Ask HN: I love astronomy and I would like to do something about it.

[jk8]

I love astronomy, and I wanted to become an astronomer since I was kid. I build web sites now.

I would love to do something about it. I would buy a telescope, but I rent an apartment on the 9th floor and I have windows only on one side of the room. I don't even know where to start. After work hours, I am working on my pet projects, and I would love to do something with astronomy.

Any suggestions?

[revorad]

Have you tried going camping? There's too much light pollution in cities anyway.

I come from Pune (India) and we were lucky to have a world class astronomy research institute a stone's throw away from my house. They often organised outdoor events for young people. Check it out - http://www.iucaa.ernet.in. They have some community projects like the Virtual Observatory which you might be able to do something with remotely (I think you can get loads of data). I know the director of the institute personally, so if you do find it useful and want to explore further, drop me an email (in profile).

[jk8]

I am no where close to pune, but I will check it out when I come to visit my family.

[rick_2047]

Added to my trip profile

[tjr]

Is there an open-to-the-public observatory anywhere near you? About a half-hour from where I live there is a small observatory with some reasonably heavy-duty telescopes, and areas to set up your own telescope, with monthly "guided tours" of what can be seen at each respective time of the year.

[jk8]

Yes, I found one. It is open to public only on tuesday's, so I will have to check it out. Thanks for the tip.

[robfitz]

Read 'The Age of Wonder' By Richard Holmes. It will get you outside ;)

[jk8]

Sounds like a good book

[gcheong]

Are there any astronomy groups that meet where you live?

[gcheong]

Also, as for a first telescope you might consider the galileoscope:

https://www.galileoscope.org/gs/