Written by: Chris Curwin, an amateur astronomer from Saint John, a member of the Saint John Astronomy Club and Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC). Chris is also the creator of the social media channel known as Astronomy by the Bay (https://www.facebook.com/astrobythebay).
Stargazing is easy: you just have to look up! But getting started can be daunting for some.
There’s a misconception that if you want to get into stargazing and see anything in the night sky you have to spend money on high-tech equipment.
What if you just want to start with very basic astronomy and don’t want to buy anything?
What can you see just by stepping outside and looking up?
Here are a few of the tips and tricks to enjoy a night under the stars.
Choosing a Stargazing Site
One of the first things you’ll want to consider is where you should be observing. Some are lucky enough to observe right from their own backyard. But if you’re surrounded by tall buildings, or have to deal with a lot of light pollution, you may want to pick a different location.
Google Maps can be a great resource. From aerial views, you can choose a location that is dark, yet safe, and hopefully not too far from home.
Dress for the Occasion
When the Sun goes down, it can get chilly, no matter what time of year. Add to that the joy of mosquitos and your evening out can become unpleasant.
The general rule for stargazers is to bring along enough clothing to keep you warm if it were 10 degrees colder than it really is. When you are stargazing, you spend long periods of time standing, or sitting still. Since you’re not moving around, you’re not generating much extra heat.
Comfort is Key
There are more ways to be sure you’re focused on the night sky and not on your own discomfort.
Warm clothes are essential, including socks and footwear that stays dry. You could be standing on grass for a while.
You should also consider bringing along a comfortable chair. Stargazing can be tough on the neck. A warm thermos of your favorite beverage helps to take away the chill as well. And if you have an extra one, bring along a blanket.
Let Your Eyes Dark-Adapt
Once you arrive at your site, your eyes will need to dark-adapt. Dark adaptation is the process where your eyes adjust from bright light to low light. This process can take at least half an hour and involves your pupils dilating to allow for reduced light levels. Once they do, you won’t believe how many more stars are visible.
Do avoid looking at your phone, or in the direction of any bright lights. Instead of using a phone app to find your way around, look for free, printable star charts online, and bring along a red flashlight for viewing them. This will help you keep your dark adaptation.
Grab a Photo for a Memory
Most of us carry a pretty decent camera with us on our phone… and many own a DSLR setup.
Experiment with your phone’s camera or DSLR through the daytime hours. Learn its settings. There’s lots of online help. And use a tripod whenever possible.
What About Equipment?
Start with binoculars if you have them. They are portable, lightweight, reasonably priced, offer the correct view and can be used in the daytime.
Remember that most of your best viewing will be with just your eyes. Sunrises and sunsets, moonrises and moonsets, meteor showers, lunar eclipses, the Northern Lights… all of these activities are easily enjoyed with just your eyes and are absolutely free.
Upcoming Stargazing Events
As for events this summer, two days stand out above all of the rest.
The first would be August 12th. On that day, we have a planet alignment in the morning, a Partial Solar Eclipse in the afternoon, and the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower in the evening.
The second date to watch is August 27th, when we will experience a Partial Lunar Eclipse. This event will take place over several hours.
Star Parties
You can also join us at one of our many Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) sponsored star parties.
July 17-18: Mactaquac Provincial Park
August 14-15: Mount Carleton Provincial Park
September 4-5: Funday National Park
September 18-19: Kouchibouguac National Park
More details can be found at: https://rascnb.ca/star-parties/
