Help, I Can't Find Deep Sky Objects With My telescope!
Do You Love Astronomy But Have No Idea What to Look For Next?
Never be stuck with your astronomy again!
It’s time you knew exactly what to look for... and precisely how to find it!
Join more than 400 members of the Virtual Astronomy Club who spend their precious time enjoying the view, instead of endless planning and fruitless hunting.
For a limited period, save 40% on Lifetime Membership: $167 $299
Try it risk-free for 60 days, with our 100% unconditional money-back guarantee.
Is this how you started with your telescope?
When I first started astronomy, on a cold winter evening more than 30 years ago, I did what so many new telescope owners do. I looked at the moon.
It’s big and bright, easy to find and wonderful to observe.
Then, of course, I looked at Saturn. The rings took my breath away when I first saw them, and I still love to see them now.
Next came Jupiter and Venus, followed by some accidental double stars.
And then…
What?
"What the heck am I supposed to look at now?"
I knew that I wanted to see a galaxy but didn’t know which ones were overhead or how to find them.
And, boy, these things are TINY! You don’t just stumble onto them.
It was time to do research - which meant getting a book from the library back then. I learned about Andromeda Galaxy, and made it my next target.
After waiting several more nights for a clear sky, I got set up and began looking for it.
Oh boy... I had no idea how hard finding it was going to be.
If you're like most backyard astronomers, you probably struggle with this too!
The book told me roughly where to find the galaxy but, even with a star map, it took forever to land at the correct place.
First, I had to find the correct constellation. It was only by luck that it happened to be overhead that night.
Next, I had to decide if I was looking at the right stars - not easy if you're new to this - and then I had to figure out how to hop from an area I recognized to one that I didn't.
It was only through a lot of trial and error that I finally landed on my first view of a galaxy. And, even in my small, toy-like telescope... it was beautiful!
I was hooked on seeing more deep sky objects after that.
But that night taught me a very important fact: to be successful, guides for finding deep sky objects need to be very detailed yet simple to follow.
Sadly, for many stargazers, not seeing anything beyond the bright planets marks the end of their astronomy journey.
I think that's such a tragedy that I created the Virtual Astronomy Club!
The Virtual Astronomy Club
Exists To Make Astronomy Easy
For Everyone Who Loves Deep Space
Using my own first-hand experience of hunting for galaxies and gas clouds, I’ve created a club that shows backyard astronomers like you the best objects that are available to see tonight.
Not only that, but each object comes with its own detailed finder guide, showing you exactly where to find it in easy steps that anyone can follow.
This is what makes this club different to anything else you might have tried. With our easy maps and simple language, you'll be able to find objects in the sky within 15 to 20 minutes, even if it's your first time.
Your stargazing evenings will never be the same after you join The Virtual Astronomy Club...
It's so easy, it only takes 15 minutes!
Brand New to Astronomy? Don't Worry!
Each guide takes you carefully from an easy to find part of the sky, like Orion or The Big Dipper, to find the best stars to use to track down the object you’re looking for.
Got Some Light Pollution?
Not a Problem!
Every object in the club starts with a chart that only shows the brightest stars, so you can always get started on the right track.
Running Out of Ideas?
Don't Sweat It!
The Virtual Astronomy Club launches new guides for more deep sky objects every single month... there's always something new to see.
Worry Recognizing Objects?
Not Any More!
Each new VAC guide comes with individual telescope views, so what you see in the eyepiece matches the view in the guide.
Can't Take Your Computer Outside? No Need!
Every new guide star chart is downloadable as a pdf to print at home, so you can use them outside, right next to your telescope.
Still Love the Moon & Planets? Of Course You Do!
Every month, you’ll get one of the most detailed daily guides available for the moon and each of the planets. You'll always know where they are.
So, do you actually need a lifetime Astronomy Club membership?
Yes! If you're at all serious about using your expensive telescope to its best, then Lifetime Membership of the Virtual Astronomy Club is a must.
I've been a backyard astronomer for more than thirty years. That's me in the photograph with my two telescopes.
