Observe
William Herschel
Thoughts on Observing.
Observing the night sky can bring about mixed emotions for beginners and experienced astronomers alike.
For the beginner all that is required is a little patience, in what seems an impossible task in learning the constellations and orientating a star map. Finding a reasonably dark sky where the brightest stars can be at least identified in the major constellations is half the battle.Within a few weeks a beginner can feel as though they have made progress and have every right to feel pleased with themselves.
For the more experienced observer much has been written about where to observe, (dark sky sites ) what to observe and with what type of telescope.The problems that can be encountered with carrying and setting up equipment,light polluted skies and the cold all add up on a dedicated observer.But yet again, patience whilst observing will eventually bring about "new" faint fuzzy or detail on a planet that had not been noticed before and bring a sense of joy and discovery.
So on the next clear night no matter what is on view (Moon, Planets,Constellations or Milky Way) go outside and just look with your eyes, and/or through a pair of binoculars or telescope and fill them with photons.The time taken, and patience, to actually look and discover what is on display in the night sky, is one of the greatest joys to all astronomers, whether beginner or experienced.
A little observing will always be better than none!