New Website Helps Busy Amateur Astronomers Enjoy the Wonders of the Night Sky



Many who pursue amateur astronomy as a pastime are discouraged by the amount of new information they need to learn. From buying and setting up a telescope to finding and appreciating the wonders of the deep sky, learning about astronomy can seem like a daunting task, especially for those preoccupied by the commitments of a busy life. While the fundamentals of astronomy are explained in many excellent websites and books, many such resources require a substantial time commitment. Now, a new website helps beginning and intermediate-level amateur astronomers build their knowledge and appreciation of astronomy through brief, informative, and easy-to-read articles sent by email each week. Free subscriptions to this new website are now available at http://www.oneminuteastronomer.com.

"For beginners and weekend amateur astronomers, there's no shortage of books and websites out there", says Dr. Brian Ventrudo, editor of One-Minute Astronomer. "But many people don't have the time to take in all this information. Until now, there has never been a website that regularly delivers bite-sized chunks of insight and advice to help backyard astronomers learn more about their hobby and stay connected to their interest in the night sky, even if they only have a few minutes a day."

An avid amateur astronomer, Ventrudo knew many people who once had a keen interest in astronomy but couldn't find time to pursue their interest because of a demanding career and busy personal life. Leveraging a unique background in astronomy and marketing, he developed a style and format for short, bite-sized articles that engage the reader and offer know-how and insight about amateur astronomy. Each article takes only a minute or two to read and is suitable for even the busiest would-be astronomy buffs.

Subscription to One-Minute Astronomer is free. Subscribers receive two emails each week with a link to a short article about interesting celestial objects, tips on how to select equipment and observe the night sky, and historical vignettes of famous astronomers and astronomical landmarks. All back issues are available in an online archive. For more information visit http://www.oneminuteastronomer.com.





New Website Helps Busy Amateur Astronomers Enjoy the Wonders of the Night Sky