Astronomy 101

How do I get Started
Visit the following links from Sky and telescope Magazine

Astronomy Basics 

Your First Steps in Astronomy
Astronomy doesn't deserve its reputation as a tough, expensive hobby. You just    need to start out with the right advice.

Words Ya Gotta Know
Take a few minutes to learn the most important astronomy terms.

Names of the Stars
Confused by the bizarre names that astronomers have given the stars? Here's    where they come from and what they mean.

The Stellar Magnitude System
Why do larger numbers mean less light? Here's the story of astronomy's odd but    beloved scheme for describing star brightnesses.

Names of Deep-Sky Objects
Expert observer Brian Skiff explains NGC, UGC, and everything in between.

Visual Observing 
 
How to see the wonders of the heavens with your own eyes —  with or without a telescope.

Using a Naked-Eye Star Map
Just a couple hours spent learning to read a star map can open up the    heavens for a lifetime of exploration.

Star-Finding with a Planisphere
How do you find out what stars are visible tonight? With a planisphere or    "star wheel." It's easy!

Using a Map at the Telescope
The essentials of navigating the heavens with a telescope and a star    atlas.

The Art of Using a Telescope
Congratulations — you've followed our advice and bought the telescope    that's best for you. Now learn how to get the most out of it.

Secrets of Deep-Sky Observing
Here's how to hone your galaxy-hunting skills — and what to expect at the    eyepiece.

Telescopes and Binoculars 

How to choose, use, and get the most out of your    instrument.

Choosing Your First Telescope
A no-nonsense primer to an astronomical rite of passage.

Binoculars: Halfway to a Telescope
All you need to enjoy the wonders of the night sky is a pair of    binoculars.

Choosing Binoculars for Stargazing
In less time than it takes to read them, you can perform these tests and    judge the value of any binoculars, new or used.

Caring for Optics
When cleaning lenses and mirrors, the most important rule is the doctor's    Hippocratic Oath: "First, do no harm."

Beating the Seeing
"Seeing" — the atmospheric quivering that fuzzes out high-power views — is    the bane of every telescope user. Here's how to minimize its impact.

Dealing With Dew
How to keep your optics dry and clear even on the dampest, dewiest nights.

Four Infamous Telescope Myths
Here are some plausible-sounding "facts" about telescopes that turn out to    be less than true.

Types of telescope objects (pdf. 168k)   

from Fox Valley Astronomical Society