Observing Skills
4 guides
Observing Skills
How to Plan a Stargazing Session Around the Moon and Weather
Learn how to plan a stargazing session by reading sky forecasts, choosing the right moon phase, and building a target list that matches the night's conditions.
August 7, 2026
Observing Skills
Averted Vision: The Trick to Seeing Faint Deep-Sky Objects
Averted vision lets you see faint nebulae and galaxies that vanish when you look straight at them. Here's the science and exactly how to use it.
July 24, 2026
Observing Skills
How to Use a Finderscope or Red Dot Finder
Learn how to align and use a finderscope or red dot finder to point your telescope accurately at stars, planets, and deep-sky objects.
July 10, 2026
Observing Skills
Star-Hopping: How to Find Faint Objects Without GoTo
Learn how to star hop to deep sky objects using a finder chart, low-power eyepiece, and naked-eye anchor stars. No GoTo mount required.
June 26, 2026