Tips & Techniques

Reference Materials

Astronomy Terminology: For those terms that need a quick explaination
Astronomical Equipment Explained: Checkout this quick overview of "The Basics"
Astronomy Dictionary: Ever hear an astronomical term used that you were unfamiliar with? If so, you’ll find this site invaluable.
Astronomy Notes: From Nick Strobel’s Introductory Astronomy as taught at Bakersfield College
Cleaning your telescopes mirrors: Here we discuss the basics of caring for your telescopes optics 
Eyepiece Chart
Eyepiece Chart (Excel spreadsheet): This shows the resulting magnification and field-of-view for a particular eyepiece in a given scope
Polar Alignment: Here we try to take the mystery out of aligning your scope with the earth’s axis of rotation
Solar Flare Classification: Find out how the experts classify them

Visual Astronomy Tips

Observing Meteors
Safe Solar Projection

Observing Aids

Java Jupiter: An awesome utility showing the location of Jupiter’s Galilean moons. A MUST for planning your observing sessions with Jupiter.
Sunrise/Sunset: Astronomical Calendar

Star Charts

Caldwell Charts
Messier Charts

Astrophotography Tips, Techniques, and Tools

Adventures in Astrophotography
ACQUIRING AND PROCESSING ASTRONOMICAL CCD IMAGES
Exposure Guide
Manual Guiding for the LX200: Jeffery R. Charles wrote up these very well done articles. He is also known as the EclipseChaser
Off-axis Guiding
Photographing Lunar Eclipse - Astrophotography Basics from Kodak
Lunar Eclipse Photography: Jeff Stys’ tutorial on manual guiding for the LX200 is a must read
Tri-Color Imaging Techniques by Richard Berry, Al Kelly, Chuck Shaw and Ed Grafton