Hi, my name's Adam, and I've been a backyard astronomer for more than thirty years. That's me in the photograph with my two telescopes.
In all this time, I've learned a very important lesson.
Size does not matter.
As you can see, my telescopes are not huge.
One is three inches wide and the other is six, and yet I have seen such awesome views with them that I am inspired to hunt for more.
Work on the Virtual Astronomy Club began more than three years ago.
My ambition with it then was the same as it is now: to help new and frustrated astronomers improve their stargazing results.
They're not huge, one is three inches wide and the other is six, and yet I have seen such awesome views with them that I am inspired to hunt for more.
I began work on my Beginner's Guide to Backyard Astronomy course several years ago.
It was borne out of a frustration I had when getting back into astronomy after a break while I got married, had children, and climbed the career ladder.
I’ve invested a tremendous amount of time and effort to research the best observing opportunities and to catalogue the easiest way to teach somebody else to see each object.
It’s been a labor of love for sure. From pulling together books, maps and charts, to understanding how I can provide the most helpful resources.
It’s fair to say that it’s taken much longer than I expected to get each guide as easy to use and effective as they can be… but I’m thrilled that’s the stage they’re at now.
Inside the VAC, you'll find all the Messier objects, dozens of non-messier sights to find, and all organized by season.
You'll find each of the guides (and there are more than 150 of them) so simple and effective, that you'll wonder how you ever managed without them.
[YOU ARE HERE ON MONICA VIDEO, ABOUT 8:30 INTO IT]
2 Of Your Biggest Astronomy Pains Resolved!
My own astronomy experience has taught me that there are two HUGE pain points when it comes to looking for deep sky objects with a telescope...
Knowing What's Visible Tonight...
How many times has the sky cleared, you've got your telescope out... and then had no idea what to look for?
Inside the Virtual Astronomy Club object guides are ordered by season. If you're heading outside on a spring night, look in the spring section for dozens of objects visible overhead.
and, Where to Find It!
We've all tried to find a galaxy but failed because the guide is vague, and its single star chart is unclear.
Virtual Astronomy Club guides each include several star maps, with step-by-step detail to find what you're looking for. Even a brand new stargazer will have success.
I remember how challenging it was (and still is) to find a new object without having someone experienced standing at your side saying “first look at that constellation, then find this star, and just move this way a little bit…”
What I set out to achieve with each of the guides I’ve created - and the new ones you’ll receive every month as a lifetime member - is for them to act like that experienced astronomer stood by your shoulder.
With several easy star maps (which you can download and print to use outside) and my written commentary, you’ll always know exactly how to pinpoint each new object in your eyepiece. Not only that, but I also share with you some amazing facts about every cluster, galaxy and nebula I feature and tell you exactly what you should expect to see when you have it in your eyepiece.
Oh, and before I forget, you can also choose your object by type. If you love a galaxy, then just go to the section which has all of my galaxy guides in it. Trying to complete your Messier object list? Well, they’re all in one place too.
All of This is Included in The Lifetime Purchase Price
Which is just $299 $167 for instant lifetime access + all monthly updates!
- More than 150 detailed, easy to follow deep sky object guides
- 50 New deep sky object guides added every year (and you'll get all of them)
- Star charts that take you simply from a familiar part of the sky to your object
- Telescope views to show exactly what you should see through your eyepiece
- New galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters added every month
- The complete set of Messier object guides - find all 110 for yourself
- Downloadable PDFs to use at your telescope
- Something new to look at no matter what night of the year you get outside
- Detailed daily guides for the moon and planets, updated every month
- Objects organised by type and season, so you always know what to look for
A Huge and Growing Bank of Objects - All Available at the Click of a Button!
And all designed to be used by anyone, even if you've failed before at hunting DSOs
The best thing about VAC guides is that they’re designed to be used by anyone, even if you have no experience of hunting for deep sky objects.
Because the very first chart in each guide is for an easy-to-recognize part of the sky, you should expect to find your first object the very next time the clouds part and you can see stars.
