I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all who have recently joined astronomy.com web site and forums.

For those of you with previous experience you will find these are excellent discussion forums to share your personal experiences and knowledge with other members. 
New members with more experience and knowledge are always a welcome addition. I can assure you that your help will be greatly appreciated by many. 

If on the other hand you have just recently acquired a curiosity for the night sky, new to the hobby of amateur astronomy/stargazing you will find a wealth of knowledge which is available to you from the numerous members here.  The one thing amateur astronomers have in common is that we all enjoy sharing our experience and helping others learn this great hobby of ours. A few members here have even taken their enthusiasm beyond the level of amateur hobbyist.  

As a beginner you probably have quite a few questions. We all did, and we all often still do even with years of experience. You can always learn something new everyday. 

You may find there is so much information for your brain to absorb. It might just be so overwhelming it will make your head spin.  So Many books, computer programs and an abundance of information scattered all over the Internet. There is so much that it is too hard to keep track of it all.    
I have taken a little time to make some of it easier for you to locate. I have consolidated and put into easy to understand language a lot of information you will want to know. It is in a couple posts here at astronomy.com.  You can find them in the following links. 

Getting started with amateur astronomy and telescopes
http://www.astronomy.com/ASY/CS/forums/291288/ShowPost.aspx

Thinking about starting astrophotography
http://www.astronomy.com/ASY/CS/forums/302121/ShowPost.aspx#302121

You will also find much more information in the above sub menu "Welcome To Astronomy"

As you scan through posted message in the various forum groups and topic areas you will soon notice numerous members here with varied levels of experience and knowledge. All of whom are more than willing to share their experiences and knowledge. Many are available daily to answer any questions you have regarding anything to do with astronomy. 
Remember; the only stupid question is the one that wasn't asked.

You will find the forum discussion areas are indexed into different groups, each group has separate topic areas. Some of the areas are self explanatory, while other will have an explanation to what should be posted and discussed. The Group and Area titles and explanations will make it easier for you to choose which to post your messages and questions. So relax and enjoy the forums. Don't be shy, If you're unsure which area to post your message feel free to ask. There is a General Astronomy Forum which pretty much covers everything else not covered by the other areas. If by chance there happens to be an area where it would be better placed, One of the Moderators will help out and relocate your message to the more appropriate topic area.

I would also like to take a little of your time to point out a few things about the astronomy.com forum community. Even though you will find a variety of very interesting, educational, generally informative and sometimes even entertaining topics and discussions here. As a member of astronomy.com, please remember and consider a few courtesies as you take part in the forum discussions.

First and foremost,  this is a website intended for and dedicated to the sciences of astronomy and the amateur astronomer. Astronomy is a science dedicated to the observations of the celestial bodies within our universe. It is also the observations, discussions and studies of the history, structure, evolution and dynamics of all those celestial objects and of the physical universe.

The purpose of these forums, and, what has attracted us all here, is our curiosity of the night skies, and our common desires and interest for the sciences of astronomy and the equipment we use. 

For many of us it is probably just the simple enjoyment in observing all those celestial bodies that make up the night sky. Some come here to learn tips and tricks to observing, and or, taking photos of those celestial objects. Many of you are new and come to learn as much about the equipment so you will can make a better informed decision on a telescope or accessory purchase.

Unfortunately there are some highly controversial topics which are currently prohibited here at astronomy.com. Please avoid those topics and avoid interjecting them into any discussion. 
We understand there are some subjects which can be religiously or politically charged. Nonetheless, religious and or political confrontations and debates are not the purpose for these forums. It is also not the purpose of astronomy.com forums to be used as a platform to denigrate people or their beliefs whatever they may be. At the same time astronomy.com is not the place for setting the stage to impose or evangelize a specific belief or faith onto other members. Religious and or political content within a discussion can be a sensitive subject to some people who may take it very personal. To maintain civility and prevent attacks and insults among the membership some additions to the Forum policies had to be enacted.  The posting of message intended for, or which could turn into, discussing subject matters of politics and or religion are strictly prohibited.  There are other subjects you might also find that won't receive a warm welcome here which will most likely be locked or removed from the forums. (UFOs or Alien Abduction Conspiracy, End of the world, (2012) and such politically charged topics such as Global Warming).  These are all subjects which have a strong potential for trouble which is not the purpose of these discussion forums.

If you have any questions about the web site and forum policies you can refer to the following link, or ask a moderator. 
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=4531 

Understanding that many people enjoy the anonymity which the Internet provides, we must keep in mind this is a family oriented, multi-cultural forum with members from all around the world, and of all ages, ranging from pre-teen to senior citizens. Each coming from a different background with their own values and beliefs or faith. These forums are open for all, (visitors and members), to view at their own discretion.  We all must take this into consideration whenever we post our messages. Be careful of the language, content, and implications of your message posts. If it isn't appropriate for our youngest members to read, then it isn't appropriate to post in any of these forums.  Keep it clean and friendly. And most importantly Keep it on topic.  Astronomy!!!

We are here because we all have one thing in common, "Astronomy".  Sharing our experiences and ideas allows us to learn from each other.  We are here to enjoy ourselves, have a little fun and make some new friends. We are here to help each other when we can.  

