. STAR GAZING 
     
    
   
   
    
     On occasion manypeoplenmst have the uneasy feeling that perhaps it 
     
     would be apprOpriate to know something of the Universe, and further— 
     
     more, that such an undertaking might be enjoyable. At this point the 
     
     question arises: Where do I begin? Should I go to the library to 
     
     look for a book on astronomy? Doesn't one need a telescope? 
     
    
   
   
    
     The first point to be emphasized is that if you really want to become 
     
     familiar with the night sky, you have to do most of it on your own. 
     
     Initially progress will be slow and mistakes will be made; but only 
     
     through this groping do techniques and knowledge really sink in. Guided 
     
     tours of the heavens are pleasant social affairs; however, the lesson 
     
     seldom sticks, and one is being cheated out of the much more meaningful 
     
     experience of discovering the Universe in a personal way. 
     
    
   
   
    
     A telescope is not necessary, in fact, it is not even desirable. One 
     
     should first become familiar with the large scale features of the night 
     
     sky, and this is best done with the unaided eyes over a period of 
     
    

    
     many weeks or even months. Only after you know your way around, should 
     
     you consider some optical aid such as binoculars or a small telescope. 
     
     (Incidentally, telescopes usually sold at Eaton's or Simpson's, or 
     
     hobby shops are net suitable for astronomical use. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Books provide an excellent way to get started. The information is 
     
     readily available, and yet you have the pleasure and education of digging 
     
     it out yourself. Below are three recommendations. The first is an 
     
     excellent book for the beginner. It is attractive, easy to read, and 
     
     well laid out as an introduction to the night sky. Anyone from 9 to 
     
    

    
     90 would enjoy it. The second contains much information on astronomical 
     
     events for the current year. It is not suitable for the beginner. 
     
    

    
     The third is a monthly magazine. Although not designed to introduce 
     
    

    
     one to the sky, once one has some knowledge of astronomy, it is very 
     
     interesting to read. Each issue contains star maps, an account of current 
     
     astronomical events, articles, and advertisements from book publishers 
     
     and telescope manufacturers. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Guideposts to the Stars 
     
    
   
   
    
     L. C. Peltier (About $6.00) 
     
     Collier-Macmillan Canada Ltd. 
     
     1972 
     
    
   
   
    
     The Observer‘s Handbook 
     
    

    
     Royal Astronomical Society of Canada 
     
     252 College Street 
     
    

    
     Toronto, Ontario MST 1R7 
     
    
   
   
    
     Sky and Telescope 
     
    

    
     Sky Publishing Corp. 
     
     49—50-51 Bay State Road 
     
     Cambridge, MA 02138 
     
     U.S.A. 
     
    
   
   
    
     - Adapted by: Kathy Martin 
     
    
   
   
    
     From: Blomidon Naturalists 
     
     Society Newsletter 
     
     March, 1975 
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
     CANADIAN NATURE FEDERATION ANNUAL MEETING 
     
    
   
   
    
     During mid—June, the 1975 annual meeting of the Canadian Nature Federation 
     
     was held in Victoria, British Columbia. At least three members from 
     
     the Natural History Society of Prince Edward Island attended. 
     
    
   
   
    
     The main subject of the board meetings was the financial crisis the 
     
     federation has found itself in. In July all of you who belong to the 
     
     Canadian Nature Federation received a letter requesting an immediate 
     
     donation. I would urge all of you who did not contribute to do so at 
     
     once. The Canadian Nature Federation is the most creditable voice for