Tools for Stargazing

As Galileo discovered 400 years ago when he first turned a telescope skyward, it's a whole new realm overhead when you use even modest optical aid on the Moon, planets, and stars.

You can recreate the wonder with the binoculars you probably already have.If you're keen on getting your own telescope, however, we'll give you some pointers before you open your wallet. And there's so much more you can do. Observe the Sun safely. Or take a celestial snapshot.

Thinking about buying a telescope — or having trouble getting yours to work right? Each issue of Sky & Telescope magazine is packed with how-to tips. Subscribe today!