How to Go Stargazing

Stargazing can be educational and fun for the whole family. It can also be a romantic and inexpensive date. Take your time to get maps of some constellations before going and study a few that you want to see. Make a game of who can find the most constellations in one night.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Telescope
• Binoculars
• Blanket
• Journal

1. Pick the tool you will use for your stargazing adventure. You can choose from the naked eye, binoculars, a telescope or go to a planetarium to access high-powered telescopes.
2. Observe the stars on a night when the moon is not so bright. The light reflected from the moon makes it difficult to see. This includes avoiding areas where light pollution is great; this will also make it difficult to stargaze.
3. Drive to a dark area for best results of stargazing. Allow your eyes to acclimate to the darkness of outside before you start to stargaze. This usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes.
4. Spread your blanket on the ground or in the back of a pick up truck. Lying down will give you the best angle for stargazing.
5. Pull out your map of star and constellations. Compare your map with what you see in the sky. Keep a journal of the dates and times you go stargazing and what you see. Play a game to see who can find the most star constellations.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to make a wish on a shooting star.