Looking up at stars has long been a favorite activity for humans, and the beauty of the night sky makes it apparent why. On any given night, you can see between 2,500 and 5,000 stars with your eyes from Earth’s surface. The beauty and brilliance of these stars are best enjoyed from a Dark Sky Preserve, though you can see many of them from the comfort of your yard or home.
Finding the best stargazing places is part of the joy of indulging in the types of stars in and around the Milky Way Galaxy. It’s one of many people’s first steps toward learning about astronomy.
Luckily, you’ve found the perfect guide to learning how to stargaze and indulge in the night sky’s radiance. Continue reading to discover the best stargazing tips and places to indulge in astronomy today!
Watch the Moon
One of the best ways to start your new stargazing hobby is watching the Moon. The beauty of the Moon is that it connects you with every person on Earth since, at some point during the 24-hour cycle, each person on the planet can see it. Start looking at the Moon simultaneously each night to enjoy its different phases.
The Moon’s orbit around the Earth is predictable, making it the best starting point for someone learning to stargaze. You’ll enjoy watching the Moon as it waxes and wanes each month.
Watch the Sun
The Sun is another excellent starting point when learning how to stargaze for beginners. It’s best to avoid looking directly at the Sun to protect your eyes and health, but finding the point on the horizon where the Sun rises, and sets is an exciting way to start your stargazing journey. You don’t need to find unique stargazing places to indulge in the Sun’s daily cycle.
Use the equinoxes to find due East and West and chart the Sun’s movements in the sky. You’ll get practice tracking the celestial bodies in the day and night sky to gain valuable experience when learning about astronomy.
Use a Star Chart
The star chart is the ultimate companion to the new stargazer. It’s more effective than a laptop computer since the chart is easier to wield and compare to the night sky. You’ll find plenty of excellent affordable options geared toward helping beginners map out the constellations and prominent stars.
Printed charts are the next progression in your journey to understand what you see when looking at the stars. Another brilliant idea when seeking stargazing tips is downloading an app on your mobile device. The app will work with your phone’s compass and GPS to accurately break down the night sky.
Avoid Telescopes
You don’t need to avoid telescopes forever, but it’s best to grasp the night sky’s layout before progressing to a telescope for your stargazing desires. Binoculars are the best resource to use when gaining experience with stargazing tips. Point them at the Moon to inspect the craters and shadows on its surface.
Turn your binoculars to other bright bodies in the sky. White Star Outdoors will give you information about why some stars shine brighter than others.
Combine that knowledge with your binoculars to take your first true stargazing journey. Find the best stargazing places near you to see more stars in the night sky. If you’re lucky, you could catch a meteor shower at these stargazing locales.
The darkest locations give you a glimpse of the Milky Way in the night sky. Explore any hazy patches you discover when looking up. Those patches could be star clusters or the universe’s formation and birth of new stars.
Notice Patterns
The patterns in the night sky are one of the first things you’ll learn about when you become consistent with your stargazing routine. The most common way to learn the constellations is by recognizing the patterns of these celestial bodies in the sky. Many people find a noticeable pattern while looking up at the stars.
After allowing their eyes to adjust, people find other patterns much more manageable. Most constellations build outward, sweeping the night sky and finding your favorites simple. Many of these patterns are the same ones your ancestors saw when sitting around the campfire at night.
Visit a Dark Sky Site
The best way to learn how to stargaze is by spending a night (or two!) at a dark sky site. Over 60 dark sky parks and areas are dotted across the United States. You can also visit a local state or national park to escape light pollution and see the night sky for all its glory.
Join a stargazing forum to discuss the best dark sky parks for your first stargazing experience. You can use input from these individuals to plan a road trip and watch your favorite constellations drift across the horizon. Bring a friend or family member to enjoy this new hobby with you for the best experience.
Be Faithful to the Sky
Diving into your new stargazing hobby is exciting, but you must remain faithful to the sky to maintain and enjoy the pursuit as you age. The sky changes subtly throughout the year, and the best way to notice these changes is by becoming consistent with your stargazing nights.
Use your patience when watching the night sky to enjoy and admire these subtle changes. The best way to learn how to stargaze is by looking up at the stars. You’ll gain more knowledge while witnessing some of the most beautiful sights anywhere on Earth.
Try Looking Up at the Stars Today
Looking up at the stars is an activity passed down from your ancestors over thousands of years, and it’s a worthwhile tradition to continue. Start by watching the Moon and Sun on their journeys across the horizon, and wait to invest in a telescope when learning to stargaze. Stick with binoculars and experience the wonder of stargazing and learning about astronomy in a dark sky park.
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