In times past, our ancestors saw in the night sky a familiar object that marked the seasons and aroused curiosity. In the heavens, they sought answers to the hardships that befell them and deduced that hidden in the stars was a truth that evaded them.

Astronomy beginners and amateur astronomers will have plenty of things to see in the autumn sky. The changing season brings new constellations into view, and with them, new opportunities to view and observe old favorites, but perhaps also some new ones, or perhaps objects that you…