Kevin's Astro-Nuts Homepage

Hi,
Welcome the the Astro-Nuts Website and thanks for visiting. I hope to provide some basic beginner's help to my fellow beginning astro-nuts. Astronomy can be both a wonderful and a frustrating hobby. The keys to getting through the frustrations are patience and asking questions.

Astronomers are a unique group of folks who welcome newcomers to the hobby with open arms and are always happy to share their experiences. So, don't be afraid to ask what you may think is a "dumb" question. Chances are we've all asked the same one at some point or another.

The wonderful thing about astronomy is that it opens up the vastness of the universe to you. Thanks to this fantastic hobby I've seen examples of other worlds, other stars, and other galaxies. I've traveled millions of light-years into space and time and all from the comfort of my own backyard.

First, a little information about myself. My name is Kevin Daly, I'm married and a father of 4 currently residing in Seymour, CT. I began in astronomy a few years ago by using 7 X 50 Binoculars. My current scopes are a Celestron 4.5" Newtonian Reflector, a Skywatcher 120mm Refract , both on German Equatorial Mounts, a dobsonian mounted Criterion 8" f/7.5 Newtonian Reflector, a Celestron 60mm Refractor, and a MCO 4" Maksutov Cassegrain Spotting Scope (my "travel scope").

Since I started I've probably encountered most of the frustrations possible for a beginner (along with the immense thrills and satisfaction that are a wonderful part of this hobby). As I enjoy many other outdoor activities, astronomy was a perfect fit with my other interests.

I'm basing this help on my own frustrations (challenges?) I've encountered along the way, advice I've gleaned from experienced observers, and a significant amount of reading.

As I learn more, I'll update and revise my page to provide you with (hopefully) better help and advice. I've added links to my other Astro-nut pages for various subjects, simply select the subject from the table below that you wish to read about, click on it and thanks to the magic of the net, voila, you're there.

NOTE: Unfortunately, sometimes life gets in the way of our hobbies and interests. I have neglected updating my site as much as I would like to. Much of the information I present is still relevant however and I do hope you find it useful. It looks like things for me are getting back to somewhat normal finally and I'll be able to reignite my passion for astronomy later this year. I'll be going through all of my pages and updating them with the latest information I'm aware of. Thank you for your patience.

Select a subject you'd like help with below:

*Telescope Basics*	*For descriptions, help with choosing or using a telescope, and setting it up(updated 9/26/00)*
*Viewing Tips*	*Help for getting the most out of your viewing (updated 6/20/99)*
*Astro-links*	*For Astronomy related links of all kinds*
*September's Picks*	*For a few of the best beginners' targets in September*
*October's Picks*	*For a few of the best beginner's targets in October (updated 9/26/00)*
*November's Picks*	*For a few of the best beginner's targets in November (updated 11/1/00)*
*December's Picks*	*For a few of the best beginner's targets in December*
*January's Picks*	*For a few of the best beginner's targets in January (updated 1/4/00)*
*February's Picks*	*For a few of the best beginner's targets in February (updated 2/27/00)*
*March's Picks*	*For a few of the best beginner's targets in March (updated 2/27/00)*
*April's Picks*	*For a few of the best beginner's targets in April (updated 4/8/00)*
*May's Picks*	*For a few of the best beginner's targets in May (updated 5/1/00)*
*June's Picks*	*For a few of the best beginner's targets in June*
*July's Picks*	*For a few of the best beginner's targets in July*
*August's Picks*	*For a few of the best beginner's targets in August*
*The Messiers*	*For a list of the Messier targets, including coordinates, magnitudes, size, season, constellation*
*Guestbook*	*Let me know what you think of my website by signing my Guestbook*
*Guestbook Entries*	*See what others have to say about my website*
*Bookstore*	*Barnes and Noble Affiliate Bookstore*
	I recommend starting with the moon, see this page for some tips on viewing our nearest celestial neighbor
	See this page for some planet viewing tips (updated 9/26/00)
	For some of the best beginner's deep sky targets. (Update 7/2/99)
	To see some of your fellow astro-nuts photos (updated 7/30/99)
	To see some of my eyepiece view sketches

Welcome to the Astro-Nuts Homepage

(The Astronomy Beginner's Help Site)