Picture this: I was about ten years old, sneaking out to the backyard with my dad’s old binoculars. The night sky looked like a velvet blanket sprinkled with diamonds, but one hazy streak caught my eye—the Milky Way. Back then, I had no clue it was our home galaxy, a swirling island of stars in an endless sea. That moment sparked a lifelong fascination with these vast structures. If you’re new to astronomy, this guide will walk you through what galaxies are, why they matter, and how you can start exploring them yourself. We’ll keep it simple, fun, and packed…