What activity defines the surprisingly accessible, zero-dollar starting point for stargazing?

Standing outside on a clear night and looking up

The fundamental and most accessible way to begin amateur astronomy requires absolutely no financial investment beyond stepping outdoors when the sky is clear. This foundational practice, utilizing only the naked eye, allows beginners to dedicate weeks or months to mastering essential skills such as identifying constellations, tracking planetary movements, locating bright stars, and observing the Milky Way from a suitably dark vantage point. This initial phase builds critical foundational knowledge that is considered the most valuable asset an amateur astronomer can possess, irrespective of any future equipment acquisitions, providing a true zero-dollar entry point.