Originally Posted by Sticks

Change of pace here, although I suspect it may have been covered in astronomycast so we are after your take on this one.

How do you get started in astronomy, what kind of equipment should you start out with, what is the best way to use a scope, (especially if you wear glasses do you look through the eyepiece with your glasses on or try and focus the eyepiece to your prescription)

And finally how can the dedicated ameteur contribute any discoveries to the main bodies of science.

forgot to add

Graeme Stickings - Newcastle upon Tyne, England