Welcome, Have fun and Enjoy

And last but not least:

CAUTION:
Amateur astronomy is a compassion that can easily become an addictive / obsessive disorder.
Symptoms include but are not limited to any combination of or all of the following:
Depression, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, aperture fever, stiff sore neck and a sensitivity to bright lights.
Often reported too is the mysteriously re-occurring presence of cuts, scrapes, contusions and other miscellaneous injuries.
Though the actual cause of bodily injuries is unknown for certain, it is thought to be associated with a preoccupation with looking up at the sky while walking or performing other tasks.
Take extreme caution while operating any motor vehicle or heavy machinery. Doing so can prove to be extremely hazardous to your health and the safety of others near you while under the influence of, or experiencing any of the effects caused by this disorder.

Have A Nice ___________

HELLO, I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO BEING INVOLVED IN YOUR WEBSITE AND FORUMS. THANKS FOR LETTING ME JOIN. CHARLES

One extra thing to take into account.

Altough never intended to cause offense using CAPITALS is mainly considered shouting on the internet. Many will still respond to a post which is all capitals, but some may not.

I myself am happy to! At least to those which are obviously not intended.

hi everyone:

i come from far eastern-china and hi again

I'm glad I have found this site, I have a 7 year old that is very interested in the nightime skies as well, look forward to all the expert advise and information. Thank you.

 Hey everyone... I've always been intrested in astronomy and stargazing. I found out a few years ago when my grandfather died that he was into it also, and actually owened a telescope. I'm gonna be picking it up next time I go back to see my parents as my mother owns it now. I never knew that about him. Now I'm taking an astronomy class in college and I have decided to explore it a bit more. So here I am, although I do want to find a store around here where I can touch and look at stuff instead of just read reviews of it online for anything I buy. For my astronomy class I am required to attend a planitarium and a observotory. I hope I spelled those all right.

Hey Tim,

Just got in and I've got that your Welcome gave back only 6 replies!?, was viewed over 6,000  yet you've got over 8K posts!? I don't get it yet but I will! I gather you're the goto guy in these forums? I look forward to getting the hang of how this all works. Congrats at taking the reins! I've posted general but since I'm not sure how all works yet, I'll copy and paste and go on from here!

Nice to be aboard!

I hail from the South Shore off of Montreal.

Been into astronomy since I was about 14yo. Started while lying on my grass looking up as I waited for another of my palpatation sessions to end. Happened upon a shooting star! Bought a beginners guide to astronomy within the same week and was hooked by day 7. Up to last yr, I worked on and off with my dept store "special" refractor. Worked OK but then I got my Matsukov-Cassegrain and I'm back to the wide-eyed wonder I'd experienced back then! Stronger still! The sky has called back to me loud and clear and I'm smitten again as I was 35 yrs ago!

Don't quite know how to work the site yet, but I look forward to learning more and getting involved!

Hey Tim. Your last name reminds me of a radio talk show host I used to listen to. I'm glad to be on this forum since I've always had a fascination with our universe. I especially love learning about planets. The gas giants have always been a mystery to me even though I've seen so many programs on the subject. I'm sure my time here will be informative and thanks for having me. Rob

Thanks for the welcome,

My wife was a casual gazer until her mother "got rid" of her telescope years ago. I recently acquired a telescope and look forward to putting to good use with her. I'd like to be as educated as possible as we get into our first hobby together. I am a hobby photographer and have done B+W time exposures in the past. Though I was never able to zoom in for a closer look. Thanks for having us!

Good to be on-line with this community. Eight years in the mountains of central Arizona is where I cut my teeth on amatuer astronomy. With Binoculars, smller 8" telescopes, and a farmers almanac, I began to enjoy the wonders of all that is above us. After 6 years out of the hobby ,I am now back in with a renewed fury...  Sicerly Skycajun

Hi all

I am from the east coast

I am not a beginner but still learning.

quick question. when the magazine states that a certain event will take place on a certain date (example nov 15th) does this mean as soon as it becomes the 15th (midnight after the 14th) or does it mean on the actual day of the 15th and into the 16th?

 For an event such as the Leonids meteor shower, it is predicted to peak on the 17th; which means the early hours on the morning of the 17th.  Your preparations would be the night of the 16th.

hello clad i joined i am a mother of 3boys and 1 girl, I'm in college working on my associate's degree in elementary education which i will get in spring 2009.

thank you very much!

Hi from northern virginia . Just wanted to say hello to all fellow astronomers . I am sure i will by asking some questions . best regards and clear skies , Roverich

Hello Sundeep from India,

I would reccomend looking west at sundown and you will see Venus and Jupiter in all their

glory. Venus will be closest to the horizon and is definitely the Brighter of the two planets.

Along the ecliptic about 20' upward you will find Jupiter. They will approach eachother each night until a marvelous conjunction occurs. At that time they will only be a few degrees apart. Keep looking each night over the next two or three weeks and see how these two planets move in relation to eachother.

 Sincerly , SkyCajun Florida USA

hello,

I am an american working in Stuttgart, Germany. I am just a beginner, but have always been fascintaed with astronomy. I really like this website. A lot of good info.

 V/R,

 Larry