Getting into the hobby of astronomy has a list of its own, but happily it's relatively short and sweet. Then of course there are a few things you might choose to acquire later in the game. If you're hoping to glimpse some of the sky's greatest treasures, it may require spending a few hours outside in the cool night air, so heed mom's advice and dress accordingly. As capricious as Mother Nature is, clear skies can sometimes be elusive. I learned this the hard way when I attended my first star party without one.
Observers can get pretty persnickety where white light is concerned.
And you'll understand why on your first night out. Equipped with just my contraband white flashlight, I didn't dare turn it on for fear of being shot. Instead I stumbled around in the dark and tried to follow closely when folks with red flashlights were headed in the direction I wanted to go. Eventually, some kind-hearted woman, having evidently recognized my predicament, pulled me aside discreetly. She had a page of red transparent plastic that she'd purchased at a hardware store for less than a dollar.