Star Gazing Guide

Before You Get Started

• The best way to learn about the night sky is your local library. Check out some guidebooks and "introduction to astronomy" books. Guidebooks will have star charts that you should familiarize yourself with before you go out into the field. Once out in the field, you will want to keep referencing the star chart at a minimum so that you do not impede your night vision. Remember, there are 88 constellations, several nebulae and more than 1,000 stars visible on a clear night. Take it slow. Identify just a few things you would like to view in the night sky and start with them. There is no need to become overwhelmed with trying to identify everything your first time out.

Where to Star Gaze

• Light pollution is a major problem when star gazing. It can hinder you from seeing many wonders in the night sky. Move away from the bright lights of the city or town as much as possible. Local amateur astronomy clubs will be able to assist you with a local spot that is good for star gazing. An open field is the best spot as there will be little to obstruct your view of the night sky. Furthermore, altitude can help improve your night vision as eddies in the atmosphere can cause stars to dim or distort. A bright full moon can also hinder star gazing. Unless you are eclipse watching, pick a night when the moon is in the new phase or in one of the crescent phases. Winter is a great time for star gazing because the air is dry, producing less aberration in the atmosphere.

Equipment

• Star gazing also intimidates beginners as they think that they need expensive telescopes to do it right. In reality, the best equipment is your own two eyes. They will allow you to see a wide field without having to focus narrowly on one star or planet. Allow your eyes to adjust to the night sky for at least 20 minutes once you start star gazing. Use a star chart to identify objects, but do so minimally. The flashlight will harm your night vision. A piece of red cellophane over the flashlight will help protect your eyes when using a star chart. Many amateur astronomers favor a good pair of binoculars. Binoculars are lightweight and portable. Binoculars are also cheaper, yet they will still allow you to see moon craters and Saturn's rings as effectively as a small telescope.