We've compiled a list of informational resources for the amateur astronomer seeking access to useful knowledge and tools to assist them in their journey observing the cosmos.
Below, in no particular order, are a few helpful astronomy resources.
Books
The Backyard Astronomer's Guide
By Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer
Turn Left at Orion
By Guy Consolmagno and Dan M. Davis
Scientific Astrophotography: How Amateurs Can Generate and Use Professional Imaging Data
By Gerald R. Hubbell
Remote Observatories for Amateur Astronomers: Using High-Powered Telescopes From Home
By Gerald R. Hubbell
Organizations
The Astronomical League
The Astronomical League is composed of over two hundred and forty local amateur astronomical societies from all across the United States.
This organizations objective is to promote the science of astronomy by fostering astronomical education, by providing incentives for astronomical observation and research, and by assisting communication among amateur astronomical societies.
American Astronomical Society
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) is a major international organization of professional astronomers, astronomy educators, and amateur astronomers.
The AAS seeks to increase public support for scientific research, improve science education at all levels, attract young people to careers in science and technology, and make evident the connections between science, technology, and prosperity.
American Meteor Society
The American Meteor Society (AMS) is a non-profit scientific organization founded in 1911 and established to inform, encourage, and support the research activities of both amateur and professional astronomers who are interested in the fascinating field of Meteor Astronomy.
AMS' main purpose is to observe, monitor, collect information, plot and report on meteors, meteoric fireballs, meteoric trains, and related meteoric phenomena.
Software
ASCOM
ASCOM (an abbreviation for AStronomy Common Object Model) is an open initiative to provide a standard interface to a range of astronomy equipment including mounts, focusers and imaging devices.
The Ascom Platform is a collection of computer drivers for different astronomy-related devices. It uses agreed standards that allow different computer programs and devices to communicate with each other simultaneously. This means that you can have things like mounts, focusers, cameras and filter wheels all controlled by a single computer, even with several computers sharing access to those resources.
Stellarium
Stellarium is a free and open-source planetarium, licensed under the terms of the GNU General Public License version 2, available for Linux, Windows, and macOS. All versions use OpenGL to render a real time projection of the night sky in 3D, just like what you see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope.
Night Sky Guide
In-The-Sky
In-The-Sky.org is an online guide to what you can see in the night sky, automatically tailored to wherever you happen to live on Earth.
Founded by Dominic Ford in 2012, it has grown to cover planets, asteroids, comets, deep sky objects, as well as satellites in low-Earth orbit. The site now includes an extensive searchable catalogue of astronomical events spanning the years from 1950 to 2300.
ClearDarkSky
ClearDarkSky's Clear Sky Charts are based on a numerical weather model, Clear Sky Charts are perhaps the most accurate and the most usable forecasters of astronomical observing conditions for over 6300 observatories and observing sites in North America. It shows at a glance when, in the next 96 hours, we might expect clear and dark skies for one specific observing site.
Forums
Cloudy Nights
The Cloudy Nights forum is one of the most widely read resources for the amateur astronomy community where you can ask your questions or provide answers based on your experience. The forum presents comprehensive and in-depth reviews of astronomical equipment and accessories.