Introduction

This book will make the case that there are indeed many ways for you to participate in meaningful astronomy, despite any apparent limitations imposed by your life. Many of the strategies and suggestions given are not to be found among the more commonly ordained approaches and practices. Plus, we will discuss what equipment you really need, and even more importantly, what equipment you do not need. In having an early grasp of this, you will understand that it is better to buy what you need the first time, rather than trying to economize and then discovering that you made a mistake.