Student Article

Stargazing is a wonderful way to enjoy the night sky, and you don't need a telescope to do it. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your stargazing experience:

Dress warmly:

Before heading outside, make sure you're dressed appropriately. Wear a warm jacket, thick socks, gloves, a scarf, and a hat. It can get cold, even on summer nights.

Find a good spot:

Choose a location in your garden, or on your balcony or front steps where you can see the sky clearly. Turn off all outdoor lights and ask your neighbors to do the same. If there's too much light pollution, consider finding a darker spot in the countryside or a local park.

Adjust your eyes:

Let your eyes adjust to the darkness, a process called "dark adaptation" which takes about 30 minutes. Avoid using your phone, as its bright screen will ruin your night vision. Use a red light torch if you need some light.

See the stars:

Once your eyes have adjusted, you'll see many more stars. Notice the differences in their colors, which depend on their temperature. The hottest stars are bluish, while cooler stars are yellow, orange, or red.

Look for patterns:

Stars can form patterns called constellations. Look for the Big Dipper, which is visible all year round. It's an asterism, a star pattern that's not an official constellation. Use your imagination to see other patterns.

Spot a planet:

If you see a bright "star" that isn't twinkling, it's likely a planet. Stars twinkle because their light is distorted by our atmosphere, while planets' light comes in a thicker beam and doesn't twinkle. You can see Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter with the naked eye.

Spot a meteor:

You might see a meteor, which looks like a shooting star. Meteors are tiny grains of space dust burning up in the atmosphere. Larger meteors, called fireballs, can survive and drop meteorites on the ground. The best time to see meteors is during a meteor shower, like the Perseids in August.

Marvel at the Moon:

Look at the Moon and see its craters and dark areas called "lunar maria." The Moon's features are easier to see when they're close to the "terminator," the line between the dark and light parts of the Moon.

Download an app:

Use stargazing apps to learn more about the stars and planets. Turn your screen brightness down to keep your night vision. Some good apps include Stellarium Mobile Free, SkyView Lite, and Star Walk 2 Free.

© Our Media