How to View Constellations in the Texas Night Sky

Get equipped. The StarDate website, run by the University of Texas' McDonald Observatory, points out that your eyes are the only essential piece of equipment, but also suggests you consider investing in a pair of binoculars or a small telescope. As you will be out of doors at night, bring warm clothing, food and drink and a reclining chair to ease strain on your neck from looking upwards. Buy a star chart to help you identify the different constellations and bring a flashlight to help you view it. Cover the beam with red cellophane to avoid dazzling yourself in the darkness.

Choose a stargazing venue. Look for somewhere which is safe and ideally outside urban areas where light pollution can obscure the night sky. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recommends Fort Davis, Lake Tawakoni and Copper Breaks for stargazers.

Subscribe to the McDonald Observatory's SkyTips newsletter. This monthly email will let you know of any upcoming celestial events visible from Texas (see Resources).

Use your star chart to help you identify constellations once at your chosen stargazing location. Orientate yourself with one of the major constellations, such as Orion, visible to the south-southeast in winter, or Ursa Major, visible to the northeast in spring and home to the famous Big Dipper. Once you have found these, use your star chart to locate other constellations in the night sky.