assistance in locating and centering objects, after the setting circles
have been used to locate the approximate position of the object.
Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye!
24
APPENDIX A: CELESTIAL COORDINATES
Messier Tips
Join an Astronomy Club. Attend a Star Party
One of the best ways to increase your knowledge of astronomy is to join an
astronomy club. Check your local newspaper, school, library, or telescope dealer/store to
find out if there’s a club in your area.
At club meetings, you will meet other astronomy and Meade enthusiasts with whom you
will be able to share your discoveries. Clubs are an excellent way to learn more about
observing the sky, to find out where the best observing sites are, and to compare notes
about telescopes, eyepieces, filters, tripods, and so forth.
Often, club members are excellent astrophotographers. Not only will you be able to see
examples of their art, but you may even be able to pick up some “tricks of the trade” to
try out on your Messier-Series telescope. Many groups also hold regularly scheduled
Star Parties at which you can check out and observe with many different telescopes and
other pieces of astronomical equipment.
