Newcomer - Observing challenges

On the back of Calibos' recommendation over on boards, and in the hopes of getting others on my level to emerge too..

I'm about to start into the observing challenges. I know next to nothing about stellar geography, have never used a telescope of any significant size (nothing more than 3" anyway), and am relying on my thus far excellent celestron binoculars.

Anyone else in a similar position?


BTW, are these challenges still open - as in, are you still taking completed submissions? They have so far been an excellent incentive to get out and look - not just for the potential reward, but mainly because of the intuitive format, and extensive content. They are more useful than many of the introductory texts I have read over the past weeks, so a huge preliminary thanks to whomever is responsible for them.

Hi efla,

Glad to hear you're going to tackle the Challenges! IFAS has had tens of thousands of downloads on the pdf documents in the few years they have been here. They have even been translated in to a couple of other European languages too. It has been quite a while since anyone submitted even a partially completed Challenge, however, none will be overlooked!

The recognition of your work in learning more about Astronomy through the Challenge is the outcome for the user, and is meant to be insightful and informative along the way. Feedback is always welcome. The contact details of each of the authors is contained in each document (I did the Novice Observing Challenge by the way, I plan on bringing out an updated Version 2 later in the year).


Clear Skies,

Seanie.

Its something I haven't done myself yet!! Haven't done any of the challenges. I'll be the first to admit that I got very into the technology of Telescopes from the beginning. Time that wasn't spent observing was spent researching hardware. Tis the gearhead in me. As a result I haven't gotten around to learning as much about the heavens as I should have at this stage after taking up the hobby 18 months ago. So I have yet to actually go out observing with an observing plan. These challenges will be a great way to regiment my observing rather than aimlessly slewing around the sky.