Beginners Observing List
The Regina Centre has developed a Beginners Observing List to help get you started on your astronomy adventure. The objects in the list can all be accomplished using basic binoculars and over half are visible with unaided eyes. A telescope is not required, although you are certainly free to use one. Unlike most observing lists, we have pulled together all the resources you will need to complete the list. This includes:
- An introduction to the list and the materials we are providing you
- An explanation on how to use the star charts including the related terminology
- An Observing Checklist that you can use to obtain a Certificate of Completion
- A set of four Season Charts that will help you to learn the constellations and how they fit together in the night sky
- Detailed Object Charts that provide a star chart with the object's location, details on the object's size and brightness, along with details on how to find the object and what you will see when it is found
The list contains 12 deep sky objects spread across 12 different constellations and balanced across the seasons. You will find Galaxies, Globular Clusters, Open Clusters, and Emission Nebula. The list also includes the moon, Jupiter, and Saturn, which are common favourites within our solar system.
Just download the PDFs at the bottom of this page and you will have everything you need to begin exploring the night sky.
If you have any question just send us an email but clicking here, call us at (306) 751-0128, or come out to one of our monthly meetings. We will be happy to help.
Once you have completed this Beginners Observing List you will have a good start on the RASC National Observing Certificates. The next steps would be the Explore the Universe, Explore the Moon, or the Messier Catalogue. More information on those lists can be found at http://rasc.ca/certificate-programs.
