June 30th, 2009
When we say to look at something with the “naked eye,” we simply mean looking at an object with our normal vision without any use of magnifying glass or binoculars, or even telescopes. Thus, you might think it would be impossible to study astronomy simply with our eyes without the use of magnifying lenses such as binoculars and telescopes. Not so; there’s such a thing as naked eye astronomy.
Normally, our eyes can discern celestial bodies during clear skies at night. But with the smog that now permeates the sky, even during cloudless nights, it is hard to see celestial bodies as clearly as yesteryears when we still had a clean atmosphere. However, when we refer to naked eye astronomy, it simply means the observation and appreciation by an ordinary person of the stars, the moon, the comets, and sometimes even meteor showers and comets that can ordinarily be seen in the sky without the aid of any imaging equipments.
Seeing the Planets with Naked Eye Astronomy
There are people with above normal eyesight as there are people with lower than normal eyesight. This is natural as we are not born equally when it comes to physical and mental faculties. But will you believe that on a clear night, there are people blessed with such keen eyesight that they can even see Uranus? Statistics show that today, due to atmospheric pollutants, the average pair of eyes can only see 1,500 to 2,000 stars down from a high of 2,500 stars when our skies were still free from smog. Still, an average person can see several star clusters or constellations.
To this day, despite the smog, we can still see planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and even Saturn. If you include the sun and the moon, then your naked eye astronomy can already be set to motion just like the old days when the study of the universe was done through naked eyes. But then during those days there were no factories and vehicles that would pollute the skies, permitting people back then to see clearly what lies ahead without the smog.
The only thing that prevents us from enjoying and appreciating the true beauty of the heavens is the man made pollution that is enveloping our earth’s atmosphere. This is the reason why without the aid of telescope and binoculars, we now find it hard scanning the sky for those planets and constellations that we usually saw during our childhood days. Even astronomers would now remark that without the aid of their super strong telescopes, they would find it hard to see the outer limits of our skies due to our own pollution.
June 23rd, 2009
It has been a pretty long time now that the stars have been used as guides in order to go places. They have been used to determine one’s position if you are at sea and what direction to travel in when you would want to go to a particular part of the world. For instance, the North Star (or Polaris) is only a degree or two east or west of real North. You can easily tell latitudes of the Northern hemisphere with the help of a tool referred to as an astrolabe.
Astrolabe Defined
Astrolabe is a tool designed for sea navigation and was said to have been invented by Greek travelers. This tool was in use hundreds of years ago for sea travel. Even in land travel, the astrolabe was used when travelers traveled in plain and dry lands, such as in the desert, to determine their positions and to know what direction to take in order to reach their destinations.
With the advent of digital and electronic communication, which resulted in the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS) utilizing digital signals from satellites orbiting the earth, the use of astrolabe became obsolete. This tool, however, is easy to learn, use and even make. If you have the time and would like to try it out, read on to know how to make an astrolabe.
Making a Simple Astrolabe
The materials and equipment you will need to make your astrolabe are plastic straw, protractor, a string, and a solid weight like a stone or piece of metal. To make an astrolabe, tie the string in the middle hole of the protractor located on its base. Next, tie a weight to the end of the string. Tape the straw to the flat edge of the protractor.
In using your astrolabe, you have first to know where the Polaris (North Star) is. With the use of your astrolabe, find its altitude. When you look at the star through the hole of the plastic straw, record the degree from the protractor. With the use of your protractor’s reading, especially the zenith angle, you can now determine your angle altitude. Simply deduct the zenith angle from 90 degrees, and there you have it — your angle altitude which is the latitude of your location.
This amazing process of determining your location anywhere you are on the globe by means of the stars and using your astrolabe tool that you made is something that will amaze your friends. So, show them!
June 16th, 2009
If you are real serious about your plan of becoming an amateur astronomer or hobbyist, below are the essential home astronomy supplies you need to have.
Planisphere: Star Finder
The planisphere was designed and created by the great men of astronomy centuries ago. The design was so effective for astronomers trying to find stars that even today, it is the preferred tool of astronomers in search of stars. The scientists of today can only marvel at how the planisphere was designed to effectively locate the various positions of stars. Even with cutting edge tools at their disposal, astronomers still rely on the planisphere when they look for stars. One can only marvel at how the minds of those brilliant men of several hundred years ago worked to enable themselves to create such an amazing idea.
