{"id":36912,"date":"2022-09-22T14:04:34","date_gmt":"2022-09-22T14:04:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skyatnightmagazine.com\/?p=27975"},"modified":"2022-09-22T14:21:25","modified_gmt":"2022-09-22T14:21:25","slug":"14-things-new-stargazers-should-know","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/rss_feed\/14-things-new-stargazers-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"14 things new stargazers should know"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Jamie Carter\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 22 September 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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If you\u2019re new to astronomy, you might be wondering where to start. It can be daunting stepping out under the night sky for the first time with the intention of learning your way around the stars and constellations, looking out for planets and trying to get to know all about the phases of the Moon.<\/p>\n

This can be especially difficult if you don\u2019t have any more experienced amateur astronomers to help, or maybe you\u2019re wondering whether you will be able to see anything at all without an expensive telescope (spoiler: you will!)<\/p>\n

Beginners\u2019 books and guides can be a great introduction to astronomy, but nothing beats experience. The more you stargaze, the more you\u2019ll learn. Here are some things you\u2019ll become aware of in your first year of observing.<\/p>\n

For more advice, read our guide on how to stargaze<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>

1<\/span>

There\u2019s an \u2018observing window\u2019 each month<\/h3>\n<\/div>

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See if you can get your hands on a \u2018moon phases\u2019 poster. You\u2019ll find one free in the January or February issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine every year.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Bright moonlight is a big light polluter, so it pays to keep track of the Moon\u2019s movements and phases.\u00a0From about four days after new Moon, our lunar neighbour grows from a slim crescent to a bright orb that blots out stars right up until about six days after full Moon, after which it doesn\u2019t rise until the early hours.<\/p>\n

As a result, there\u2019s a window of about 12 days surrounding new Moon when you\u2019re assured of a dark Moonless sky that is ideal for stargazing.<\/p>\n

HOW TO FIND IT:<\/strong> Get a poster of Moon phases or find the info online and be sure to plan any stargazing activities around new Moon. Our sign up to our newsletter<\/a> and get the lunar phases delivered every week to your email inbox.<\/p>

2<\/span>

Find that unmissable \u2018smudge\u2019 in the winter night sky<\/h3>\n<\/div>

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The Pleiades, M54 can be seen in autumn and winter, even with the naked eye. Credit: iStock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Does a bright blob always catch your eye when you\u2019re out stargazing in autumn and winter? It\u2019s almost certainly the Pleiades<\/a> (M45), a cluster of stars 440 lightyears distant that\u2019s also called the Seven Sisters.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a young cluster of stars just 100 million years old.\u00a0Even with the naked eye you should be able to make out about five or six of its stars forming the shape of a mini Plough.<\/p>\n

HOW TO SEE IT:<\/strong> Low in the east at dusk in November, the Pleiades is a gem of the winter night sky. Part of the constellation of Taurus, it\u2019s visible every night until May.<\/p>

3<\/span>

Night vision makes stargazing much easier<\/h3>\n<\/div>

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Using a red light is a good way of checking star charts at night without losing your night vision. Credit: Jamie Carter<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

As your eyes grow accustomed to darkness, your pupils dilate and allow in more light. It\u2019s why patience is so important when stargazing.<\/p>\n

HOW TO GET IT:<\/strong> Keep away from all bright lights for at least 20 minutes (yes, that absolutely does include your smartphone!) and, if you do need to use illumination in the field (to read or make notes), use a dim, red light.<\/p>

4<\/span>

Observing the full Moon is best done at moonrise<\/h3>\n<\/div>

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Credit: Jamie Carter<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Most beginners presume that the best time to observe the Moon is when it\u2019s high in the night sky, but at that point it\u2019s way too bright.<\/p>\n

Instead, find out the exact time of moonrise on the night of the full Moon and watch our satellite appear on the horizon during dusk in a gorgeous pale orange colour.<\/p>\n

HOW TO SEE IT:<\/strong> Get somewhere reasonably high with a clear view of the eastern horizon at dusk on the night of the full Moon.<\/p>\n