Hobbies And Interests
Star Charts
A star chart can be a helpful guide in identifying stars in space. These work much like maps do. Use a compass with the star chart. Input the date and time on the star chart and find out what stars will be most visible for the time of year in which you are gazing. Go outside and match the chart with the sky to your cardinal direction. Use the compass to find your cardinal coordinates. Try finding the big dipper first as this is the easiest to identify. It will be to the north and you can identify it by its ladle shape made of seven stars.
Stargazing Software
Use stargazing software such as Mirapla Sky, Alcyone or Cybersky to help identify the constellations. Download the program and set the date, time and place you will be stargazing. This will create a map of the stars in your location. Write down the stars that will be brightest that night. Create your own map on paper referenced from what shows on the computer screen. Label each star constellation that you want to look for.
Stargazing Book
A stargazing book can be very useful when searching the sky for constellations. The book will show you what star constellations are there and how to locate them. There will be illustrations and tips to help you find them. The constellations a stargazing book focuses on will be able to be seen with the naked eye.
Star Hopping
Star hopping is a method that works better for seasoned stargazers who are more familiar with the night sky. Regardless, star hopping is where you find one star constellation to guide you to the next one. When you find the first star constellation, there will be a few more stars within that constellation that guide you towards the next star formation. You can also use star charts to help you begin your star hopping.