Equipment

No astronomy site would be complete without listing the equipment used to observe, gaze, photograph and study the night sky, including the reference materials such as books and charts.

Astronomy equipment can be a very touchy subject amongst astronomers. Generally size rules over usability and astronomers will tout the merits of their equipment. I'm going to avoid this by saying... "I've chosen this equipment as it fitted my budget at the time, performs a reasonable job and I'm happy with it."

So before you get started, If you haven't done any astronomy and would like to take images like the ones here, please do the following:

Join an astronomy club, or at the very least attend a club meeting. Most will let you attend a meeting or two without joining. You'll meet a lot of people who can help you get started.

If you want to take photos, go to www.astropix.com and read the articles by Jerry Lodriguss. It will save you a lot of time and frustration. It'll also help you save a few $$$$

Join a yahoo! user group such as Digital Astro, CGE Uncensored, NZastronomers. The discussions can get interesting, but generally the people on these groups are keen to help.

Remember you are doing it for your enjoyment or a profession. Either way make it enjoyable.