Many amateur astronomers have a ritual that they put to use before they stargaze. It can be something as simple as how to assemble their telescopes, the songs they listen to as they wait for it to become dark, or even the way they arrange things. Having a ritual puts you in the right mood to enjoy your stargazing activities.
Colorado has a lot of places that are perfect for stargazing. Here you can meet other people who are interested in it too. However, you can also enjoy the night sky from the comfort of your backyard, rooftop, or balcony. For you to enjoy this activity, there are things you must have that will make what could have been a good night and an even better night.
They include:
1. Star Wheel
Another name for a star wheel is a planisphere. It is an adjustable map of the sky used to show the positions of stars for a specific location and time. You can buy a star wheel, or you can make it on your own. It is beneficial to those people who do not know much about the stars and planets.
The more you spin your way around a star wheel, you will see the movement of the mapped planets and stars mirrored in the night sky. With time, you will be comfortable navigating the sky using constellations.
2. Red Torches
The human eye can see incredibly when in the dark. This is because the pupils dilate, allowing the eye to gather light. The eye also has chemicals that help us see whenever we are in areas with low light.
However, it may take almost 30 minutes for the eyes to adjust to the light or dark. In the dark, you use your normal torch with the white light and put it off again. Your eyes will have to take more time to adjust, and you will lose precious time.
If you do not want this to happen to you, use a red torch. The red light does not affect your vision. You can use red bike lights for this; choose those that are rechargeable. If you have your phone with you, avoid using it. The light will still affect your vision, even if you are using the red torches. It will also affect those who are stargazing near you. If you must use it, you can have it fitted with red filters.
You can also opt to use a red headlamp instead of a torch.
3. A Telescope
When most people stargaze, they do not use any equipment. With time, as their interest grows and they become more fascinated with the night sky, it is time to get some gear. Visual aids such as binoculars and telescopes will help you see more as they capture more light than what our eyes are capable of capturing.
Before you decide on the specific equipment you want, do your research. After you know what you want, visit American Eclipse USA and check out their reviews on various telescopes, including telescopes for kids. The reviews will help you make the final decision. If you buy it for someone interested in stargazing as a gift, making a choice will not be a daunting task.
4. Phone Apps
If you are not a fan of star wheels or prefer digital methods, do not despair. Many phone apps perform the same function like them. All you have to do is use your smartphone. There are many applications that you can download that will help you navigate the night sky. All you have to do is download them from the Android or iOS play store, and you are good to go.
These apps use your phone’s GPS, built-in inclinometer, and compass to give you real-time information on the object you are pointing at using your phone. Some apps include audio descriptions, while others enable you to use your phone to control your telescope.
5. Picnic Blanket
Sitting on a camp chair or a folding chair means you will have to keep moving your head around and turning to see the stars. To avoid these:
- Spread your picnic blanket on the ground and lie on it. You will have a broader sky to look at than what you would have had if you used a chair.
- If you want to prevent dampness from the ground from getting to the blanket, opt for a blanket with a waterproof layer.
- Get a beach towel to put the legs of the tripod on. If anything falls, it will land on the towel, and this way, you will not lose things and spend a lot of time looking for them.
6. Family and Friends
Observing the Colorado night sky on your own can be a fun activity. It can be even better if your family and friends surround you. They do not necessarily have to have the same level of interest as you do, but go ahead and invite them. Please take it as an opportunity to show them an activity you enjoy and hope they like it too. With time, you may find yourself with people who are genuinely interested in stargazing. If there are young kids, think of it as an opportunity to introduce them to astronomy. You never know how that will change the life of someone.
7. Appropriate Clothing
It would be such a waste for you to carry everything you need and forget to dress appropriately. Do not let the summer weather fool you; the evenings can be frigid. Instead of a single thick item, dress in layers to keep air between the layers. This air increases insulation. If you become too warm, you can still remove a layer of clothing.
There are not many things to do if you are looking to enjoy the Colorado night sky. Make sure you carry bug spray and if you are going somewhere alone, make sure that you let someone know where you will be. It will help if you implement the tips above to make sure you enjoy your stargazing experience.
