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The Frugal Astronomer
Inexpensive Resources for Amateur Astronomers
"I love to revel in philosophical matters - especially astronomy. I study astronomy more than any other foolishness there is. I am a perfect slave to it. I am at it all the time. I have got more smoked glass than clothes. I am as familiar with the stars as the comets are. I know all the facts and figures and I have all the knowledge there is concerning them. I yelp astronomy like a sun-dog, and paw the constellations like Ursa Major.
~ Mark Twain
This site is for amateur astronomers on a limited budget, which is probably most of us. It is a single source for locating low-cost, high-quality resources such as guides, software, charts, books, equipment, podcasts, courses and images. Most resources are free, ad supported or low-cost alternatives to commercial products. Many providers are altruistic individuals who spend their own time and money to provide a free service. Please support them if they ask for a donation. Some resources are shareware, copyrighted or only for non-commercial or educational use. Please respect these restrictions.
The site is divided into the following catagories:
Beginner's Luck - picking your first telescope
What's Out Tonight? - guides to upcoming astronomical events
Planning Tools - get the most out of your observing sessions
Charts, Atlases and Maps - print, software and online
What's on Your Bookshelf - book recommendations
Hardware - Telescopes, Binoculars and Accessories including building your own
Back to School: - college-level astronomy instruction.
Picture This!: - astronomical images for research and pleasure.
Also, check out my cheat sheets links:
Lower
Case Greek Alphabet
Constellations
Sidereal
Time
Star
Classes
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New! Cheap Astronomy by a kindred spirit, Steve Nerlich, is another source of inexpensive astronomy ideas but from the southern hemisphere.
Michael G. Wright is The Frugal Astronomer. Please send questions and feedback to
Disclaimer: The Frugal Astronomer has no vested interest in any tools or resources listed on this site, and has not received any compensation for listing them. This site is supported by Google Ads. The Frugal Astronomer has no control over the ads displayed above. He does not endorse any product or service advertised through Google Ads unless specifically stated in the website content.
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© Michael Wright 2009