We talk a lot about telescopes here on Astronomy Cast, but you really don’t need any special equipment to appreciate what the night sky has to offer. Just head outside with some sky charts, maybe a planisphere, some friends and hot chocolate, and you’re good to go. Let’s talk about what kinds of things you can see with just your eyes.
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I’m very new to watching the night sky, so I’m still learning the basic constellations I need to orient myself properly. One tool I’ve found absolutely invaluable is Google Skymap on my Android phone (I think something similar is available for the iPhone). I just point it at the night sky, and it gives me a planetarium type view oriented at where I’m pointing, and gives me the names of the stars, constellations, and planets that are visible. A must for the beginner.