Hello From St. Loius

[Darmanskirita]

I'm new to this forum and I want to learn about astronomy but I don't have a telescope yet. How should I get started?

[Mr Spock]

Hi, welcome to SGL Have a look at the 'Getting Started...' sections of the forum. There are a lot of people in the same position and reading about them and the advice they are given is a great start. You'll pick up a lot of information about telescopes and observing. Once you feel comfortable you'll be able to make a decision about what kind of scope you want and what kind of astronomy interests you the most.

[JamesM]

Hi and welcome to the forum

Clear skies

[Galen Gilmore]

Hi welcome to the SGL!

As Mr. Spock said, visit the the getting started section. Lots of good information there.

Another thing is that if you don't want to make the commitment to a telescope yet, then consider a pair of binoculars. (preferably 10x50 or something similar) It can be used to find many of the brighter deep sky objects, like various open clusters and the andromeda galaxy.

-Galen

[Floater]

Welcome to the forum and the hobby. 

As from Michael (above), search the different sections here and research topics online. Any specific questions will be answered here.

What do you want to look at - Moon and planets or deep sky 'fuzzies'? (No one telescope will do everything very well.) How much do you want to spend? Where will you be using the telescope - back garden in light pollution or dark skies? How big/heavy a scope can you handle? These are just some of the questions you have to answer.

Have fun on the journey.

[Pondus]

Hello there and welcome to SGL.

Even though there are many ways to get started in astronomy, the best way is still to get out and have a look at the night sky. Learn a few Constellations and  the name of a few stars.

 

Rune

[Dave In Vermont]

Well hello to you - for getting a start you've made a sound decision!

We love questions, and finding answers to them, so please feel free in asking them in all of the forums here.

Starry Skies!

Dave

[davehawkins]

welcome to SGL

[laudropb]

Hello and a warm welcome to the SGL. Lots of good advice already given. Don't get bogged down with the technicalities. Decide on a budget. It does not have to be too expensive to get you started. In the mean time get out under the night sky. Even with the naked eye you can start your journey. Try to recognise some of the major constellations. If you have a pair of binoculars so much the better. Just enjoy yourself. After all that's what it's all about.

[hippie]

Welcome to SGL. 

[Pete Presland]

Hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire :-) 

[Charon]

Welcome aboard.

[Dave Lloyd]

Hi and welcome, there's no rush to buy a scope yet. Do some research on here, you'll get sorted.