If you have a telescope and don't already belong to an amateur astronomical organization, local or national, you ought to join one -- not only to make new friends and swap ideas, but also to get help and advice if you need it, and keep posted on developments in your particular interest in astronomy.

Many astronomy clubs often schedule field trips.

"What one person lacks in telescope skills is made up by another," says Sam Storch, a long-time Long Island, New York amateur astronomer. "One person might know the sky well and can suggest targets, while another can help with the setup, and so on. Don't go it alone -- the stars offer solitude, to be sure, but observing with another person will, synergistically, often be more than two people observing independently could accomplish. In almost all cases, two heads (or more) are really better than one!"

Susan Rose, president of the Amateur Observers' Society of New York, agrees: "One of the best parts of a public observing session is helping someone who has a scope but doesn't know how to use it. When finally set up properly, the look on their faces after first light is priceless."

If you own a telescope, but are experiencing problems with it, there is no better place to go than an astronomy club. Besides, there is also the camaraderie of spending time with other people from different walks of life who all share the same love for the nighttime sky.