Beginner Projects to Try

1. Try to observe the most prominent planets. This means Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn. You may find this so interesting that it may become your focus in astronomy-- plus, some find the planets easier to photograph than deep-sky objects.
     
2. Keep a log. In it, record what you've seen, when, and with what equipment. Also record what constellation your object was in, and if you can, try and sketch it. Its fun to look back at what you've seen, and its neat to build up a thick log book full of entries to show your friends.
     
3. Try what we call the M-Challenge. When you're reasonably good at finding deep-sky objects, try to hit every one of the 110 Messier objects. Record when you saw each one, and log it. Don't try to rush-- just try to see each of them. This project will build your skills in a major way-- you will learn how to locate deep-sky objects, how to plot objects in advance of your observing sessions, and how the sky moves seasonally. This is, of course, a long term but easily completed project, and one you can be proud of.
     
   *Note-- during the month of March, around the equinox, you can actually try to complete a " Messier Marathon." During this time of the year, you can actually hit every one of the Messier objects in one night, from sunset 'til just before dawn. 
     
4. Do some serious observing of the moon-- yes, that's right, the moon. Many astronomers neglect what is easily the brightest, easiest to find, and most detailed night sky object of all. Try sketching it over a period of days. Learn how it moves, how it cycles, and why the phases go the way they do. The moon is also one of the easiest objects to shoot through a telescope...
     
5. If you want to dabble in photography, don't be afraid to jump right in! You don't even need to have a telescope to take wonderful photos of the night sky. All you need is a camera with a bulb setting and a tripod to capture some nice wide-field views of the Milky Way and constellations. You can even photograph beautiful star trails by simply leaving the shutter open for extended periods of time.
     
   When you want to get more serious, try photographing the moon through your scope with a low-power eyepiece and camera adapter. The moon is easier to photograph than you might think-- and a lot easier than most deep-sky objects or the planets. 
     
6. Most importantly, don't give up. If you're in the city, try to get to a dark site at least once-- it can make a world of difference!