How to Observe
What can I see?
How can I find it in the sky?
When can I see it?
When do Astronomical Events happen?
What equipment do I need to see it?
THE SKY IS YOURS TO DISCOVER!
Find the Answers
Below access Astronomical Calendars, Sky Charts, Lists of Astronomical Events such as Meteor showers and Moon phases, Information on Telescopes and More!
Sky Charts and Calendars
Start with “The Sky Tonight” to learn what objects are in the sky tonight. Find dates of upcoming Astronomical Events. View the upcoming cloud outlook for Ann Arbor to plan your observing.
Find out More ⟶
- The Sky Tonight (current events and visibility of tonight’s sky)
- What’s In the Night Sky? (From High Point Scientific)
- Learn your way around the night sky (a collection of articles to teach you the night sky. Recommended!!)
- Cloud outlook for Ann Arbor
- Calendar of Astronomical Events (Set the “Difficulty” level choice)
- Printable Sky Charts (Scroll down to the Monthly listings)
- Sunset and Sunrise Calendar (choose your location and dates)
- Astronomical Calendar from US Navy (a bit more complicated but has more options)
- Make your own star charts (Look over the settings: select object, Time etc. Explore!)
Planetarium Software
“Planetarium Software” allows you to search the sky for objects, set times and dates to view the night sky in animated mode. Here is a downloadable version and online version. These have a free version and paid version.
Find out More ⟶
- Stellarium (download)
- Stellarium Web (online)
- Sky Safari (This is a mobile based planetarium like Stellarium, Free version is available on Playstore and Apple store)
Viewing with Binoculars
Learn how to use binoculars to begin your sky journey
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Telescope Guide
Telescopes provide the logical next step to view the sky. Check out these links to learn about the different kinds of telescopes and how to choose your first scope.
Find out More ⟶
- How to buy your first Telescope (.pdf)
- Reviews of Gear for Beginners
- How to check out a telescope from the Ann Arbor Public Library
- “Choosing Your First Telescope” with J. Kelly Beatty (youtube)
- High Point Scientific “Best telescopes Under $500 (A very informative and honest survey of telescopes best suited for beginners)
Light Pollution
How does light pollution affect your experience? How to overcome this obstacle.
Observing Online and Resources Devoted to Astronomy
Explore online sites that allow you to view the sky.
Find out More ⟶
- Observing with Nasa (Use the Nasa Micro-Observatory remotely)
- EarthSky (A great resource for what to see, where and when to see it)
- NASA Night Sky Network (many resources to use)
- The Astronomical League (observing programs and resources)
- Astronomy Hub (a Resource hub published by High Point Scientific)
- Cloudy Nights (In depth forum for Amateur Astronomers, if its been tried, its here)