Learn the Sky: Constellations & Sky Navigation

The Constellations (IAU) – A clear, authoritative introduction to constellations and how the sky is officially divided—great context before you start using star charts and planning tools.

NOIRLab – The 88 Constellations Project – Free, high-resolution, downloadable constellation images for all 88 IAU constellations (excellent for learning shapes + star patterns).  

Sky & Telescope – Star-Finding with a Planisphere – A friendly introduction to the classic rotating star wheel (planisphere), why it’s still useful, and how to read it in minutes. 

Sky & Telescope – How to Use a Star Chart at the Telescope – Shows how to keep directions straight at the eyepiece and use charts effectively while observing through a scope. 

Lawrence Hall of Science – Star Wheels (Planispheres) – Printable planispheres (“star wheels”) for different latitudes/hemispheres; an easy, hands-on way to learn the sky. 

Plan For Tonight

Monthly Evening Sky Map (Skymaps.com) – Free monthly PDF sky map that shows the best things to look for this month, including planets, bright targets, and seasonal constellations.

Stellarium Web – Free browser planetarium: set your location and time, then learn what’s visible and where to look.

Heavens-Above – Excellent real-time sky chart and the best beginner-friendly tool for ISS/satellite pass predictions.

Timeanddate – Astronomy – Practical planning tool for twilight, Moon rise/set, and visibility timing for your location.

Sky & Telescope – Interactive Sky Chart – Interactive star chart showing constellation lines/boundaries and sky objects; great for learning the sky and confirming what you’re seeing.

Check Conditions

Clear Outside – Simple “go / no-go” astronomy forecast that highlights cloud cover, transparency, and seeing in one quick view.

Astrospheric – Astronomy-focused forecast with clear breakdowns that help you avoid nights with poor transparency or bad seeing.

Clear Sky Chart (Clear Dark Sky) – High-resolution hour-by-hour charts for clouds, transparency, seeing, and darkness for many locations.

Viewing the Night Sky: Eyes → Binoculars → First Telescope

Naked Eye (no equipment)

Astronomy with the naked eye (Royal Museums Greenwich) – Practical beginner tips for seeing the best night-sky sights using only your eyes (dark adaptation, light control, what to look for, and how to get oriented). 

I Didn’t Know That! Stargazing 101 (U.S. National Park Service) – A first-timer guide to a successful stargazing session (what to bring, protecting night vision, and how to make the most of your first outing). 

Binocular (best first “instrument”)

Binoculars for Astronomy: Ultimate Guide to Selecting and Buying (Sky & Telescope) – Clear guidance on what binocular specs matter for astronomy, what to buy, and how binoculars help you learn the sky quickly. 

Binocular Messier Observing Program (Astronomical League) – A structured “mission list” of classic objects you can observe using binoculars, designed specifically for beginners. 

Binocular Stargazing Catalog (Sky & Telescope) – A curated list of deep-sky targets visible in common handheld binoculars, great when you want “what should I look at next?” 

First Telescope (buying + first nights)

How to Choose a Telescope for Astronomy (Sky & Telescope) – A reputable first-telescope buyer’s guide that explains tradeoffs and helps beginners narrow choices without hype. 

How To Start with Your New Telescope (Sky & Telescope) – Step-by-step “first light” guidance: setup, basic operation, and how to avoid early frustration. 

General (works with Naked Eye, Binoculars, or a Telescope)

Astronomy for Beginners: How to Get Started (Sky & Telescope) – A beginner roadmap for getting oriented in the sky, setting expectations for what you can see, and choosing a sensible next step (often binoculars first).

Free “Let’s Go Stargazing” Guide (PDF) (Sky & Telescope) – A printable starter kit with stargazing basics and a Moon map—ideal for your first few nights outside. 

Skywatching Tips From NASA – Practical advice on what binoculars and small telescopes do well, plus common-sense tips that help beginners succeed fast.

Tonight’s First Targets (Beginner-Friendly)

Objects in Your Sky: Deep Sky Objects (In-The-Sky.org) – Generates a practical list of bright deep-sky objects for your location and date/time, so beginners can focus on targets that are actually feasible from where they observe (note: can be slow to load).

Sky & Telescope – Top 10 Skywatching Targets – A beginner-friendly “what to look at” list with easy, high-reward objects and practical tips for finding them on your first night out.

timeanddate – Night Sky – Shows what’s visible tonight (Moon phase, planets, and sky highlights) with simple explanations—great for quick planning.

NASA / Hubble – Messier Catalog – Beginner-friendly list of bright deep-sky targets with great images and context.

Find Darker Skies

LightPollutionMap.info – Interactive sky-brightness map; the fastest way to understand what your backyard can realistically show.

International Dark-Sky Association – Plain-language explanation of light pollution and a directory of dark-sky places worth traveling to.

The Moon (Best First Target)

Timeanddate – Moon Phases – Monthly lunar phase calendar so you can plan around bright Moon nights.

Virtual Moon Atlas – Free lunar atlas that helps you identify craters and features at the eyepiece or in binoculars.

Interactive Lunar Map (Cseligman) – Clickable Moon map for quickly naming and learning major lunar features.

Premium Picks (worth paying for)

If you buy only one book: Turn Left at Orion. If you want a broader reference, The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide.

Turn Left at Orion (Amazon) – The best “what to observe and how to find it” book for beginners with a small telescope; practical charts and step-by-step guidance that gets you to real targets fast.

NightWatch (Official Site) – A highly approachable beginner handbook with strong sky orientation and realistic expectations for what you can see with binoculars and a first telescope.

The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide (Official Site) – A deeper, broader reference that stays useful as you gain experience; excellent for understanding equipment choices and building solid observing skills.

Sky & Telescope – Observing-focused magazine and website with consistently strong “what’s up this month” content, practical guides, and equipment coverage.

Astronomy Magazine – Broad mix of observing, space science, and gear content that remains beginner-friendly while still offering depth as you progress.

BBC Sky at Night Magazine – High-quality hobby coverage with strong how-to articles, reviews, and beginner-accessible features (with a UK perspective on events and observing).

When you need help

Cloudy Nights – The most useful all-around astronomy forum; great for beginner gear questions and “what did I just see?” help.

Astronomical League – Club Finder – Find a local club; nothing accelerates learning like observing with experienced people.

Go Deeper!

Astronomy Fundamentals (full concept library + your larger book/magazine lists)

Observing & Sky Events (all planning tools, trackers, events)

Targets, Catalogs & Databases (when they want to identify objects properly)

Astro Community (forums, organizations, clubs)

If you Want Photos

Go to Start Here: Beginner Astrophotography