Collimation Tools
The eyepiece, sight tube, and laser guides are the collimation tools that you need to have that perfect alignment of your lens. These home astronomy supplies can make your telescope viewing a sight to behold. However, it is suggested that if you ever purchase a sight tube, getting one that has crossed hairs at the sight is preferred because it can help you with centering your object. Take note that the center of these collimation tools is the collimation eyepiece. It is the crucial tool to have a good imaging from your telescope. These essential home astronomy supplies can be used on three types of telescopes. Whether you use a refraction telescope, reflective telescope, or compound telescope, you need to use collimation tools for better viewing. The real purpose of these home astronomy supplies is to give you the proper alignment of your telescope lenses.
Home Astronomy Supplies: Star Maps
Although astronomy uses several kinds of maps, many amateur astronomers and hobbyists will tell you that the best and most effective map is the all-sky map. Even with just your eyes, you can find the brightest star with the use of an all-sky map. This map can also guide you to find the right constellations for your viewing.
Flashlights
You need to have a good flashlight on hand for reading your sky map at night. A special type of flashlight with red lights can be used to give you night vision. If you cannot find a flashlight with red lights, you can always buy a piece of red cellophane paper and wrap the head of your flashlight with it. This way you can have a red light that will enable you to read your map at night
Cheap Binoculars
If you are a first time astronomy hobbyist and you cannot afford to buy a home astronomy telescope, a pair of cheap binoculars will do in the meantime. But for those who might wish to buy home astronomy telescopes at cheap prices, the Internet has many bargain priced home astronomy telescopes.
June 9th, 2009
If you have an interest in astronomy, you don’t need to buy expensive tools just yet. DIY astronomy tools are available and yes, just as the name says, you can make them yourself. DIY astronomy tools are not at all expensive. Did you know that the telescope was one of the earliest DIY astronomy tools? Galileo wanted to see the moon and the stars closer so what did he do? He invented the telescope.
There are a couple of DIY astronomy tools you can make yourself: the dew preventer and your very own observatory.
DIY Astronomy Tools: Dew Preventer
The dew preventer is some sort of a heater to prevent dew from getting into your finder scope. The materials that you will need are six resistors having a resistance of 25 ohms. By the way, for your information, resistors are color coded in their bodies to indicate their resistance in terms of ohms. What you need to do is connect them in series and solder their terminals. When you plug both ends of the resistors to a 12-volt power source, these resistors will produce heat that can dry the dew on the scope. But before you plug it to the power source, be sure that the soldered terminals of the resistors are taped to prevent a short circuit.
Making this astronomy tool is easy to do since all you need are resistors that can be easily purchased from electrical shops. If you already have your own electric soldering gun, this will not be a problem. If you do not have a soldering gun, just request the shop to solder the resistors for you. Resistors can be bought from electrical shops. Making your own dew preventer can make you save money instead of buying one. Resistors are very affordable and soldering them is very easy to do. All you need actually is an electrical soldering gun and a soldering lead and you can have your own dew preventer.
DIY Astronomy Tools: Observatory
Making this kind of observatory in your backyard involves little expenditure. All you need to do is arm yourself with some woodworking tools and you are ready start your small observatory. The tools you’ll need include a hammer, saw, nails, and measuring tape. If you have some lumber in your home, you can use it to make a cheap observatory house.
Make your observatory small, just to accommodate your telescope and computer. If you wish for a larger observatory, of course, it will all depend on you. For so long as you have the money, then go for it. Of course, when you build anything, you need to to study the plans until you understand what you are doing. But if building a house is not your cup of tea, there are always many carpenters to do it for you, right? Actually, common sense will tell you to do something yourself if you think you know how to do it. But if you think you are not capable, why do it yourself?
June 2nd, 2009
With the growing number of people interested in astronomy, many are now trying to do their own kind of space exploration. Discovering a celestial body or discovering a comet is a triumph in itself. This is one reason that space exploration, specifically undertaking a celestial bodies discovery activity, is such an exciting undertaking.
Celestial Bodies Discovery Activity: Recording Astronomical Observations
Utilizing video coverage is a good way of making sure you can capture the astronomical observation on which your telescope is focused. One drawback of this celestial bodies discovery activity, however, is the cost of home astronomy telescopes that are compatible with video camcorders. In due time, though, these types of home telescopes might become more affordable as more people become involved with home astronomy and telescope factories respond with increased production volumes.
Celestial Bodies Discovery Activity: Search the Internet, Visit Your Library
For information on anything and everything on astronomy, your public library is a great source. You can also go online and find literally thousands of sites devoted to astronomy, many of them aimed at providing information to beginning astronomers. Some sites even have videos showing celestial body formations and the latest information.
