What does it take to become an astronomer? Well, curiosity is essential. That’s what fuels you to look at the night sky, wondering about space, its parts and energy, how the universe began and sheer elegance of its lights and wilderness.

If you want to make a career out of ‘Stargazing, “it may not be enough to just look skyward at night or call constellations. As astronomer involves a lot of work, studies and academic studies, one has to network other astronomers and secure funds for equipment purchase and maintenance and other charges.

But astronomy, which has been steadily growing in popularity among “Stargazers’ around the world, is not just for people with a PhD in planetary science or astrophysics . There are vigilant military observers armed with a simple telescope, keep your eyes on certain parts of the night sky.

amateur astronomers have actually made some contribution to astronomical research. Gazers in Cebu, Philippines, for example, have discovered two more red spots on the planet Jupiter

To help you get started in astronomy, here are some things you need :.

Telescope (s). You can try a reflector, which are much cheaper to start with and provide a better view. If you want, you can try out the popular telescope from Meade, Orion, Bushnell and Celestron. These are the leading manufacturers of quality telescopes for astronomy enthusiasts. If you want to make your own telescope, simply find some do-it-yourself instructions on the site and buy things.

Map. You can download stargazing card from some websites. You can not just point your telescope at any direction without a clue about what you’re watching. The sky is too wide and you need a good telescope to find certain heavenly things exactly.

astronomy book. Learn astronomy is a lot of head work. Observations will be to take account of the teachings and information about astronomy. Although it is the number of astronomy books out there in the library, you can also surf the internet, or try “Turn left at Orion,” which also teaches you how to use your telescope.

Notebook. Jot down your observations, impressions and discoveries, be it on paper notebook, a handheld gizmo or computer.

The stars look great from way up there at night. They note. And astronomy need more eyes checking the wide sky – take your pick – stars, planets, systems, galaxies, comets, Meteors, asteroids, near Earth objects, and much more. But first you have to be curious enough.