Stargazing in the City. How to Do It
Stargazing is the type of hobby that many do not associate with living in the city. Even though it is true that the levels of pollution can affect the clarity of the image of the sky that you get to observe, this does not mean that it is impossible for you to gaze at the stars from the comfort of your home. Besides, stargazing has many amazing benefits!
Get the right gear
If you want to become a hobbyist stargazer, you have to start by making some investments in the right equipment. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to break the bank to get the right devices.
On Opticsandlab.com you can find a wide array of devices that might come in handy, from binoculars to telescopes, finder scopes, and eyepieces.
Pick your spot
Once you have all the items that you might need for this activity, it is time to plan. To start, you have to do some research and find a cloudless, clear evening. On average, winter nights tend to be somewhat better. This is the case because, in summer, the heat usually generates humidity.
If you want to see the stars, you should opt for a moonless night. However, it is equally thrilling to observe the full moon if you have the opportunity to. Some great spots that you should try are the rooftops of buildings or the local park.
Light pollution is the enemy
One of the biggest impediments of stargazing in a big city is light pollution. Once you turn off all the screens and lights around you, including your phone, allow your eyes to get used to the darkness and start stargazing!
Be prepared
Before you install your telescope in place, it is recommended that you do some research to understand what you see. Helpfully enough, today you can find a wide array of apps and online sites that you can use when stargazing. So, the risks of you getting lost in space are minimum.
Of course, for a completely immersive experience, you can also invest in a finder scope that can help you correctly locate specific celestial bodies.
The main reason why it is so important that you know what you see is the fact that, in the city, there is a high possibility that you won’t see too many stars, to begin with.
Local astronomy clubs
If you are a complete novice when it comes to stargazing in the city, the most practical thing that you can do is to attend a local astronomy club. By doing so, you can be sure that you’ll be around people who know what they are doing and who also know the best places to go to in order to get a good view of the sky.
Plus, meeting other stargazers is a nice way to make new friends and to learn from them how to correctly use your equipment. Even more so, there is a high chance that the people that you meet have better equipment that you can use for a better viewing experience.