Just about any clear night provides an invitation to go outside and see what’s up. Some nights, however, might offer a special attraction: a meteor shower: a fly over by the International Space Station: a conjunction between the Moon and a bright star or planet; or even a lunar eclipse.
1.Set a Goal … Have an idea of what you want to observe in advance.
2.Set a Date …Take some time to set a date to make your observations. Some objects or events are only visible at certain times and may require some planning. The phase of the Moon will also play a factor. Most Importantly, maintain a sense of humor and be flexible.There are many factors that will be beyond your control. (weather forecasters are not part of a conspiracy). Once in a lifetime events have been known to prompt unplanned road trips to find clear skies, on very short notice.
3.Find a suitable observing site … Even if you live in an urban area; try to find a location that offers you as wide a view of the sky as possible. Also there is the problem of light pollution from misdirected/excessive outdoor lighting. You will want to find as dark a spot as possible.
4.Dress warmly … Even in summertime, nights can get surprisingly chilly. A good rule of thumb… dress for 10 degrees COLDER than the forecast predicts.
5.Get there early … If possible; get to your site before it gets dark. It’s like coming to the theater before a play begins, taking your seat, and anticipating the night ahead. It also allows time for your eyes to become DARK ADAPTED.
6. Start Simple … “For tens of thousands of years we have enjoyed the spectacle of the night sky without the benefit of binoculars or a telescope, simply by looking upward in the dark.” David H. Levy ... A Guide to Skywatching. If you’re just getting started in astronomy, the best thing to do is to first spend some time under the stars using only your eyes to observe and to get acquainted with the brighter stars and the constellations. The best way to do this is to purchase a good sky guide and a star chart. Just as you might consult a travel book when sightseeing in an unfamiliar city, these simple tools go a long way to help you familiarize yourself with the night sky. When consulting a sky chart, be sure to use a dim red light to protect your night vision. It takes your eyes approximately 30-45 minutes to become adapted to the dark and even brief exposure to white light will take you back to the beginning of the adaptation process. Even with no optical aids, you can enjoy a wide variety of objects such as the Moon and the five naked-eye planets, not to mention occasional meteor showers, the passage of artificial satellites, and even, if you’re lucky, the colorful aurora borealis (northern lights).
7.Get binoculars …Some might think that binoculars are a bit of a comedown from a telescope, but the fact is that for certain aspects of sky watching they are the best instrument to use.
8.Join an Astronomy Club ... you will find the fellowship of other astronomers (amateur and professional) rewarding and educational.
9.Move up to a telescope … your new friends (see above) can help you make the best choice.
10.Prepare for the unexpected… Stargazing may be the ultimate getaway, but if you’re planning an excursion to a dark-sky site far out in the countryside, be sure to bring a cell phone and car cord or extra battery. You may need it in an emergency. Let somebody know in advance where you’re headed and when you expect to return. If you’re close to being the last to leave, ask someone to wait until you’re sure that your car (and theirs) will start.
