About Backyard Astronomy
Practical astronomy guides: stargazing basics, choosing and using a telescope, eyepieces, collimation, planets, deep sky objects and astrophotography.
Who this site is for
Beginner and hobby astronomers who want clear help with stargazing, telescopes, observing and astrophotography.
How the guides are written
- Answer first. Each guide leads with the direct answer, then explains the why and the how.
- Practical numbers. Concrete values you can use, with ranges rather than false precision.
- Connected, not repeated. Short, focused articles link to the in-depth guide for their topic, so you can go as deep as you need.
- Dated. Every article shows when it was published.
Please note
These guides are general information. Never look at the Sun through a telescope, binoculars, a camera or the naked eye without a proper certified solar filter fitted to the front of the instrument, because it can cause permanent blindness. Take care with cold, dark and remote observing sites.