• Read articles written by DVAA members especially for beginning observers. Articles for Beginning Observers
  
• Attend the DVAA's free public star parties and public meetings, but be sure to ask questions. We will be glad to help:
  • Check our Events calendar for more info.  
• Learn the sky by completing one of the twenty-four different Astronomical League observing programs suitable for beginners, including:
  • Asterisms Observing Program
    
  • Galileo Observing Program
  • Constellation Hunter Observing Program
  • Beyond Polaris Observing Program
    
  • Sky Puppy Observing Program (must be 11 or younger)
• The DVAA offers periodic observing lectures, workshops and clinics for members at all levels of experience.
  • Check our Events calendar for more info.
• Learn the sky by obtaining a free monthly star map:
  • This Month's Star Chart (Orion Telescopes)
  • The Evening Sky Map (SkyMaps.com)
  • What's Out Tonight (WhatsOutTonight.com) 
• Surf the web:      
  • Astronomy for Beginners (Sky &Telescope Magazine)
  • How to Get Started With Astronomy While on a Shoestring Budget
    
  • Guide to the Night Sky and Basic Astronomy (One Minute Astronomer)
  • Astronomy for Beginners (Sky at Night Magazine)
  • Heaven's Above (great compendium of what's up tonight)
  • Astronomy Links (hundreds of links for beginners and everyone else)
  • Solar System Graveyard (fun and educational interactive tool)
  • Astronomy for Kids (The Beginner's Guide to Astronomy [For Children])
  • NASA SpacePlace (Astronomy games portals)
  • Astronomical Society of the Pacific (worldwide organization with extensive teaching and beginner resources)
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
  • History of Space Exploration
  • Neil Armstrong: First Man on the Moon
    
• Join DVAA:
  • We have a ton of public and private Events for you to enjoy.
• Q&A for Beginners
  Q. How do I pronounce the planets and all of their moons correctly?
  A. https://www.astroleague.org/files/astronotes/14anote%20PronounceGuide2.pdf
  
  Q. What are some basic data I can tell people about the Sun, Planets, nearest stars and the Milky Way?
  A. https://www.astroleague.org/files/astronotes/18anote%20BasicAstroData.pdf
  
  Q. What are some considerations when purchasing binoculars and telescopes?
  A. https://www.astroleague.org/files/astronotes/19anote%20BuyScope.pdf
  
  Q. I am considering a career as a professional astronomer. What should I know?
  A. https://www.astroleague.org/files/astronotes/24anote%20ProAstronomer.pdf

The above (although it only scratches the surface!) may seem like a lot--intimidatingly so since there's so much to learn and do--but that's OK since the journey is very much the point.  Just know that the DVAA is here to help.  Also, if you have any questions at all, please feel free to reach out. 

Jan Rush
DVAA President
president@dvaa.org