Winter Stargazing
When I was in junior high, all I wanted for Christmas was a telescope. My parents delivered and my dad and I really enjoyed stargazing together. We got guidebooks, looked up information on websites, and learned how to dial in the telescope together. My most vivid memory was viewing Jupiter on New Year’s Eve because that was when it would be closest to Earth for the whole year. So dad and I stood on our back porch freezing so we could get a fantastic look at Jupiter. We could see the giant spot and three moons!
Putting together a little stargazing party is a great way to enjoy some outdoor time in winter. While it’s a bit unconventional, it will certainly be memorable and educational for everyone involved.
Here are some tips for hosting a stellar winter sky viewing party.
Choose a time and location that will work well for your purposes. A park or field that is away from city lights minimizes light pollution for a clearer view. Light pollution simply means other sources of light that fill the space and make celestial objects appear fuzzier or harder to see. You’ll also want to see a broad swath of sky without trees, power lines, or buildings. While the Geminids meteor shower has gone by (it peaks in mid-December) there are still times to see meteors and other astronomical events. It’s best to check online or in stargazing apps for the most accurate local information.
When choosing the time for your party, you’ll need to consider the phase of the moon and the time of night you wish to view the sky. A full or nearly full moon will also wash out other celestial objects, so a new or crescent moon are better times for stargazing. Before midnight is a good time to observe planets, bright starts, and constellations. After midnight is optimal for viewing deep-sky objects such as galaxies and nebulae. Basically, the darker the sky, the easier it is to see farther and farther away. Considering the ages and sleep schedules of the kids involved, you’ll want to plan accordingly.
Set the scene with cozy blankets, hot drinks, and a portable heater. If you’re in a place where you could build a campfire, you may want to do this. But it will affect your night vision and ability to view the sky every time you look at the fire. An alternative light source is flashlights with red filters on. I’d also suggest using a tarp or tent foot as a waterproof base and putting blankets on top of that.
Gather some gear to help the experience. Buy or borrow some telescopes and binoculars. Small kids can fare pretty well with a set of binoculars, and they are easier to share. Also, download an app that identifies constellations, planets, and other objects. I use SkyView, which is available on both Apple and Android devices. You can also try Star Walk and Stellarium.
Next, expand into some educational activities. Print out some constellation maps or guides. Read some stories about the myths and legends associated with the constellations. You may even reach out to a local astronomy club to have someone give a talk and teach about spotting celestial objects.
I hope these tips help you venture out and host a stargazing party this winter. You could end up starting a great tradition!