Welcome to Astronomy: An Introduction to Skywatching
Welcome to Astronomy
Astronomy is one of the few sciences you can begin from your own backyard. With your eyes, a pair of binoculars, or a small telescope, you can follow the Moon and planets, learn the southern constellations, watch meteor showers, and explore the Milky Way.
ASSA helps beginners take the next step through public viewing nights, member observing nights, talks, camps, specialist groups and practical advice from experienced observers and imagers.
Start Here
1. Learn the sky with your eyes
Start by finding the Moon, bright planets, the Southern Cross, Orion, the Milky Way and the Magellanic Clouds. No telescope is needed.
2. Try binoculars first
Binoculars reveal star clusters, lunar detail, Jupiter's moons and bright nebulae while keeping the sky easy to navigate.
3. Look through different telescopes
Before buying equipment, attend an ASSA event and talk to members about what suits your interests, budget and observing location.
What You Can See
Moon and Planets
The Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are rewarding targets from suburban skies. Jupiter's moons and Saturn's rings are often highlights for beginners.
Stars and Constellations
Learning the patterns of the southern sky helps you find your way around and understand how the sky changes through the year.
Deep-Sky Objects
Under darker skies, binoculars and telescopes reveal star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, the Milky Way and the Magellanic Clouds.
Changing Events
Meteor showers, comets, eclipses, occultations and planetary conjunctions give observers reasons to keep returning to the sky.
How ASSA Can Help
Look through a telescope for the first time
Start with public viewing nights and stargazing events.
Meet other beginners and experienced members
Start with monthly meetings, groups and member activities.
Before You Buy a Telescope
Many people begin astronomy by thinking they need a high-powered telescope. In practice, the best first step is to learn the sky, attend a few observing nights, and look through different types of equipment before buying anything expensive.
- Start with your eyes and a simple sky map or astronomy app.
- Use binoculars if you already have them.
- Ask experienced observers what equipment suits your goals.
- Think about portability, storage, setup time and where you will observe from.
- Avoid buying purely on magnification; stable mounts and light-gathering ability matter more.
Astronomy in Australia
Australia has a strong astronomical tradition, from Aboriginal sky knowledge and seasonal understanding through to professional observatories, radio astronomy, and active amateur astronomy societies. South Australia has its own rich observing community, with dark skies, southern-sky objects, and local clubs helping people learn and participate.
Amateur astronomers can contribute to real science by observing variable stars, comets, occultations, eclipses, planets, supernovae and other changing phenomena. Others simply enjoy visual observing, astrophotography, telescope making, public outreach or learning more about the Universe.
Download the Full Guide
The original Welcome to Astronomy article is still available as a PDF for anyone who wants the longer guide.
Welcome to Astronomy
You do not need to know everything before you begin. Start by looking up, learning a few landmarks in the sky, and coming along to an ASSA event when you are ready.