Observing Skills
8 guides
How to Observe the Sun Safely With a Solar Filter
Learn how to observe the sun safely with a solar filter. Covers white-light glass and film filters, finder scope capping, pinhole checks, and what you can see.
July 1, 2026
Right Ascension and Declination: Sky Coordinates Made Simple
Right ascension and declination explained for beginners. Learn how celestial coordinates work, why RA uses hours, and how to use them with star charts.
June 28, 2026
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
Understanding Magnitude: How Star Brightness Is Measured
Star magnitude explained for beginners: why the scale runs backwards, what limiting magnitude tells you about your sky, and a reference table of key objects.
June 26, 2026
Keeping an Observing Log: What to Record and Why
Learn what to record in an astronomy observing log, from seeing and transparency to sketches, and how consistent notes make you a sharper observer.
June 20, 2026
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.
June 14, 2026
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.
June 10, 2026
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.
June 5, 2026