Editing Amateur astronomy (section)

== Common tools ==
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[[File:Beneath the Milky Way.jpg|thumb|Places like [[Paranal Observatory]] offer crystal clear skies for observing astronomical objects with or without instruments.<ref>{{cite web
 |title=Beneath the Milky Way
 |url=http://www.eso.org/public/images/potw1613a/
 |publisher=[[European Southern Observatory]]
 |access-date=March 29, 2016
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906191827/http://www.eso.org/public/images/potw1613a/
 |archive-date=September 6, 2017
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Amateur astronomers use a range of instruments to study the sky, depending on a combination of their interests and resources.  Methods include simply looking at the night sky with the naked eye, using binoculars, and using a variety of [[optical telescope]]s of varying power and quality, as well as additional sophisticated equipment, such as cameras, to study light from the sky in both the visual and non-visual parts of the spectrum.  To further improve studying the visual and non-visual part of the spectrum, amateur astronomers go to rural areas<ref>{{Cite web |last=Agency |first=Canadian Space |date=2019-07-16 |title=Stargazing tips |url=https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronomy/tips-tricks/stargazing-tips.asp |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=Canadian Space Agency |archive-date=December 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201174039/https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronomy/tips-tricks/stargazing-tips.asp |url-status=live }}</ref> to get away from [[light pollution]]. Commercial telescopes are available, new and used, but it is also common for amateur astronomers to build (or commission the building of) their own custom telescopes.  Some people even focus on [[amateur telescope making]] as their primary interest within the hobby of amateur astronomy.

Although specialized and experienced amateur astronomers tend to acquire more specialized and more powerful equipment over time, relatively simple equipment is often preferred for certain tasks. Binoculars, for instance, although generally of lower power than the majority of telescopes, also tend to provide a wider [[field of view]], which is preferable for looking at some objects in the night sky. Recent models of iPhones have introduced a "night mode<ref>Odenwald, Sten. “A Guide to Smartphone Astrophotography – NASA Ebook." ''Stargazers Lounge'', 3 Dec. 2020. Retrieved December 1, 2022.</ref>" option when taking pictures as well, that allows you to increase exposure, which is a period of time the picture is being taken for. This optimizes focus on light in the frame which is why it is used primarily at night.

Amateur astronomers also use [[star chart]]s that, depending on experience and intentions, may range from simple [[planisphere]]s through to [[star atlas]]es with detailed charts of the entire night sky. A range of astronomy software is also available and used by amateur astronomers, including software that generates maps of the sky, software to assist with astrophotography, observation scheduling software, and software to perform various calculations pertaining to astronomical phenomena.

Amateur astronomers often like to keep records of their observations, which usually takes the form of an observing log.  Observing logs typically record details about which objects were observed and when, as well as describing the details that were seen.  Sketching is sometimes used within logs, and photographic records of observations have also been used in recent times. The information gathered is used to help studies and interactions between amateur astronomers in yearly gatherings. Although not professional information or credible, it is a way for the hobby lovers to share their new sightings and experiences.

The popularity of imaging among amateurs has led to large numbers of web sites being written by individuals about their images and equipment. Much of the social interaction of amateur astronomy occurs on mailing lists or discussion groups. Discussion group servers host numerous astronomy lists. A great deal of the commerce of amateur astronomy, the buying and selling of equipment, occurs online. Many amateurs use online tools to plan their nightly observing sessions, using tools such as the [[Clear Sky Chart]].