Whether you do your research online or by poring through books in your public library, make sure you learn as much as you can about the constellations and the stars. Other good sources are bookstores and magazine shops as these places do carry magazines geared for astronomers. These magazines feature projects for aspiring and beginning astronomers as well as hundreds of tips.
Celestial Bodies Discovery Activity: Become a Member of Forum Groups and Astronomer Clubs
Then there are local astronomy clubs. You may want to check if your area has one and if so, inquire about joining. These clubs usually hold regular meeting. This is a great way for you to learn more about astronomy. You can also find hundreds of astronomy forums and discussion lists online. A lively discussion and sharing of ideas with other amateur astronomers and hobbyists is the best way of fast tracking your knowledge about astronomy. Since there are many astronomy forum groups, you can try being a member of several groups to have various sources of information relating to astronomy.
Celestial Bodies Discovery Activity: Keep Track of Your Progress as an Amateur Astronomer
As in every work you do, it is much better indeed, to keep a record. Keeping a record of your work not only serves to remind you of things that you might forget but it also makes you aware of the progress of your work. A record book will be enough to serve as your record for keeping track of your work as an amateur astronomer. Keep your entries updated on a daily basis. Once you are used to jutting down the progress of your work on a daily basis, it will then come naturally to you, like a habit.
The excitement never ends. This is what happens when you become an amateur astronomer. Between the nightly study and observation of constellation and the possibility of discovering a new one, or the possibility of accidentally gazing on a new streak of comet not yet discovered by anybody, it is a rewarding experience.
May 26th, 2009
Whoever says that astronomy has no excitement in it should surf and read the many online forums discussions on the subject. Posted in the many astronomy forums and discussion boards on the Internet are studies and discussions by a growing number of amateur astronomers and hobbyists where the fervor and excitement of their arguments can only be quelled by Galileo himself. Indeed, there are many benefits of learning astronomy aside from it being an exciting subject to learn.
Benefits of Learning Astronomy: Learning Something About the Moon
Knowing something about the moon is part of studying astronomy. If you begin to take interest in astronomy as a hobby, you will come to realize that the moon is on the 28 day cycle that is so common to life. The moon has four phases, each phase lasting seven days. After the fourth phase, the moon again goes through the next four phases. This set of four phases is one full cycle of the moon. Knowing this is part of learning about astronomy.
Benefits of Learning Astronomy: Invention High Tech Tools
Necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention is. Because of the need by astronomers to see better the universe, cutting edge tools were created. Thu,s we can say that astronomy aided in the invention of high definition imaging system, laser sensors, DVDs, digital cameras and nearly all electronic equipment that are more or less related to a better and more enhanced image. Even equipment that uses infrared technology was developed because of astronomy. If you have an infrared sauna at home, and you credit it for healing your aching muscles, you can thank astronomy for healing your muscle aches. Astronomy was partly responsible in bringing infrared technology to what it is today.
Benefits of Learning Astronomy: More Discoveries
One of the benefits of learning astronomy is that you might be able to discover a comet and have it named after you. Would it not be nice to have a comet named after you and have your name as an amateur astronomer known worldwide? The importance the Internet plays in attracting many amateur astronomers to actively engage in astronomy cannot be overemphasized. Because of the Internet, many people are now becoming amateur astronomers, secretly aspiring to discover their first comets.
Benefits of Learning Astronomy: It’s Awe Inspiring Subject
Astronomy has always been an awe inspiring subject for the simple reason that it is a science that deals with the study of the universe. Everywhere you go the subject goes with you. It is always above your head. The days and nights are your subjects. Full moon and moonless nights, though romantic in words, are still part of your astronomy lessons. How can you not be awed by your subject?
Astronomy is among the most sought after subjects on the Internet. The number of participants in forums and discussion boards has risen dramatically. Even the sales of low cost home astronomy telescopes have risen. Magazines relating to astronomy are now sold in record numbers. And who says astronomy is not an interesting subject?
May 19th, 2009
Astronomy is a hobby anyone can enjoy. Even the average person can dabble into the field of astronomy. There are now many who are people into astronomy as a hobby. This new and growing interest in astronomy, called backyard astronomy, has been brought on by the Internet sites where astronomy is discussed, and where many things about astronomy can be found. Even the astronomy forums are growing with many participants showing their knowledge through intelligent discussions, not only about our moon’s orbit, but about the nature of the black hole in the universe as well.
