Astronomy for Beginners
New to astronomy? Not sure how to get started in stargazing or which telescope to buy?
Here’s where you’ll find observing guides, how-to articles and great astronomy hints and tips. Don’t forget to check out our comprehensive astronomy dictionary.
General Guides
'How To' Guides
Astronomy Dictionary
Universal time (UT)
A timescale based on the rotation of the Earth on its axis. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) was measured from the Greenwich Meridian at midday until 1928, when UT replaced it. Now, UT is measured from midnight at the Greenwich Meridian. The term GMT is still often used though.
Photometry
A measurement of the intensity of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a celestial body.
Waxing Moon
Phases of the lunar cycle when the face of the Moon appears to be getting larger each day. In the waning parts of the lunar cycle, the face of the Moon appears to be getting smaller.
