Constellation relief
I’m not one to sit still for long. I’m one of the rare people who don’t like to bask in the sun on the beach. Nor do I relish soaking in the tub to relax. Yoga – forget about it. While struggling to maintain the tree pose I’m thinking I rather get more action and hit the heavy bag. Yet for some reason I begged for a hammock every year when Mother’s Day came along.
I guess my family didn’t think I would get much use out it either because I got exercise DVD’s instead. But a couple of years ago my husband finally succumbed to my begging and bought one. Admittedly, it was hard to lay back and relax at first but our deck sits high off the ground and is surrounded by trees and creates the perfect place to relax, even if it’s only for ten minutes. On a summer night, I yearned to escape the air conditioning and get some fresh air, so I stretched out on the hammock and immediately was drawn into the phenomena in the glorious sky above me. It was that night that I discovered our enchanted evening sky. The constellations ablaze with twinkling stars kept me still in absolute wonder while the stress of the day faded away.
Stargazing Kit
Before you head outdoors, check the evening sky first. The best stargazing is on a clear night with little humidity and when the moon is not shining. A bright moon can wash out large areas of the sky. (The New Moon or Last Quarter cycle is best.) Try to observe from a dark location away from direct lights like street lamps or porch lights. Once outside, give your eyes a good 10-15 minutes to adjust to the light. Your pupils will gradually open to their fullest and allow in more light from the stars.
- Comfy blanket, lounge chair or hammock. Comfort is a must to thoroughly enjoy the show.
- Blanket. Even if it’s warm outside, the lack of movement may make it chilly. Dress in layers.
- Bug repellent
- Star map (Check out skymaps.com and skyandtelescope.com for printable and interactive maps)
- Flashlight covered with red cellophane. The red light will preserve your dark vision so you can still observe the stars while looking on your star map.
- Snacks and drinks
- Binoculars. Not necessary but if you’re looking for a particular target the wide view and magnification can make it easier. 7 x 50 binoculars are great for beginners.
Now Showing
What’s truly wonderful about stargazing is each night is a new show. No summer re-runs! Why stop at the Big Dipper? Each season has its own cast of stars. In the summer, for instance, Aquila, the eagle and Sagittarius, the archer is showcased. If the night sky is dark enough you can see the Milky Way. One of my favorite things to witness is a shooting star. I used to think it was rare to see a shooting star but they’re quite common. You just have to be patient. A shooting star is a glorified name for a tiny dust particle or small rock that enters the Earth’s atmosphere and burns up. Yet there is something almost magical about seeing one gliding across the sky. Keep your eye on the sky and you can see up to a dozen shooting stars per hour.
What’s truly wonderful about stargazing is each night is a new show. No summer re-runs! Why stop at the Big Dipper? Each season has its own cast of stars. In the summer, for instance, Aquila, the eagle and Sagittarius, the archer is showcased. If the night sky is dark enough you can see the Milky Way. One of my favorite things to witness is a shooting star. I used to think it was rare to see a shooting star but they’re quite common. You just have to be patient. A shooting star is a glorified name for a tiny dust particle or small rock that enters the Earth’s atmosphere and burns up. Yet there is something almost magical about seeing one gliding across the sky. Keep your eye on the sky and you can see up to a dozen shooting stars per hour.
Stay awake on August 12 and 13 you’ll be treated to one of the best meteor showers of the year - the Perseids. These fast and bright meteors radiate from the constellation Perseus the Hero. You won’t need a map to find them because they will appear in all parts of the sky. If we’re lucky we could see up to 50 meteors per hour. As midnight draws near the Perseids will strengthen in number but the best show will likely happen in the wee hours before dawn.
Map to the Stars
I wouldn’t be concerned with maps the first night. They can be kind of intimating at first, especially if you’re trying to get your kids involved. Instead, create your own patterns from the stars you see. Maybe you’ll see an animal while your child connects the dots to see a triangle. Let your mind roam. You’re unlikely to forget your personal constellations. By doing this you may find skywatching to be a memorable and relaxing activity to do on your own or with your family.
Lisa Marie Metzler is a personal trainer and freelance writer who was knocked out two years ago and has been seeing stars ever since.
Post a Comment