Observing Fundamentals.

Observing Fundamentals. What is Fundamental Astronomy?

We observe the sky in many ways, from simply looking up using our own eyes, to using binoculars, and even large backyard telescopes. When we first take up the joys of astronomy, we're often both mesmerized and bewildered at this new place we find ourselves.

The sky truly is magnificent, holding amazing gems nearly every step of the way often hidden from your eyes but able to be pealed back with just a slight bit of magnification. Using and understanding when we need these tools presents a subtle learning curve.

No sweat. Here's what every beginner needs to know (as taken from one of the Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers (DVAA) observing clinics for new members)! In this episode we don't go over some of the more foreign sounding astronomy terms like perihelion and apogee, nor do we go into details about right ascension and declination. While useful, let's get comfortable with the bare bones basics first.

We learn of how Field of View affects what we see, and how to properly adjust your eye pieces to identify objects within a certain degree or less field of view. We learn why low magnitude is actually MORE important than high magnitude for the beginner astronomer. And we learn that we all will make embarrassingly funny mistakes, which is ok, because that's how we learn and grow.

PodAstro is about more than just Astronomy, it's about inspiring YOU to take a second to put your life, your world, and your environment into perspective. There's only one Earth, and it's not very big, nothing we do on it means a lick in the grand scheme of things, but to the best of our knowledge, it's unique, and there's nothing else like it anywhere.

We want to hear back from you. What fundamentals do you find most useful? What embarrassing mistakes did you make early on? Email us at [email protected]!! Learn more about the Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers. 

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