However, if you’re brand new to astronomy, I recommend starting with brighter objects (globular star clusters are great for this, and there are 19 of those to choose from inside the VAC).
These are naturally easier to locate and they help you learn what you should expect to see when you’ve got them in your eyepiece.
All 110 of Messier's famous objects have their own guide within the VAC. As a lifetime member, you get to enjoy all of them.
Picture This...
The sun is going down and there’s a dusk chill in the air as your excitement builds for darkness.
You’ve got your telescope out and you’ve used my instructions to point it in the right direction for that stunning nebula you’ve been waiting to see for soooo long.
How did you get here?
With the help of the instructions inside the Virtual Astronomy Club...
Before darkness fell, you used the Club to find exactly what would be visible overhead tonight. With your chosen nebula selected, you read the guide and understood exactly where you needed to set your telescope up and in which direction it needed to point.
As the sky darkens and the brighter stars come out, you quickly identify the constellation that will be the starting point for your hunt, which was the first star chart in your guide.
Your red head torch comes on as darkness begins to envelop you and you use the printed star maps and my guidance to methodically move from the obvious constellation to the fainter stars near your nebula.
Finally, you study the printed version of the eyepiece view for your particular telescope. To make it easy on yourself, you've smartly printed the black stars on a white background version. Looking between your print and your eyepiece, you're closing in on the gas cloud that's eluded you before.
With one last check of the detailed star map, you know exactly which way to move the scope to get the nebula in view.
And. There. It. Is.
You catch your breath and pause to make sure that the ghostly shadow you have in your eyepiece is what you should see. The detailed observation guide I’ve written confirms to you that you’re seeing a distant exploding star first glimpsed by humans over 200 years ago, but that exploded hundreds of years before that.
As you marvel at the delicate detail of gases rushing through quiet space, you smile to yourself knowing that this is only the first of many such new worlds you’re going to see for the first time this evening.
Members of the VAC are never stuck for something to look at and always know exactly where to look.
It's Time You Enjoyed the Rewards of the Night Sky!
Look at what you'll be able to do with the VAC on your side.
Always Know What's Overhead
The sky changes all the time, which is great for variety but a real bind for knowing what you should be looking for.The Virtual Astronomy Club takes all of that stress away by grouping objects into seasons and types, so there's always something overhead for you to find!
Feel Great About Your Astronomy
It's an amazing feeling to track down a new deep sky object... and it's one that never gets old!With the Virtual Astronomy Club working hard to improve your astronomy, you're going to feel great every time the night sky clears to reveal its wonders.
Never Run Out of New Objects to Find
As a lifetime member of the Virtual Astronomy Club, you're assured of brand new galaxies, nebulae and star clusters to look at every month.There's already over 150 guides inside to get you started, and there'll be many more by the time you've worked your way through them.
What's Inside the Virtual Astronomy Club?
With over $1000 of value included, this is the best way to improve your astronomy.
Monthly Night Sky Guides
(Value $228 per year)
Every month, you'll receive new deep space object guides to enjoy. Alongside the 50 new galaxies, nebulae and star clusters we'll add this year, you'll also receive a daily breakdown of exactly where to see the moon and planets. And, we highlight the most exciting events of the month, from conjunctions to meteor showers.
Beginner's Guide to Astronomy
(Value $119)
My highly regarded, 40-lesson course for astronomy beginners is included with your lifetime membership of the Virtual Astronomy Club
Spread over six modules, this course takes you from newbie to proficient stargazer (and it's full of tips that even an experienced astronomer will find useful!).
Astronomer's Constellation Guides
(Value $67)
The constellations are where we begin our hunts for most objects. We're all familiar with the greats like Orion and the Big Dipper (Plough), but what about Cassiopeia and Cygnus?
The growing collection of constellation guides for astronomers provide many more nights of observation joy.
Sold separately, these modules would cost $1,011.
But I don't charge that to become a member of the VAC because I want as many telescope enthusiasts as possible to get as much joy from observing the night sky as I do.
Instead, lifetime access to the Virtual Astronomy Club is usually $299, which is already tremendous value.
