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Be an Astronomer Right From Your Window
by Lexi Westingate - November 2014
For thousands of years, people have been fascinated by the stars and the
heavens. Ever since the time of Galileo, people have been enamored with the
mystery and beauty of what our universe has to offer. People today do not have
to work at NASA to get a close-up look at the planets and stars. You can be your
own astronomer and your own scientist, all from the comfort of your own home or
your own backyard.
At-Home Astronomy Techniques
If you're interested in looking at the stars from home, there are several
different techniques used to do so. The most common and easy method is known as
star-hopping. This process involves looking at the stars with a simple viewing
tool such as binoculars. Basically, star-hopping just means that you can look at
individual stars with the naked eye, and you do not really see the full
constellation or the details of planets or stars. A more complicated method of
at-home astronomy is called setting circles. This method requires a more
complicated tool like a telescope, and you look up at the stars through the two
main axes of the telescope. You can use the markers found in most common
telescopes as a set point to then find and focus in on the stars you want to
see. With new technology such as high-definition cameras, stargazers can also
follow something called imaging techniques. This technique allows you to find
and hone in on a star, cluster of stars, or planet, then attach the camera to
your viewing device and take a clear photo. Astronomy has become so popular that
many people have star parties, where everyone gets together and enjoys looking
at the stars together. This is best done in areas where there is little to no
light pollution from cities, where you have a clearer view, such as the desert,
mountains, or beach.
Tools of the Trade
Before the 1980s, telescopes were usually only used by scientists or wealthy
people. But they soon became more available to the public in the form of
everything from low-resolution models to much more complicated ones. One model
is called the GoTo telescope. This telescope lets the user enter in their
coordinates for the star they want to view, and the telescope will then hone in
directly on it by itself. These telescopes are great for the casual viewer,
classrooms, or people who just want to look at any star at random. Another tool
for the at-home astronomer is the remote-control telescope. This kind of
telescope allows the viewer to see anything extremely far away as long as the
telescope is in a dark spot. It is a more modern version that has some digital
mechanics built in. Once you find something you enjoy looking at, you can
capture the image and transmit it to the Internet for others to enjoy. Of
course, a simple, everyday telescope is also available for younger fans of the
heavens who want to just enjoy stargazing out of their window or outdoors. A
star chart can be really helpful for anyone who is trying to locate a specific
star. There are even phone apps today that people can install to help them
locate the many different planets and constellations in our universe. No matter
what your level of knowledge and expertise is, you can see the stars from home
in a number of different ways. With a little bit of practice and learning new
stars and where they are, you will be more than just a novice astronomer in
time. Soon, you can point out the planets, constellations, and galaxies to your
friends and wow them with your newfound understanding of our beautiful universe.
Article written by Lexi Westingate
- Retrieved on November 24, 2014 from http://www.blindschalet.com/kba-be-an-astronomer-right-from-your-window-240.html
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