Stargazing is an ancient practice popular among humans since the beginning of human history. We will discuss simple tips that can easily be incorporated to inspire viewing the sky at night.
This blog is about stargazing.
Stargazing Activities
The best part about stargazing is that it can be a free and fun activity. And as your Nature Consort, we love providing you with free or low-cost ideas and activities!
1. Step Outside
Step outside or look out your window on a clear day. If you’re able to see stars clearly from your window, lucky you! You can do this without leaving the comfort of your own home. Gaze into the sky at night and see if you notice the same stars throughout the year.
If you’re able, step outside. Visit different areas in your city, park, or natural area. The further you are away from light pollution the better. You’ll be able to see more stars at night. Also, don’t forget to stop at a designated rest area on road trips (away from gas stations or buildings that produce a lot of light, and appreciate the clear night sky in new areas.
Use binoculars to gaze at the moon! Stargazing doesn’t need to be restricted whatsoever. Keep an eye out for reports of meteor showers in your area and see if you can head outside at night to catch a glimpse.
2. Make a StarMap
Teach yourself some constellations. In North America, constellations such as Orions’ Belt, or the Big Dipper are some of the most well known.
Create a star map! This website is our favorite resource.
3. Visit an Observatory
Find an observatory near you. You will be surprised how many star viewing opportunities can be found. Visit your local science center, viewing platform, and observatory. This is a fun life-changing activity for both adults and kids!
If there is no science-based locations with programs to view the night sky, try venturing out a bit and finding your own spot to see the stars.
When Planning Stargazing, Take Note of the Weather and Conditions
Overcast conditions or lots of cloud cover are not ideal for viewing the night sky. Additionally, when the moon is full, it may be more difficult to see stars.
Plan your stargazing activity accordingly to optimize the best conditions for your experience.
Best Time of Year to Stargaze
Typically the best time of year to stargaze is during the winter months, when the sky is at it’s darkest. Winter months and your stargazing strategy will greatly depend on where you are located, and how much light pollution occurs near you.
Places to Stargaze
You could stargaze from anywhere and without any experience, which is one of the biggest benefits. However, places with less light pollution will be crucial to viewing more stars. Try visiting areas near where you live, including local mountain ranges, peaks, trails, camping areas, and national or state parks.
Benefits of Stargazing
As with many aspects of nature and embracing the outdoors, gazing at the night sky can bring benefits. These benefits can include mental clarity, curiosity, and can bolster your creativity. Stargazing can remind us that we are a part of something much larger than ourselves.
Stargazing Equipment
You technically don’t need any equipment to appreciate the stars and night sky. However, your personal preference will determine your level of engagement.
Here are three tools you can use to enhance your experience:
Telescope
A telescope would be to go-to item for stargazing right? You can usually pick one up at a local store, or find one online. If you’re planning on making stargazing a regular hobby, I’d recommend that you get one of your own, because you’ll always have access to it.
However, telescopes can be a bit pricey. Just like any other scientific tool, a newer model with fresh features typically becomes available year after year. In our opinion, you don’t need the newest, freshest telescope model with all of the newest features.
Our tip – is to ask a neighbor, friend, or colleague if they have an unused telescope in their closet, garage, or basement. What’s better than finding a free tool to use or borrow? Another option is to seek out a used telescope at a second-hand store or garage sale. If you find one, it would be only a fraction of the cost, and reusing items cuts down on consumer waste.
Finally, as we mention in this blog, don’t forget to visit an observatory or science center. They will have a telescope or an event you can attend where you can see the stars like a professional astronomer does.
Binoculars
Ah yes, the trusty tried and true binoculars. Here at nature consort, our favorite tool has got to be our binoculars. Unfortunately, for stargazing however, binoculars will certainly have limitations. But, you can use your binoculars to look at the moon at night! The best thing about binoculars is how portable they are. You can catch a closer glimpse of the moon on a hike, while camping, and during road trips when you’re not driving.
Camera
Using a professional camera can really capture what you see in real life and translate the experience into a photo. Look online for inspiration from professional photographers of their photos of the stars, galaxies, and Milky Way.
If, like us, you are not a professional photographer, you can use your phone! Try different settings like “night mode” and experiment with taking photos of the moon. These are a few photos taken from my iPhone.
Night Sky Events
The night sky is full of cosmic events such as meteor showers, planetary shifts, moon phases and eclipses. This is our favorite website to use for a general introduction about the night sky. They update information each year and divide out sections by calendar months.
The Moon
Learning the phases of the moon is beneficial for knowing when to view stars. Due to less light during the New Moon, you will be able to see more stars. During a full moon, the moon’s luminescence will be much brighter and it will be harder to see the stars in the night sky. Side tip – however, during a full moon, you have a chance to explore outside at night since it is much brighter than it usually is and you will be able to see more.
Star Naviation
Besides the magical mythology and lore based around stars, another intriguing use for the night sky is navigation. There are many useful resources online to learn how to navigate using the night sky. This is one of our favorite sources.
Stargazing Around the World
Your position on earth and your latitude matters. Of course, your success of seeing stars and constellations will greatly depend on your position on the globe. There are many resources that are localized for your specific area. It is also fun and useful to search for information sourced from other parts of the world. For example, this UK website has lots of stargazing information that can also be applicable to the US. Although not all information may be relevant, much of it is, especially if the latitude is similar.
Regardless of the specific location of the source, it is still interesting to see what night sky events occur around the world. Until next time, happy stargazing!