Being Prepared For the Night Sky
I suppose we should take a step back this week and discuss being prepared to enjoy the night sky. There are a few tips for getting the most out of your star gazing experience. I should have gone over this last week, but I slipped up.
In the United States I feel like the most spectacular star gazing happens in the winter months. Now mind you this is only my personal opinion. There are quite a few constellations that are easy for the kids to find in the winter sky. Of course, standing outside, at night in the middle of winter could tend to be a bit uncomfortable. The follow list will help you gather items to make your experience both comfortable and fun.
Before going out, stop at the local library and check out some books on astronomy. Research which constellations and sites you will be able to see from your area. Many local newspapers have a section on star gazing once a week and will alert you on upcomming meteor shower, where planets will be and other items of interest. Have the kids draw diagrams of the constellations (big dipper, orion are both easy to draw and spot in the sky) prior to going outside. This way it will be easier for them to spy them in the night sky. If you have ever tried to point out a particular star or constellation to you five year old, in a star filled sky, you know how hard it is. If they draw the constellation first (from a book) they will have some idea what to look for. We did this with our Tiger Cub group one year and it worked out wonderfully.
To make your experience comfortable in the winter months bring:
- Hot Chocolate or coffee
- Wear warm clothes-coat, hat, gloves
- Wear Lip balm
- Bring a reclining beach type chair to sit in.
- If you don’t have a beach chair, try an air mattress or several blankets on the ground to lie on.
- Discount stores sell disposable hand and feet warmers that really work- look in the camping and hunting department- they are just a few dollars per multi pack.
- Tissues
To enjoy the sites bring:
- binoculars
- telescope
- notebook and pencil for taking notes or drawing diagrams
- The kids hand drawn diagram of the constellations you are looking for.
- A star diagram from a book.
- A flashlight covered with a piece of red plastic. It is much easier for your eyes to re-adjust to the night sky if you use a red light to look at your diagrams in a book, use the flashlight to get the bug off of your shoulder or tie your shoe. This plastic can be purchased in a science or craft store. One time we used pink plastic wrap....it worked o.k.
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