Discover your best path into astro
Instructions:
For each question, pick the answer that sounds most like you. Keep track of whether you choose mostly A, B, C, or D.
1. When you get a new gadget, you…
A) Take it apart or tinker with it to see how it works.
B) Read the manual and research online before using it.
C) Just start using it and figure things out as you go.
D) Prefer to use it for creative projects or capturing moments.
2. You’re most excited by…
A) Building or modifying things yourself.
B) Learning how things work behind the scenes.
C) Exploring new places and trying new experiences.
D) Creating and sharing beautiful images or stories.
3. You prefer to spend your free time…
A) Working on DIY or tech projects.
B) Reading, researching, or watching tutorials.
C) Being outside, exploring, or stargazing.
D) Taking photos, drawing, or making art.
4. When you see a stunning astrophoto, you think…
A) “How did they build that setup?”
B) “How did they process that image?”
C) “Where can I go to see that myself?”
D) “How can I create something like that?”
5. Your biggest frustration with hobbies is…
A) Not being able to customize or improve things.
B) Not understanding the details or theory.
C) Not having enough time outdoors or in nature.
D) Not being able to express your creativity.
6. If you had to pick one, you’d rather…
A) Build a star tracker from scratch.
B) Process raw data from a space telescope.
C) Go on a night hike to find a dark sky spot.
D) Capture and edit a beautiful nightscape photo.
7. When you hit a roadblock or problem, you…
A) Try to fix it yourself, maybe even invent a workaround.
B) Research online, read forums, or watch tutorials until you understand.
C) Take a break and go outside, hoping inspiration will strike.
D) Look for a creative solution or turn the mistake into something new.
8. Your dream astrophotography project would be…
A) Building a custom telescope or mount from scratch.
B) Processing data from a professional observatory or space telescope.
C) Traveling to a remote location for a once-in-a-lifetime sky event.
D) Creating a unique astro-art piece or viral nightscape photo.
Results
Count your answers:
- Mostly A = The Tinkerer
- Mostly B = The Techie/Researcher
- Mostly C = The Explorer
- Mostly D = The Visual Artist
Your Astro Roadmap
The Tinkerer
You love building, modifying, and experimenting.
Start Here:
- Try a DIY star tracker project (many guides online).
- Modify a webcam for lunar or planetary imaging.
- Build your own dew heater or telescope accessories.
- Resources:
- Cloudy Nights DIY forums
- YouTube: “DIY Star Tracker”
- Instructables: Astronomy Projects
- Next Steps:
- Join a local astronomy club to share and learn from other makers.
- Document your builds and share them online.
The Techie/Researcher
You’re curious about how things work and love learning.
- Start Here:
- Download free raw data from Hubble, JWST, or astrobin.
- Practice stacking and processing with free software (Siril, DeepSkyStacker, GIMP).
- Watch image processing tutorials before buying gear.
- Resources:
- Hubble Legacy Archive
- Astrobin public datasets
- YouTube: “Astrophotography Processing for Beginners”
- Next Steps:
- Join online processing challenges or forums.
- When you buy gear, you’ll already have a head start on editing!
The Explorer
You want to be outside, discovering the sky and new places.
- Start Here:
- Use a smartphone and a tripod to capture the night sky.
- Download a stargazing app (Stellarium, SkySafari) and learn the constellations.
- Go to local star parties or dark sky parks.
- Resources:
- Stellarium (free app)
- Local astronomy clubs and events
- Night sky maps
- Next Steps:
- Try wide-field Milky Way shots with a basic DSLR or even your phone.
- Focus on enjoying the experience and learning the sky before investing in more gear.
The Visual Artist
You’re driven by creativity and want to make beautiful images.
- Start Here:
- Use whatever camera you have (even a phone) to experiment with nightscapes.
- Learn basic photo editing (Lightroom, Snapseed, GIMP).
- Try sketching what you see through binoculars or a telescope.
- Resources:
- YouTube: “Nightscape Photography with a Smartphone”
- Instagram: #astrophotography for inspiration
- Free editing apps
- Next Steps:
- Share your work online and connect with other astro artists.
- Experiment with blending art and science—try composites, time-lapses, or creative edits.
Final Tips for All Types
- Don’t rush to buy expensive gear—start with what excites you.
- Focus on learning and enjoying the process.
- Connect with the community—online or in person.
- Your journey is unique—embrace it!