However, right now, you can own everything inside it, and all future monthly additions (themselves worth $228 per year) with a single lifetime purchase of just $167!
But that's not all...
Sign Up Today and I'll Give You a FREE Lunar Bonus!
Use NASA-quality images to find 100 different features on the moon's surface.
I want you to get as much extra value from the Virtual Astronomy Club as possible, which is why I'm including my Lunar 100 Guide with your lifetime membership.
The Lunar 100 is a challenge set several years ago to find 100 features on the surface of the moon. The idea behind the challenge was to help all of us backyard astronomers learn more about the different features on the moon's surface.
They begin simply enough but quickly become fiendishly difficult as we look for smaller features in tougher areas of the lunar surface.
My Lunar 100 Guide shows you exactly where to find each of the one hundred features in the challenge, using detailed images from NASA, as well as coordinates and helpful notes. There's a lunar calendar in the pack too, so you'll know which nights are the best to discover each of the 100 items.
You'll also receive a chart so that you can record your progress as you work your way up to the full hundred.
Usually, you can buy my Lunar 100 Guide as a standalone course for $39 but right now, to help you make even faster progress with your telescope, I'm including it as a FREE BONUS alongside lifetime access to my Beginner's Guide to Backyard Astronomy course.
Get lifetime access for $299 $167, including monthly updates... forever!
No Risk: 60-day money back guarantee.
ACT NOW! The price goes back up when the counter hits zero!
Get lifetime access for $99 $67, including all future updates.
ACT NOW! The price goes back up when the counter hits zero!
Why Should You Join the Virtual Astronomy Club?
What are the alternatives, and why is it worth $299 $167?
You own an expensive telescope that should be delighting you with views of objects billions of miles away, and yet you've still not managed to see more than one or two of the brightest deep sky objects when you know there are literally thousands overhead..
Every day you're not using it, your hard-earned money goes to waste and your dreams of seeing stunning views get further away.
Sure, there are alternatives to the Virtual Astronomy Club.
You could spend your time and money reading books and scouring internet forums and astronomy software to help you decide what's visible tonight... but that all takes time and rarely answers the important question: how do I see it?
We all know that those simple star charts in the classic books aren't good enough to find these faint but glorious objects, and you're certainly not on your own if you ever looked at a Stellarium map and couldn't figure out how the heck to locate that tiny galaxy which is so far from the nearest bright star.
Are you really willing to waste more time, money, and effort with manuals, videos, and forums desperately (and usually unsuccessfully) trying to work out what to see and where to find it?
Or, are you ready now to have all the answers you need at your fingertips to see over 150 different galaxies, clusters and nebulae... not to mention unusual lunar features and stunning double stars?
Do you want all of that now? So you could even see your first sight tonight?
When I set out on my telescope journey decades ago, I really needed an expert who had 'been there and done that' to show me the best way to achieve success at speed, with no fluff or technical language.
Today, I am going to be that expert for you!
It has taken me many years to create deep sky guides that are as simple and effective to use as the ones you'll find inside the club..
You can own them all today - and all the future ones I'll publish every month - to unlock the secrets of awe-inspiring telescope views... or you can stay frustrated as your valuable telescope becomes a dusty decoration.
Why let more time go to waste when you can skip all the trialing and testing and learn from me exactly what you need to do to achieve spectacular results?
Act now and grab your lifetime membership of the Virtual Astronomy Club so you can finally see the objects you desire without frustration.
Try The VAC Risk Free for 60 Days!
You are protected with my 100% unconditional guarantee
You've probably tried other guides before, and they weren't really helpful. Otherwise, you wouldn't be reading this page now, thinking about joining the Virtual Astronomy Club.
Having doubts is fine. Your time is precious and I wouldn't want you to waste it on a lot of fluff. That's why you can actually join the club without any risk.
From the experiences other telescope owners have had, I know that the Virtual Astronomy Club can help your astronomy improve massively too.