You can find many sites on the Internet that sell different tools and equipment for astronomy. These sites sell astronomical telescopes for home use, astronomical maps, and other related items. They also carry magazines and other reading materials like books and publications devoted to astronomy. Some sites even have their own astronomy updates where you can find astronomy news, schedules of astronomy seminars for backyard astronomy hobbyists, astronomy lectures and seminars, and schedules for all sorts of astronomy related social gatherings and functions. One site even has a membership section devoted to backyard astronomy hobbyists where you can receive a free subscription to a bi-monthly astronomy newsletter.
Getting Started on Backyard Astronomy Online
If you are intent on getting into backyard astronomy, it would be wise to visit these astronomy hobby sites and learn all about the things that you need to purchase before actually buying things related to astronomy that you might not even use. Also, it is suggested that you join forums and discussion boards about astronomy. In these forums, you can ask questions regarding any concerns you have related to your plan of becoming a backyard astronomy hobbyist. Many forum members will be glad to answer any query you may have.
Actually, by joining online astronomy forums, you will learn many things backyard astronomy hobbyists have already learned about. You will learn such things as what sites offer the best priced magazines about astronomy; what is the best low priced telescopes on the market; from what site you can buy astronomy products; and what are the basic tools that you have to purchase as a beginning astronomy hobbyist. The Internet is actually one reason why there are many people today who are into backyard astronomy. So if you happen to have an interest in taking up astronomy as a hobby, start surfing for those astronomy sites.
May 12th, 2009
Galileo was the first astronomer who, in his own need to be closer to the stars, the moon and to the rest of the heavenly bodies, devised and created astronomy tools that addressed his needs. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention. For instance, to be able to look closer at the planets and stars, he invented the telescope. And, because Galileo needed to be able to correctly establish the position of every star and name them accordingly, he plotted them in a wide notation known as a sky map, one of the most useful astronomy tools today.
In their study of the heavenly bodies, astronomers use astronomy tools to enable them to study the universe effectively just like Galileo. But they are luckier than Galileo in the sense that they don’t have to invent these astronomy tools anymore. If you’re a beginning astronomer, here are some of the essential astronomy tools you need to have.
Astronomy Tools for Today’s Astronomers
Moon Phase Page
This astronomy tool is page that’s already prepared for you to use in ascertaining the lunar images on any given future dates of the current year.
Astronomical Sky Calendar
Just like an ordinary calendar, this astronomy tool is very helpful in finding out when the lunar rising and setting would occur during a particular month of the year. An illumination face tracker of the moon is also included.
Daily Almanac
The contents and features of this astronomy tool are similar to that of the astronomical sky calendar’s.
Planetary Positions
This is a helpful guide to astronomy hobbyists, especially when it comes to the positioning of planets at a particular date.
Hourly Airmass Tables
These astronomy tools show the airmass of a star or any other celestial object at particular hours every night.
Object Seasonal Observability
This astronomy tool is actually a bimonthly list of the movement, rising and setting of celestial bodies during new moons and full moons.
Electromagnetic Spectrum
This astronomy tool is a radiation separator. With this equipment, astronomers can know what type of radiation is being emitted — whether it is radio waves, gamma rays wave or some other kind of wave form.
Telescope
This astronomy tool invented by Galileo helps makes us seem very near to very far objects. There are three types of telescopes today: the refractor type, the reflector type and the compound type.
Spectroscopy
This astronomy tool is a sort of chemical content analyzer telescope, which gives astronomers the ability to know what chemical composition ratios make up celestial bodies.
If you are bent on pursuing your astronomy hobby or studies, these astronomy tools will be very helpful to you. No astronomer can study the universe without these astronomy tools.
May 5th, 2009
The simple hand held telescope that Galileo invented and used to studying the heavens has now evolved into a massive telescope weighing several tons that can only be moved using complex hydraulic processes. These massive observatory astronomy telescopes designed to scan the outer reaches of our galaxy and even probe beyond are strategically located in several parts of the world.
Three Types of Astronomy Telescopes
The telescope has come a long way since it was invented by the father of astronomy, Galileo. Astronomy telescopes are classified into three types: the refractor type, the reflector type, and the compound type. These three types of astronomy telescopes are all used today to scan the heavens and to study the universe.
Refractor telescopes make lights converge on a particular point of focus to enable our eyes to see things at great distances. Refractor telescopes that are used to scan outer space use large lenses set on huge platforms.
