Before you go out and buy a telescope, or even if you have already bought one, there are a few things that all amateur astronomers need in their tool-kit. I'm not going to talk about eyepieces, diagonals, and stuff like that. But the type of stuff that will make your life a lot easier both at your observing site, as well as planning an observing run.

First purchase should  be a red flashlight. It takes a long time for your eyes to become fully dark adapted, which allows you to see fainter detail so you don't want to ruin that with harsh white light. So pick up a red flashlight. They are available from many retailers both on-line and off.

A table and chair are next on the list. I picked up a nice little folding chair and table from a dollar store and they are great. The table you buy should be solid enough that it won't fall over especially if you have a laptop on it. I use my table whether or not I have the PC with me as I will set my sky charts on it to find my next target.

Speaking of sky charts that is the next thing up. It doesn't matter if you have a goto scope or not (I have both goto and non-goto) you want some form of charts and a planisphere. You want to be able plan out your observing session ahead of time and this is where these really are indispensable. And if you just want to do a quick little run with binoculars a planisphere is a great little tool.

Speaking of which, binoculars. Even if you buy or have already bought a telescope, binoculars are great to have with you. Binoculars are great for sweeping star fields and taking in big open clusters for example. In fact they are better on some objects, like the Pleiades and the Double Cluster, than a scope. And if you don't have the time to set up your telescope, they are the ultimate in grab-and-go. All experience observes have a pair, heck I own 2.

Get a subscription to an astronomy magazine or two. Ones I highly recommend are: Sky and Telescope and Astronomy Magazine. They both contain top notch observing tips, equipment reviews, breaking news and more.

Books. There are many excellent astronomy books on the market but, in my personal opinion, three really stand out for the wealth of information they provide to the beginning amateur astronomer. They are Turn Left at Orion, The Backyard Astronomers Guide, and Nightwatch.

Great information in all.

As I said earlier you want sky charts even if you have a goto scope. Sky Atlas 2000 has twenty-six charts which cover the entire sky. They show 81,312 single, multiple, and variable stars of magnitude 8.5 and brighter and 2,700 deep-sky objects. Comes with an acetate coordinate-grid overlay for measuring angular distances. Stars are black on white background, while deep-sky objects are color-coded by type for quick identification. Also has a dew-proof cover. There are others, but this is a beauty.

Insect repellent. This may seem trivial, and maybe doesn`t hold true where you live, but you will be able to observe much better without worrying about being eaten alive by mosquitos. I always make sure I have enough repellent with me.

Join a local astronomy club. You can find like minded people, check out equipment, ask question, attend viewing sessions and star parties and more. Some even loan out equipment. And if you don't have one near-by maybe join as a member at large. Even though I don't live in Canada anymore I am still a member of the RASC.

Oh one more thing, always dress for colder temperatures than are actually expected. You will be standing still and will feel colder. I will go into cold weather observing in another article. Clear Skies.