Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Access the Your Sky (fourmilab.ch/yoursky/) website from your computer. This site allows you to enter the longitudinal and latitudinal coordinates of your location. The website will then highlight specific clusters, stars or meteors that are easy to view from your location.
Wait for a clear night with little or no cloud cover -- which can prevent star formations from being visible through the lenses of home telescopes. Bring along a star chart or star book to make identifying star clusters easier.
Select an open area to set up your telescope. An open field, a large yard or any secluded area that is free from light pollution caused by shop fronts or street lighting will make an ideal setting. The darker the location, the easier it will be to stargaze.
Set up your telescope. Larger telescopes usually come fitted with tripods allowing them to be positioned firmly on ground level, allowing you to keep your hands free. Binoculars usually come equipped with a strap so they can be worn around the neck.
Visit an observatory close to your location for a more detailed view of the night sky. Observatories usually form parts of science museums and contain powerful telescopes that can allow you to view details of constellations that may not be visible through home telescopes.
Join a stargazing club. You may be able to find details of stargazing clubs in your local newspapers or community centers. The Internet can also be a useful resource for finding local stargazing clubs. Joining a club allows members to pool their equipment and make the act of stargazing into a social event.