But DO run out and buy a pair of
binoculars.
Size 7x50 is the standard binocular for general astronomy, bird
watching,
etc. They admit lots of light, have a reasonably large field, and
can be easily hand-held. You can get fancier binoculars
later.
At that time, you will know exactly what
you need for your intended purpose and you will be savvy enough to
perchance look for a good, used pair and thereby save yourself some
money.
I bought my 7x50s brand new from a reputable, astronomy
supplies dealer. I later bought my 12x80s from the same dealer, whom I
had told I was looking for "giant" binoculars. He called when a
used
pair showed up. They were in good shape so I bought them and put
them on a new tripod. All for about the same price as my 7x50s,
which
they supplement neatly. In other words, I look at something first
in the 7x50s and then if necessary in the 12x80s before I drag out one
of my telescopes. Much easier.
Next, order the book Binocular Astronomy by Crossen and Tirion from Willman-Bell, PO Box 35025, Richmond, VA 23235 (Tel 804-320-7016 or online at www.willbell.com). It costs around $25 and also includes a second book, the famous Bright Star Atlas 2000 by Wil Tirion. You therefore get two great books in one. They also carry separately a more recent version of the Bright Star Atlas for around $10. Willman-Bell are well known for their prompt deliveries.
That's it. That's all you need to begin observing the night sky. You will soon learn to navigate the constellations. As you progress, you will soon find yourself ordering more books to suit your particular interests. See the subpage "References" for the books I regularly consult.
Make an effort to join a local astronomy club. Try out everyone's binoculars and telescopes. Ask questions. You will find your fellow observers to be a rich source of information and help. And, without realizing it, you will begin to focus on a particular area. Maybe you will become particularly interested in the Moon, or the planets, or open clusters, or globular clusters, or galaxies, or nebulae or "faint fuzzies", or whatever. Then you will know exactly what kind of telescope you will need for your specific purpose. There are no all-purpose telescopes -- they are all designed for a particular purpose. For example -- refractors are excellent for lunar studies; reflectors are excellent for faint fuzzies; wide-field telescopes are perfect for general viewing; apochromatics are best for astrophotography; etc, etc. Now you know why you shouldn't initially run out and buy a telescope. Spend your money wisely.
If the dues to the club you join don't automatically include a subscription to one or more of the principal astronomy magazines (Sky & Telescope, Astronomy, etc) then by all means subscribe to these magazines directly. The online versions are nice for current information but they don't carry the advertisements that are important to your background knowledge.
Good luck and clear skies!