So You Want to Stargaze? 7 Tips for Looking Up

Star light, start bright

The first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might Have the wish I wish tonight!

Did you ever recite that nursery rhyme as a kid, waiting for nightfall so you could make that wish? You and me both. Stars and wishes have been around for billions of years, and yet, both are always changing. Both die, both get reborn, but one thing never changes, stargazing.

Stargazing can be done anywhere, and all you need is a clear view of the sky. You don’t have to drive out to an empty field or commune with nature (unless that’s your thing). Here are seven tips to keep in mind when doing a little lookie-looing at the stars.

1. Stray from streetlights

Streetlights are a major disruptor to stargazing. In fact, if they’ll keep you from seeing the sky for at least 20 minutes while your eyes try to adapt. LED lights are especially troublesome. Try to find a hill, a vacant parking lot (with no lights!) or a dark spot in your backyard. If you live in the city, head to the rooftop if it’s accessible. The point is, don’t let the light at ground level mask the twinkling lights from above.

2. Get the flash

No, not the super-fast guy in the red spandex. However, the color is correct. Using a red flashlight will help you preserve dark sensitivity. Meaning you can walk without tripping and read charts and telescope settings without affecting the views from up above. Much like streetlights, white light from flashlights will distort your vision and make your star watching that much more challenging.

3. Settle in

If you’re going outside with the express intent to look at the stars, make sure to grab a few soft blankets. Sitting on the ground is fun unless you plop down on twigs, bugs or sprinkler heads. With a blanket, you can prevent some of that uncomfortable sitting. Lawn chairs are not a recommended alternative unless the back can be adjusted. Sitting in a chair with your head tilted at a 90-degree angle for any length of time will come back to haunt you in the morning.

4. Adjust to your surroundings

Stargazing is more fun when you know what you’re looking at. So, before you go, borrow a book from the library, do some web surfing or print out a star chart. These aids will help you pinpoint planets and constellations, such as Aquarius, The Little Dipper and Gemini. You can even find animals sitting above, like the Great Dog and the Great Bear. There are 88 constellations that the International Astronomical Union recognizes in the northern and southern skies.

5. There's an app for th

If you’re in need of a bit more assisted help, download the SkyView app on your smartphone. It uses your GPS location and your camera to locate anything and everything in the sky, including scheduled sightings (an eclipse, satellite or a meteor per chance). The great thing about SkyView is that it works indoors and in daylight. So don’t be shy about studying the stars while on your lunch break.

6. Ask for the (new) moon

A new moon or crescent moon in the sky will be much more beneficial than, say, a full moon. The brightness of a full moon tends to add glare, thus washing out star clusters, galaxies and other nighttime treasures you’re trying to discover. To help plan ahead, you can find the full year’s lunar calendar here.

7. Enjoy yourself

Unless you’re becoming an astronomer and need to be straight-faced about this, be sure to have fun! Make it a family night! Assign a constellation to each child and show them how to find it. Make up funny stories about how Bootes, the Herdsman is in love with Cassiopeia, the Queen, but they can never be together because Cepheus is keeping them apart.

Stargazing can be a fun and entertaining way to spend a quiet evening at home or wherever you happen to be at night. And go ahead, make a wish when you see that first star. Never stop believing in the power of a wish!