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"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 categories:
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
Julian Day Calculator
Cheap Astronomy by a kindred spirit, Steve Nerlich, is another source of inexpensive astronomy ideas but from the southern hemisphere.