Astronomy has been a hobby for some people around the world. Clear skies are the best time for these amateur astronomers as they will be spotting numerous objects in the sky. However it is impossible to enjoy stargaze in a light polluted city. This has concerned many astronomers and only see them in their dreams. But there is a solution to this problem. Most books will ask to move away from the city area. There is a much better way than this.
If you own a private housing you can ask your neighbours to switch off the lights with you or even invite them to a star party. Zero lighting in a particular area is better for a star party. Sometimes it may not possible since the horizon remains light polluted to about 30-45 degrees. There are other places you can choose to stargaze. For example you could use an open space somewhere in a part of a city which is least light polluted. That would be enough for a reasonable star gazing. However there are places which can't fulfill these conditions.
I am an amateur astronomer who comes from Singapore. I face a lot of problems in stargazing as there is light pollution as well too much rainfall. I was able to trace some constellations and caught detailed images of Jupiter, Saturn and Mars. I wish to spot deep sky objects other than the Pleiades (M45). The Orion nebula (M42,43) had been a failure a few times. I had caught its dull image once. There are hundreds of other deep sky objects which I wish to see. At present I managed to spot a inlet of jewel box cluster (near beta crux) and trying to get a good image of omega centauri. It is not easy to spot deep sky objects as it requires an accurate position. Some of these objects may appear like other stars. for example omega centauri will appear as a single star through binoculars. Since I am using a normal refractor I have to be patient in my tracking.
In the beginning it took along time spot Saturn. By that time I was a bit exhausted and I perspired a lot. So it is not easy as we think.
Here I can give you some tips on being a good amateur. A few had given up in Astronomy because they failed several times. If you are a starter do not jump into conclusion of buying a telescope (although you can't wait to own one). Try to learn about the skies through star charts and try spotting some constellations with the naked eye. If possible you can buy a binoculars ranging from 7-10 x 50. Hold on to your binoculars for a year or so before going to a telescope.
This is because binoculars are more easier to use. Once you are clear with the the skies and visible planets, you are ready for a telescope. Buy a telescope which you are comfortable. Do not buy them from camera shops as they are expensive and have less use. You can go to this website for your choice. http://www.telescope.com/control/main/ Try to avoid fussy ones which are difficult to control. It is important that your telescope is durable and easy to handle. Once you own one try spotting easier objects like Moon , bright planets and stars before going to the rest. Do not dream of deep skies first. I had made this similar mistake before and until now I did not spot the Andromeda galaxy (M31). I hope I will spot it some day.
If you going to stargaze go as a group or even make it a public party. You should know the place well if it is somewhere unknown. It is important to be patient during stargazing sessions and not make a havoc if you fail to see something which you wish to see or lost track of something. This is normal to an amateur. A star gazing session can go up to a whole night. If you are staying over remember to bring enough supplies. Finally a good astronomer has to enjoy what he is doing.
Other than stargazing and spotting objects it is good to read on some Astronomical theories and facts. They can be interesting. If you are a good in physics you would be interested in these theories and equations and how normal physics equations can be applied to astronomy. A mathematician will also be interested as some mathematical applications like trigonometry can be applied in this field.
If you have any questions or comments you can email to alphaams@yahoo.com
Thursday, June 5, 2008
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