A recent conversation with my dad led me to a realization: I don’t look at the stars enough. Dad said that he regularly saw shooting stars, and when I flippantly asked, “How do you see so many?” he responded, “Well, I look at the sky.” With tons of amazing celestial events this year, let’s talk about how sensational stars are and get you gazing at the sky as well.
Stargazing is an incredible way to enjoy nature, science, and one another. Throughout time, the stars have been used for navigation or spiritual connection. Constellations have been the centerfold to stories in every culture across the world.
The first step to stargazing is to consider the conditions. I mean, that should be the first thing we always think about in any outdoor activity. Two important factors: weather and light pollution. Check in with the sky to see if it is a day that you will be able to truly enjoy the wonders, such as a clear evening after moonset or before moonrise. If the goal is stars alone rather than the light of the moon, close to a new moon is an added bonus. Your eyes need about 15-20 minutes to adjust fully to the darkness. Trying to get/go somewhere without a surplus of white light is essential (red light is ideal), even if that means putting away devices and turning off porch lights in the backyard. Campfires are out, and headlights are turned off as well. Check out the Bortle scale for the different levels of light pollution. Then, grab some extra layers if it is frosty out, a blanket or sleeping pad, and settle in – but don’t forget the good snacks!
Many people think that you need super fancy equipment for stargazing, but that is just not the case. After your eyes adjust to the night, they are really all you need. Now, if you want to get more personal with the stars, a telescope or pair of binos are helpful. There are also a lot of parks and other observatories that support astronomy and have incredible programs or watch parties for large events.
From pro tip to fun fact: stars twinkle, but planets do not. Fun fact: just like living beings, stars have a life cycle. Although that discussion is a bit more complex than this article, stars are wondrous pieces of science. If you are new to the hobby, grabbing an app like SkyView can help you identify meaningful stars and amazing constellations. There is a red light setting on your device so you do not have to break the cardinal rule of being white-light free. Relish in being able to identify the Milky Way, North Star, Ursa Major (aka The Big Dipper), and so many more. Each year, really cool things occur in the sky that extend past just stargazing, including eclipses and meteor showers. If you missed the recent grand planetary alignment, you will not want to miss the upcoming eclipses and meteor showers.
Stargazing should be a high priority to add to your new hobbies list. It is free, easy, and uber fun. Plus, being under the stars and moon is proven to have a positive impact on your health. Starsational!
Commonly Asked Questions About Stargazing:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to go stargazing?
Stargazing is the act of observing the night sky to admire celestial objects like stars, planets, and constellations. It can be done with the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes, often in locations with minimal light pollution for clearer views.
Which stargazing app is free?
SkyView Lite is a popular free stargazing app that helps users identify stars, planets, and constellations using augmented reality. Other free options include Star Walk 2 and Stellarium, both of which provide interactive sky maps for an engaging stargazing experience.
What is the best free stargazing website?
Stellarium Web is one of the best free stargazing websites. It offers an interactive sky map that allows users to explore constellations, planets, and deep-space objects in real time. NASA’s SkyView and Heavens-Above are also great resources for stargazers.
How do I start stargazing?
To start stargazing, find a dark location away from city lights, use a stargazing app or website for guidance, and allow your eyes time to adjust to the dark. Begin with basic constellations and planets, then explore deeper with binoculars or a telescope.
