Introducing Yourself to the Night Sky

Learning the night sky and the skills the associated skills can be daunting at first. Thankfully, after mastering just a few basic principles you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding lifelong pursuit.

One of the most important things you’ll need is a game plan for your observing sessions. Even if you just want to start by finding a new constellation, defining a goal is key to setting yourself up for success. Knowing what you’re looking for helps focus your prep efforts, such as gathering charts - digital or printed - and familiarizing yourself with that general area of the sky. 

New astronomers often finding the night sky a little disorienting at first, largely due to how different it feels to be looking at the expanse overhead as compared to the tiny representation compressed on a star chart. Furthermore a chart will show you more stars (and often with constellation lines) than you can typically see from a suburban area, especially if you’re not fully dark adapted. Spending a little time with the charts during the day will pay dividends when it comes to finding your way around the night sky. 

Another crucial skill is orienting yourself with the cardinal directions. This can be as simple as learning to find Polaris, the North Star, and knowing generally where the Sun set to give you a reference for West. 

If you’re planning to take out new equipment, like binoculars or a telescope, practice setting it up during daylight to avoid having to look for small parts, knobs, switches etc. in the dark. Not only will this be more enjoyable for you, it also prevents unintentional damage to new gear!

We’ll cover observing tips at our program this Wednesday, see below if you’d like to learn how to jumpstart your interest in astronomy! Here’s an article from Sky & Telescope that covers new gear in more detail:

https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/what-to-see-with-your-new-telescope-6/

Join us for a free virtual program “Stargazing for Everyone” Wednesday, January 6 @ 6:00 PM. Email register@standleylakestargazing.com to sign up! 

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Looking for a new telescope? The experts at Mile High Astronomy in Lakewood would love to help you out, visit them at www.milehighastro.com and www.facebook.com/MileHighAstro/

Leave comments and questions on our page and feel free to reach us directly at contact@standleylakestargazing.com. As always-

Stay well, and clear skies!

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