The authoritative intermediate/advanced text on testing optics for astronomy. Richard Suiter.

Star Testing Astronomical Telescopes

Classic and sentimental favorite narrative of one man’s life and love of the night sky. Leslie Peltier.

Starlight Nights

Sciastro

Astronomy Chat on IRC

Books on Astronomy

Dated, but this is the ultimate, classic amateur’s guide to astronomy. A work of art. Three volumes. Robert Burnham, Jr..

Beginner’s guide to everything from observing equipment and techniques to photography. Dickinson and Dyer.

Comprehensive review of all aspects of amateur astronomy. Includes contributions by a number of channel regulars. Michael Bakich.

Authoritative observing guide for deep sky objects. Popular planning tool for observing sessions. Two Volumes. Kepple and Sanner.

Modern beginner’s guide to visual astronomy. David Levy. An alternative is NightWatch, by Terence Dickinson.

Burnham’s Celestial Handbook

The Night Sky Observer’s Guide

The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Amateur Astronomy

The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide

Skywatching

Conventional wisdom says to start with binoculars. This is a highly regarded reference. Crossen and Tirion.

Binocular Astronomy

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