Learn Astronomy for Free: Tips & Ideas

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how individuals can learn astronomy using limited resources, specifically focusing on free or low-cost options available through the internet and public libraries. Participants share various recommendations, ideas, and personal experiences related to self-directed learning in astronomy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest utilizing public libraries for books on astronomy and joining local astronomy clubs for educational events and star parties.
  • One participant expresses doubt about the availability of local astronomy clubs and considers starting one if they become interested enough.
  • Another participant shares their challenging situation of limited resources and outdated materials in their country, relying heavily on the internet and personal observations of the night sky.
  • Several participants recommend watching documentaries, asking questions in the forum, and starting with binoculars rather than telescopes to learn about constellations.
  • Links to various online resources, such as astronomy notes, monthly star maps, and free astronomy lessons, are provided by participants as helpful tools for learning.
  • One participant mentions the importance of maintaining a "cosmologically conscious" mindset through daily newsletters and easy-to-read articles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of using free resources and engaging with the community, but there are differing opinions on the availability and effectiveness of local clubs and resources, as well as personal learning preferences.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express limitations based on their geographical location and access to resources, highlighting the variability in available support for learning astronomy.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in self-learning astronomy, particularly those with limited financial resources or access to formal education, may find the shared ideas and resources beneficial.

Gale
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say a person wished to learn about astronomy, but the only resource they have is the internet and a public library. They have nothing for money, or anything like that. So, how should this person go about their learning? recomendations? ideas? ect...
 
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There are loooooooads of great books you can get from the public library.

You should also find a local astronomy club in your area. They often have presentations and star parties (nerds with telescopes hanging out for an evening in a parking lot somewhere), which are remarkably educational.

There are also some rather decent educational materials on the internet. Here are some of the notes I provide for the astro classes I teach. Hope they help!

http://users.vnet.net/warrenc/astro/introduction.pdf

http://users.vnet.net/warrenc/astro/telescopes.pdf

http://users.vnet.net/warrenc/astro/mythology.pdf

http://users.vnet.net/warrenc/astro/stars.pdf

- Warren
 
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well i doubt those parties happen where i live... though perhaps i'll start something if i get interested enough. and i'd bet that'd be the most helpful.. i was rather worried though if books would be enough... as good a reader as i am, and although i can absorb knowledge quickly, i guess i just haven't the discipline to learn something entirely from a book. But yeah, der, i forgot bout you warren... shouldda just asked you. i wish we had a class at school, unfortunately we do not, but if i can find a teacher to back us, we'll soon have a club. any other ideas would be greatly appreciated
 
Gale17,

Yes, I can totally understand you because I'm in the same situation as yours. I may even worse.

I really interested in Astronomy and Cosmology but there is no supports and resources at my country. There is no good library at all too. More over, even in those poor libraries, no book for the subject of my interest. On the other hand, there is only one or two publishers who publish this kind of books - transalted versions. Totally, there will not more than 10 books about this subject. Yes, not more than 10. The worse thing is they all are out-dated.

So, now I can only depend on Internet. The ISP of our country has only 2 years of age.

For the academic study about this subject, we have only one colledge which was established last year. There is no good teacher and the resources are not enough.

So, I have to read about Astronomy or Cosmology from old English books which are collected by my dad last 25 years ago. Now you can imagine my situation.

So, I just have to look at the sky to study about Astronomy and Cosmology. It is my study book.

That's why I've decided to go to USA to study Astronomy and Cosmology.
 
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Originally posted by chroot
Here are some of the notes I provide for the astro classes I teach. Hope they help!

- Warren
Thanks for your sharing. I would like to get more if possible.
 
Yeah Warren, I just want to say thanks also. I'm taking a general Astronomy class in college and those notes will be very helpful before exams and what-not. ~Dave
 
Hi Gale
Read as much as you can about it. Watch for documentaries (NOVA, etc.). Ask tons of questions here at PF.

Most importantly, just get yourself outside at night & enjoy. Don't buy a telescope to start off. Start by learning the constellations (in the sky, not just on paper). You can get an updated sky map cheaply in the monthly magazines like Sky&Telescope or Astronomy (or even downloaded free from the internet). The first optical step should be a good pair of binoculars (not too expensive). That alone should cover you for a year or two of fun.

After that foothold, look for a local astronomy club (I can't recommend one for NH, but this looks promising...http://www.nhastro.com/index.html )

Check out local planetariums & observatories (sometimes they allow the public access to their telescopes).
 
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www.skymaps.com has a good monthly star map with lots of observing hints, for free.

- Warren
 
  • #10
well thanks all... that's all wicked helpful... and now that I've been fired from one of my jobs [b(] ... well at least i'll have a little more time for a hobby or two...
 
  • #11
You might also want to check out Windows to the Universe and Space.Com , a site at which you can sign up for a daily newsletter to arrive in your e-mail every day. I find that getting a few quick, easy-to-read stories every day really helps keep a "cosmologically conscious" frame of mind.
 
  • #12
Originally posted by chroot
(nerds with telescopes hanging out for an evening in a parking lot somewhere)

u call me a nerd boi?! nah j/k.

where do you live? there should be an "astronomy" magazine at your local newsagent, its american (whereas I'm aussie) so it doesn't do me anygood (i don't know about you).

it provides a few interesting coloumns about different universe aspects and a detailed (and now extensive) sky plan for the current month.
 

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