A telescopic filter has the ability to enhance detail and contrast when viewing objects. From reducing the effects of light pollution to showing sunspots safely, virtually every type of object in the sky can be enhanced with the addition of a filter.
Regardless of your skill level, you need a few books to help your astronomy observing. Start with a book that describes what you will find and how to find it. Later you'll want a detailed star atlas and a catalogue that describes lesser-known objects.
Sky simulator or planetarium software shows a display of the sky on your computer screen. It's quite easy to move around the sky and zoom in or out by changing the field of view. You can often pick any arbitrary date in the future or in the past to display. Most packages have a great search tool that helps you find objects wherever they are in the sky.
When choosing telescope accessories, there's it's a matter of trade-offs. You want options but you also want low cost and low weight. You finder scope can move across the entire spectrum.
I've picked some low-cost and, coincidentally, low weight choices for finders.
Regardless of your skill level, you need a few books to help your astronomy observing. Start with a book that describes what you will find and how to find it. Later you'll want a detailed star atlas and a catalogue that describes lesser-known objects.
Your star atlas (also called star map or sky atlas) is your road map to the stars. It's a constant companion on your travels throughout the night sky. Use it to plan your observing sessions and learn the constellations. You will be able to find deep space objects because you'll see their location relative to the neighboring stars. You can plan star hops to the more obscure objects. You will refer to it when observing to help you find your target objects.
A telescopic filter has the ability to enhance detail and contrast when viewing objects. From reducing the effects of light pollution to showing sunspots safely, virtually every type of object in the sky can be enhanced with the addition of a filter.
