know before buying your first telescope.

By Michael E. Bakich

Using a telescope

Now that you've bought a telescope, here are some ideas about what to start observing.

By Michael E. Bakich

Large telescopes

Using a large, high-quality telescope is one of the joys of amateur astronomy.

By Michael E. Bakich

Telescope accessories

Turn your scope into a complete system by adding some well-thought-out extras.

By Michael E. Bakich

Using filters

Filters are an essential part of an amateur astronomer's arsenal.

By Richard Talcott

Sketching from the telescope

Astronomy Editor David J. Eicher sketches the galaxy NGC 1023 and shares his techniques for putting on paper what he sees in the eyepiece.

By David J. Eicher

Astronomy software

A guide to the programs that can help you along on your astronomy endeavors.

By Michael E. Bakich

Make your own astronomy library

Senior Editor Michael E. Bakich's personal astronomy library tops 2,500 books. Here, he describes types of astronomy books and how to collect them.

By Michael E. Bakich

Collecting meteorites

Astronomy Editor David J. Eicher shares treasures from his personal meteorite collection and gives advice on starting your own.

By David J. Eicher