Light pollution makes faint objects more difficult to see, but it does not mean astronomy is impossible from a suburban garden or balcony.

There are still many rewarding targets for beginners:

The Moon
The Moon is one of the best objects for any telescope. Try observing along the line between its illuminated and dark sections. Shadows near this boundary reveal craters, mountains and valleys particularly well.

Bright planets
Depending on which planets are visible at the time, you may be able to see Jupiter’s moons, cloud bands on Jupiter, Saturn’s rings, the phases of Venus or surface colouring on Mars.

Double stars
Many stars that appear single to the naked eye can be separated into two or more stars through a telescope. Some pairs have striking colour differences.

Bright star clusters
Open clusters often remain impressive even under suburban skies because their individual stars are relatively bright.

The brightest nebulae
Some nebulae can still be seen from light-polluted areas, although darker skies will reveal more detail.

A few simple tips can improve your view:

Turn off nearby outdoor lights where possible.
Avoid observing directly beneath streetlights.
Allow your eyes time to adjust to the dark.
Use a dim red light instead of a bright white torch.
Observe objects when they are high in the sky.
Be patient and spend time looking rather than taking one quick glance.

Astronomy rewards repeated observation. An object that appears featureless on the first night may reveal much more after you gain experience.

What objects have you successfully observed from your area? Mention your town or general region, but avoid posting your exact home address.