Level 1

Student Article

Nine Stargazing Tips to Enjoy the Night Sky From Home

Originally Published in  
Science Focus
A person standing with a flashlight in hand and a starry night sky in the background
© Getty
Vocabulary

Stargazing (noun): Looking at the stars in the night sky.

Constellation (noun): A group of stars forming a pattern.

Meteor (noun): A piece of space dust burning up in the atmosphere.

Crater (noun): A hole on the surface of the Moon.

Stargazing is a fun way to look at the night sky, and you don't need a telescope to enjoy it. Here are some tips to help you see the stars:

Dress warmly:

Layer in a warm jacket, thick socks, gloves, a scarf, and a hat. It can get cold outside, even in summer.

Find a good spot:

Choose a place in your garden or on your balcony where you can see the sky. Turn off all the lights around you.

Adjust your eyes:

Let your eyes get used to the dark. This takes about 30 minutes. Don't use your phone because its bright screen will ruin your night vision.

See the stars:

Once your eyes are used to the dark, you'll see more stars. Some stars are blue, and others are yellow, orange, or red.

Look for patterns:

Stars can form patterns called constellations. Look for the Big Dipper, which looks like a saucepan. Use your imagination to see other patterns.

Spot a planet:

If you see a bright star that doesn't twinkle, it's probably a planet. Planets are closer to us than stars, so their light doesn't twinkle.

Spot a meteor:

Sometimes, you might see a meteor, which looks like a shooting star. Meteors are tiny bits of space dust burning up in the atmosphere.

Marvel at the Moon:

Look at the Moon and see its craters and dark areas. The Moon is interesting to watch, especially when it's not full.

Download an app:

Use stargazing apps to learn more about the stars and planets. Turn your screen brightness down to keep your night vision.

© Our Media