While you may have first discovered this hobby as a child, it offers plenty of benefits for people of all ages. It is calming and a great way to decrease stress, and most people can participate even if they live in an area with heavy light pollution. A starry evening spent with friends and family is always time well spent. Astronomy is a popular pastime, and you need no tools other than your own eyes to get started. Spend some time outside every evening to get familiar with the sights in your own little corner of the planet.
The library can be an enormous help when you are just getting started. Beginning and advanced books are great for identifying the constellations, learning how to look for planets and discovering the movements that occur throughout the night and the seasons. The Internet can also be a great resource as you are getting started or for notifying you of upcoming events such as meteor showers and lunar or solar eclipses. You may even buy some maps and guidebooks or create your own maps.
Once you feel confident with your ability to stargaze, consider investigating in a pair of binoculars or a quality telescope. Binoculars allow you to focus on a vast area of space while telescopes make it easier to pinpoint a single object. Watch for clusters, nebulae and other planets’ moons, and keep a diary or logbook that helps you track your interests. Finally, connect with others who share your passion. Observation parties or gatherings can be a time not only to make new friends but also to find new things in the night sky.