Field notes
Begin a sky notebook
Build a habit of noticing the view.
Give each outing a short entry: date, place, weather, what you hoped to see and what you actually noticed. Leave space for a sketch and one question to investigate.
Make comparisons
Revisit the same viewing spot when convenient. Note nearby buildings, trees and lights so you can compare your observations without needing a perfect drawing.
Keep it personal
Your notebook is a record of your own experience. A few thoughtful lines can be more useful than a page of names copied from a guide.