As new amateur astronomers will eventually learn, this hobby is very rewarding when done right. The first thing to learn is that amateur astronomers gather to observe in events called star parties. This is a brief overview of how to prepare to go stargazing.
Where To Observe with a Small to Midsize Telescope
Pick a suitable place to go to. The night needs to be within a few days of the new moon, so the dark sky is uninterrupted by a glowing moon. The moon, in its full or quarter phases, is a remarkable ruin-er of night adaptation! Also ensure that the place is unobstructed by trees and “light pollution.” Look for low horizons. Flat fields away from cities are a good option for one not willing to commit to camping trip.
To get more out of a stargazing trip, stay a few nights. Just remember that having a campfire will ruin night sky adaptation. Either invest in a motor home or go to a group star party that provides lodging and enforces a no-white-lights rule.
First Night With a New Telescope
Contrary to what many new telescope owners believe, stargazers are hard-pressed to find anything interesting if they just go outside at night and point a telescope at the sky. To find neat things, consult a star chart. Ditch the finder scope and instead buy a TelRad for easier observing.
Don’t be too ambitious. Even advanced observers usually only locate a dozen or two deep sky objects at the most in one night.
Star Party Tip: Red Tape
Put red tape over all flashlights and other white light sources to avoid ruining night adaptation. Also, any viewing comrades will be very upset if at midnight a new observer decides to open a car door to retrieve a snack, only to blind the camp with the interior lights! Think carefully about what white light sources there will be.
Red tape is available at Joe’s Sporting Goods and other retailers who sell tape for covering broken car tail/brake lights. Red cellophane also works in a pinch.
What to Bring to a Star Party
In addition to plenty of red tape or cellophane for lights, pack:
- star charts
- camping gear
- all the pieces for telescope equipment
- blankets
- warm clothes
- coffee, tea, peanuts, whatever snacks offer a boost of energy for the slow down time around midnight.
Some observing places don’t provide meals, water or restrooms, so check ahead to see if meals and hygiene items are needed. Make sure to bring a map to the area.
For logging observations, bring
- pens and pencils
- blank log sheets
- wristwatch
- folding chair
- card table
And of course, bring a book in case the weather turns sour.
Setting Up the Telescope and Logging Observations
Upon arrival, set up everything before it gets too dark to avoid stumbling around and losing things. As new objects are located, mark down the date, time, eye-piece power and air quality each time. At the end of the night, cover the telescope with a dust proof aluminum blanket, much like emergency blankets found in First Aid kits. This protects the telescopes from extreme temperatures and dirt.
The next day, go over notes from the night before to see how many new objects were found. New telescope owners who have solid observing under their belts can then revel in the fact that they are amateur astronomers. Trying to see all the objects on the Messier List is a good first goal for a new small telescope owner.
