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How to Know if It's Going to Be a Starry Night

Stargazing can be a wonderful experience, especially if you are able to plan a trip to a spot away from the noise pollution of cities and towns. Certain celestial events such as comets and meteor showers are also much more visible in a dark, clear sky. If you need to travel a fair distance to get away from the lights of the city, you may wish to plan ahead to make sure the sky is as starry as possible.

Instructions

- 1
  Check the phase of the moon, as well as the times for the rising and setting of the moon on your chosen date. A full moon can cast enough light to obscure many dim stars. A new moon is best, but you can also plan for your stargazing to take place before the moon rises or after it sets.
- 2
  Check the weather forecast to see if clouds are predicted. Even the clear patches of a partly cloudy sky are likely to be hazier than a completely clear sky.
- 3
  Note the predicted humidity in the weather forecast. The more humid it is, the hazier the sky will be, and the fewer stars you will see.

Astronomy