Help and Advice The SPA can advise beginners to astronomy in a number of ways. The personal service is restricted to SPA members only, so you will need to join the SPA to obtain the names and addresses of the contacts for each department. For general advice on topics like choosing a telescope, click on one of the links below. Instrument The SPA has an Instrument Advisory Service. Our experts can help members choose the best equipment for observing. But click here for some hints that will help you straight away. Astronomy GCSE Astronomy is now a GCSE subject in schools. The SPA has a free GCSE advisory service, run by a former teacher, to help members prepare for the exam. Many have passed with our help. If you want to take up astronomy as a career, you will find helpful advice here. Enquiry: Ask the experts Got a question the books can't answer? Members can get expert advice from our Inquiry Service. If we can't tell you the answer straight away... we know someone who can. Computing Computers are an important part of amateur astronomy today. Our advisory service will help you get the most from yours. CCD A increasingly popular method of observing, with prices falling all the time. The SPA can advice on the equipment required. Astrophotography This is still the cheapest way to get images of the sky. Photographs can be made with the cheapest of cameras, with the simplest of equipment. Telescope Advice a few hints. Choosing telescopes and binoculars: a beginner's guide (on the National Astronomy Week's website) 'Goto'-style telescopes. If you are having trouble with a computerised scope you will find a wealth of advice here (it is about the Meade ETX but has plenty of hints to help users of other brands). Astronomical Exposure Calculator, only needs card, glue and paper fastener. A Quartz Controlled Scotch Mount full construction details. Astronomy as a career (on the Royal Astronomical Society's website)

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