Stargazing Tips

Best Locations

• Find the darkest location possible for stargazing, such as a rural area away from cities. Observatories, especially when on a hill or a mountain, make good locations for stargazing since the surrounding area is kept completely dark. Consider joining an amateur astronomer club, or get location suggestions from its members.

Stargazing Equipment

• The best equipment to bring for stargazing is an open mind, your eyes and a good set of binoculars. Think about investing in a telescope only if you have interests deeper than stargazing. Binoculars can be much better stargazing devices than telescopes, especially if light pollution from electric lights is in the area. Good binoculars are inexpensive.

Locating Stars

• Get a star map online at an observatory or from a bookstore. Star maps show you where and what the stars and constellations are. On them, the sky is measured by degrees, spanning 180 degrees across the horizon. The point measuring 90 degrees straight up in the sky symbolizes the zenith. Starting from any point on the horizon, moving up through the zenith and down to the opposite horizon describes the meridian at 180 degrees.

  To use your map, close one eye, stretch out your arm and point your index finger in the direction you are looking. Your index finger represents one degree across, your closed fist 10 degrees and your wide open hand with fingers spread apart represents 20 degrees across, from thumb tip to the tip of your little finger. This method gives you a rough estimate of star locations and the distance between them, and it works for all, child or adult, no matter what your hand size.

  Using the map, first match the direction you are looking in. For example, look north and hold your star map so it reads N at the bottom, or view your map by holding it overhead with N facing north.

  Start out with a familiar star grouping like the Big Dipper. Stretch out your arm and spread your hand across parts of the Big Dipper when you locate it. You will find the "bowl" of the Big Dipper measures about 20 degrees across. Find other constellations using this method.

Unusual Sightings

• Contact the International Astronomical Union right away if you believe you spotted a new comet or asteroid. If new, the comet may be named after you. For example, Yuji Hyakutake, the late Japanese amateur astronomer, discovered his first comet December 25, 1995, and his second comet five weeks later in 1996 at age 45, using a pair of binoculars. Hyakutake reported the second comet to Tokyo's National Astronomical Observatory. According to NASA, it soon gained worldwide attention, since it was the brightest comet since 1976, with a long tail up to 100 degrees, seen with the naked eye. This comet became known as Comet C/1996 B2 Hyakutake, the "Great Comet of 1996."

  Also, if you think you have spotted an unidentified flying object (UFO) while stargazing, contact the National UFO Reporting Center within a week at (206)722-3000.

Meteor Showers

• The best way to see a meteor shower is to get away from city lights. If the moon is bright, you may have difficulty seeing the meteors, except for the brightest ones. Find a safe, dark area such as a city or a state park. Make an event out of it by bringing food, a flashlight and blankets or chairs. Lying on your back is the best way to view the stars. Binoculars are not necessary.