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Practical tips

Tips and tricks

Visual observation and astrophotography in practice - equipment, checklists, tips and tricks.

Every beginner will recognise this. The night’s targets are lined up and you're ready to go. Unfortunately, the finder mists up, your observing chair is too low and it’s difficult to reach the eyepiece. It’s getting really cold too. We help you overcome these stumbling blocks - with practical hints for a greater sense of achievement under the night sky.

Your first astronomy photo in 7 easy steps using the MiniTrack

Do you need a lot of experience, an expensive mount or a fully equipped observatory to take a great astronomy photo?

How to take photographs of the Moon with your smartphone

Lunar photography: this method, using a smartphone, is so simple that anyone can take beautiful photographs of the Moon.

Setting up an EQ mount correctly – we explain how

Do you own an EQ mount or want to buy one? Step-by-step: how to set up and polar-align your mount.

The Telrad trick: aligning your mount with the projection finder

An equatorial mount is only ever as good as its alignment with the celestial pole. Such alignment is simple with this little-known method.

Connecting a camera to a telescope – here’s how to do it

Do you want to capture your observations with your own photographs? Step-by-step: how to connect your camera to your telescope.

5 ways to document your observations

No matter whether it’s with photos, sketches or an audio recording. Every hobby astronomer should think about keeping an observation journal. In this article you will learn why.

9 tips so that you can plan your observations like an experienced astronomer

Planning your observations and making astronomy more fun. In this article, you'll learn how amazingly simple and effective it can be.

Infographic GoTo telescopes

What are GoTo telescopes, and what can you do with them? Set-up and handling, as well as all the functions explained in a compact infographic.

How to find the right eyepieces.

Visually, you won’t get far without eyepieces. But which ones are right for my telescope - and how many do I actually need?

Colour filters for planetary observation

Planetary observation is even more fun with colour filters - you can simply see so much more. We explain which filter is suitable for which purpose.

Adjusting binoculars

Are you seeing double? Don't panic! Your binoculars aren't broken, just not properly adjusted.

Overview of EQ mounts

EQ series mounts are omnipresent - many manufacturers offer them with their telescopes. Here's an overview.

The EQ-6 Pro mount

Skywatcher’s flagship mount provides a solid base for larger optics.

Calibrating a polar finder scope

You’ll need an accurately aligned mount for astrophotography. Perfect polar alignment in 11 steps.

Observatories in Europe

Observatories are both a popular destination for day trips and a visitor magnet. But where are they? A map of European observatories.

Observing undisturbed by light pollution

The Moon and planets will prevail despite a light-polluted sky. But for deep sky objects, it's worth the trip to the countryside.

Astronomy software

Star chart programs help you to orient yourself in the night sky. Astrophotography is also not forgotten.