When many people think of astronomy, they think of NASA, increasingly difficult math, and the phrase “It’s not rocket science!” But, contrary to the popular conception, astronomy is one of the easiest fields of science to get involved in. Amateur astronomists are some of the only amateur scientists left that still actively contribute to their field, and it’s a great hobby to get into!
In Laramie, we have a unique opportunity that many amateur astronomers don’t have: our conditions. Our dark skies and high altitude make Laramie and Wyoming as a whole one of the best places to get into astronomy in America. One member of the University of Wyoming’s Astronomy Club was quoted as saying, “Out here, especially up in the mountains, you can see the Milky Way in breathtaking detail. The clarity of the stars, coupled with the wide-open spaces, makes it an ideal location for stargazing. Plus, the dry air in places like Laramie really helps with visibility, making it easier for us to observe faint objects that are hard to see elsewhere.”
But how can a person get into this hobby? One way that many recommend for beginners is binoculars. You can see an incredible amount of detail with just a pair of regular hunting binoculars, which many people have lying somewhere around the house. In addition to this, binoculars have a wider field of view, allowing amateur students of the hobby to find objects in the night sky more easily. This wide viewing angle also allows binocular users to chart the night sky and learn how to navigate it, something that can be very difficult with a telescope.
But, ultimately, for the best viewing experience, or if you’re looking to graduate to fainter objects that binoculars can’t see, a telescope is recommended. The best type of telescope for a beginner astronomer can vary widely depending on what you intend to use it for, but generally, a 3-4” reflecting telescope is going to provide the best bang-for-your-buck visual experience. These telescopes are sold often and cheaply on Amazon. Make sure to do research on the brand that you’re buying from, and always read the reviews! No two telescopes are made equally, even if they outwardly look exactly the same.
Now that you have your telescope, what should you do with it? One member of the UWYO Astronomy Club says the following; “Once you get your telescope . . . take it to a dark place. That’s the most important thing I think. I’d start with Messier Objects.” The Messier Catalog is a group of celestial objects categorized by French astronomer Charles Messier. Originally, he was categorizing them in order to not mistake them for comets, but over time the list has become one of the most well known catalogs of the brightest objects in the night sky. In order to find these objects, it’s recommended that you buy some star charts on Amazon and look for ones (usually labeled something like M31 on the star chart) to find. Easy objects for beginner astronomers to find in the fall sky include M31, the Andromeda Galaxy, M81, Bode’s Galaxy, and M13, the Hercules cluster.
With just a pair of binoculars or an affordable telescope, beginners can explore the wonders of the night sky, from galaxies to star clusters. Whether you’re observing the Milky Way or tracking Messier objects, Wyoming’s dark skies offer a unique opportunity to dive into one of the most captivating sciences. So grab your binoculars and a star chart, and get out there!