However, if for any reason, you find it the detailed and easy to follow guides don't help you see galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, just let me know within 60 days of purchase and I'll give you a full refund with no questions asked.
Let's Sum All of This Up.
Here's everything included with your lifetime VAC membership when you sign-up today.
- Over 150 deep sky object guides covering all seasons and the best galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters
- 50 more objects added every year so you'll always have amazing new sights to discover
- Simple, annotated sky maps to show you exactly where to find each object, even if you've never done it before
- Every Messier object included, that's each object in the most famous deep sky catalog there is
- Daily guides for the moon and planets we don't forget the solar system just because we love deep space!
- Downloadable PDFs meaning you can have each sky chart you need outside at your telescope
- Free bonus course, my guide to finding the Lunar 100 with NASA-quality images
- Instant lifetime access to everything listed above
- Unconditional 60-day money back guarantee
- 44% discount off the usual price... but only until the timer hits zero
Frequently Asked Questions
It's understandable that you might have questions about the Virtual Astronomy Club. Below, I've answered some of the most common, but email me at Adam@LovetheNightSky.com if I haven't answered yours.
- Do I Need a Telescope to Join the Club?
The VAC is designed to help you get the most from your telescope. As a minimum, you should have a telescope with a 3" (75mm) aperture.
- Is The VAC Only for People in the US?
The Virtual Astronomy Club will help everyone in the northern hemisphere, including the USA, Canada and all of Europe and Asia. I've included a dedicated guide within the introduction section to explain how to make sure you have the correct view for your exact location.
Please don't join the club if you live in the southern hemisphere as many of the guides won't apply for you.
-What if I Live in a Light Polluted Area?
Light pollution affects so many of us backyard astronomers that I've designed the DSO guides to work even for astronomers who live in all but the most severely affected city centers. If you are not sure, find your town on the map at http://darksitefinder.com/maps/world.html
This club is great for anyone EXCEPT if you live in a part of the world colored gray or white on the map.
- What Should I Expect to See With My Telescope?
Perhaps the biggest shock all new astronomers get is what planets, galaxies and nebulae look like through a telescope.
We are used to being 'wowed' by glossy, color images from the Hubble Space Telescope or astrophotographers. In reality, nearly everything you see in your telescope will be a lot smaller and less detailed than in those pictures.
The absolute joy of astronomy, for me, comes from tracking down the object to begin with, seeing as much detail as I can and then contemplating the fact that I am seeing an object which is so very far away.
- How Long Do I Have Access to the Club?
How does lifetime access sound? You have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own, and that includes all of the monthly updates.
- What if I'm Unhappy With the Virtual Astronomy Club?
I would never want you to be unhappy!
If you find the Beginner's Guide to Backyard Astronomy doesn't help you set your telescope up properly to view objects other than the moon, then contact me within 60 days of purchase and I'll give you a full refund, with no questions asked.
- Who Are You?
My name is Adam Kirk and I'm your backyard astronomy guide.
I've been a backyard astronomer for many years now, and have been steadily improving for all of them! In 2015, I created the popular website LovetheNightSky.com which helps over one thousand astronomers every day.
I was motivated to create this course because so many people tell me that their biggest frustration with astronomy is finding the objects they're searching for.
My mission with The Beginner's Guide to Backyard Astronomy is to help every budding astronomer learn to enjoy using their telescope as much as I do.
- You Haven't Answered My Question - Can I Contact You?
Sure, I always reply to every personal email I receive. Just send your question to Adam@LovetheNightSky.com and I'll be pleased to help out.
Right now you have two options
Option One: Keep wasting time trying to figure out what objects are visible tonight and how you're supposed to find them, ultimately resulting in frustration and no real astronomy, or
Option Two: Take action! Join the Virtual Astronomy Club so you always have great objects available to view and you love astronomy again because you're able to find exactly what you're looking for!
With my 60-day, unconditional money back guarantee, you've got nothing to lose!
Get lifetime access for $299 $167, including all future updates.
ACT NOW! The price goes back up when the counter hits zero!
60 days 100% unconditional money back guarantee. Lifetime Access.