Reflector telescopes, on the other hand, use a modification of the refractor telescope. With refractor telescopes, there is always the appearance of some rainbow images that tend to pollute the clear image of a subject. This rainbow pollutant problem was solved with the addition of another lens to reflect the refracted image. Later observatory telescopes are reflector telescopes.
Compound telescopes are refractor telescopes that were later adapted with a lens to filter image pollutants. Thus, an astronomer can have the option of looking at his telescope through the refracted hole or through the reflector hole.
Radio Telescopes: Breakthrough Astronomy Telescopes
A breakthrough in scientific research has enabled astronomers to use another type of telescope. This type of telescope is used in conjunction with the regular huge observatory space telescopes that are located in several points of the globe. These are the radio telescopes, astronomy telescopes that are very huge parabolic antennas that send frequency sound waves to outer space. These radio telescopes are used to make contact with any intelligence from outer space and also to listen for any possible sound of life in other planets. The other kind of telescope uses gamma rays to discern objects in outer space through infrared imaging.
Indeed, astronomy telescopes have come a very long way. This very important tool, which we use in our pursuit of knowing about how the universe as a whole came about and in the pursuit of the many infinite things that we as humans would want to learn, has so far proven to be the most reliable, effective, and also the safest, kind of human tool invented for space exploration.
April 28th, 2009
Astronomy stores are few and far between, but they are essential in getting the proper tools for astronomy. Rather than buying average tools to view the sky, you will want to make a purchase more suitable to the location of the stars, planets, and moons.
We are very curious beings and it’s only natural for us to desire an up-close view of the heavenly bodies. However, our eyes are limited in power and cannot do this alone. We need tools that are better than average and this includes the tools we use to enhance our sight.
Many tools are available at the astronomy store. High powered instruments and several other aids specific to astronomy are available at astronomy stores. These stores don’t sell your average day-to-day lenses. A variety of telescopic viewers, such as scopes, lenses, and binoculars are the most popular items at astronomy retailers. These tools are made specifically for astronomy.
Telescopes
It’s surprising to learn how many different telescopes there are. Telescopes are the most popular item being sought by the astronomy store customer. There is enough variety of telescopes to satisfy everyone’s needs.
The sun has an extraordinary amount of glare and explosive activity going on. Knowing this, you should also know that there is a special telescope for viewing the surface of our bright sun. To be sure that you are getting the real deal, you’ll want to conduct business exclusively with a dealer specialized in astronomy telescopes.
There are special telescopes for viewing the moon’s surface. However, you can use a less complex telescope and still be successful in viewing the moon. The moon is much closer to us than the sun or any other star, so its surface is much easier to see. Keep in mind, a special moon telescope will give you better results than the average telescope.
The flickering and distance of stars beyond our solar system are very difficult to keep in focus by our naked-eyes. Using high-powered telescopes specially made for viewing stars is recommended for having the best viewing pleasure and assured success.
Astronomy Video Retailers
You may be able to find recorded video or movies at some of the astronomy stores. These video recordings are distributed for those of us that want to have a better understanding of astronomy and also to use as an educational tool for teaching others. The videos’ topics range from the discoveries of planets to the amazing activities that have gone on recently within the universe. Astronomy videos are entertaining and packed with knowledge.
Other Things Available at Astronomy Stores
Besides special telescopes and astronomy videos, there are other special products available at astronomy stores to help you with astronomy. One useful product you can obtain is a star guide. You can use a star guide to reference the names, locations, and even predict when they will be making their next appearance in the sky.
Counting the stars in the sky seems like an impossible or random feat. With the assistance of the star guide, you’ll learn how to group the stars into categories. With the earth twisting around in space constantly, the position of our surrounding stars will rise and fall from our horizons. With the star guide it is easy to calculate exactly when the next time a star will be visible.
If you would like to record, compile, and compare the sky data that you see on different occasions, you can accomplish this with a special high resolution camera available from an astronomy store. A special camera just for this purpose will give far better results than the basic camera that you use on family and friends in your everyday life.
It’s rather surprising that astronomy instrument accessories for viewing the night sky are numerous. The reason for this is the ongoing development and the already existing number of accessories available, such as reflectors and refractors.
The best place to buy astronomy tools, learning material, and entertaining videos is definitely at a qualified astronomy store. There are so many interesting things to see and learn, you’ll be reminded of visiting a planetarium while learning about all the amazing products available for an astronomer. Visit an astronomy store now.