It's a never-ending journey! Especially for a relative newcomer to astronomy.
Fortunately there are lots of places to get help... and keep up with the latest astronomy news
When it comes to the complexities of this amazing, difficult and sometimes unbelievably frustrating hobby, there's nothing like an expert to help you along the way.
I'd like to acknowledge the enormous help I've received from these people:
- Tom Fowler; Tom is the Astrophotography section head at the ASV (see below) and operates a remote observatory. I have leaned on Tom's knowledge, patience and generousity many times dealing with inevitable glitches and finding my way around a myriad of components and configurations.
- Dr Christian Sasse; Pictured at left in my 'happy place', Siding Spring Observatory after a long night of DSLR wide field photography. Christian is Astronomer in Charge at iTelescope. My deep immersion in this hobby began with an iTelescope masterclass at Siding Spring led by Christian, and he has been a source of inspiration and help ever since.
- Max Whitby; a connection made as an earlier attendee at an iTelescope masterclass. Max has extensive knowledge and experience and has always been ready to give guidance. Scientist, filmmaker and author, with Charles Bracken of the wonderful project and book The Visible Universe.
- Mladen Dugec; I also met Mladen at an iTelescope masterclass, we have journeyed together in our leaning, with me following one step behind! Mladen has been continuing source of help and knowledge.
An amazing source of knowledge and mentors. I'm a member of three societies in and near Melbourne
- The Astronomical Society of Victoria. Founded in 1922, the ASV's resources are amazing, catering to a wide variety of specialist interests including radio astromomy, deep sky, astrophotography, solar, comets, lunar and planetary, plus many others.
Also great talks on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/AsvOrgAu
- Mount Burnett Observatory. Based at Mount Burnett in the Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne, MBO is a diverse, thriving and diverse community of astronomers of all ages, drawn together by a common love of learning about the night sky.
- Astrobackyard
https://www.youtube.com/c/AstroBackyard
- Dylan O'Donnell
https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanODonnell
- The Astro Imaging Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheAstroImagingChannel
- Spaghettification (also a podcast)