GT: How To Stargaze

One of the best parts about camping, backpacking, bikepacking, and any sort of outdoor activity where you are sleeping under the stars is seeing the stars themselves. The old adage once in a blue moon refers to an event that is super rare, and tonight on the evening of August 30-31st is an especially rare event which is a Super Blue Moon. Super moons are generally bigger and about 16% brighter than your average moon. Blue moon refers to the second full moon in a single month. The next Super Blue Moon we will see isn’t until 2037. And if that weren’t exciting enough Saturn is in opposition and therefore at its brightest. With nature set to put on such a show, we thought it would be a good time to review our best stargazing tips.

How do you stargaze safely?

It's as simple as just looking up. But you know also make sure you are standing somewhere safe, and if you are going to move remember to look down.

Stargazing tips

1. Unless you are trying to stargaze or in this case moongaze from your house, move away from the city lights. If you can get 20-30 min away from the light pollution of most cities caused by street lamps, buildings and cars the brighter the stars will be.
2. Find a clear spot where you can see as close to the horizon as possible.
3. Check the weather forecast. In other words, make the most of clear nights.
4. If you are at home, turn the lights off indoors and give your eyes time to adjust to the dark.
5. Get to know the stars you are looking at, there are many great apps for your phone such as Star Walk 2 and NASA. For more apps and how to use them go here .You can also buy yourself an inexpensive planisphere, which shows the constellations visible at any time throughout the year. The best part about it, no batteries, or cell signal required.
6. Stargazing is best when the Sun has set low enough below the horizon so that twilight does not affect observations. Now for tonight the show is all about the moon, but if you are wanting to see meteors, the Milky Way, and constellations you will want to plan your camping trip when it is close to a New Moon versus a Full Moon.
7. When are the best seasons to stargaze? Autumn, Winter and Spring offer the best times to stargaze, and many astronomers refer to an 'observing season'. From the time clocks go back in October (nights become 1-hour longer) to the time they go forward in March (nights become 1-hour shorter).
8. Do your research before. Make sure where you are headed meets the criteria above, you can even research sites like Hipcamp for locations that are dark and ideal for stargazing.

Why are the Outdoors the best place to view the stars?

A Darker Sky Means More Stars

For observing faint stars and meteors, the darker the sky, the better. So heading outward from town, at least 20 to 30 miles from the city limits, is key. The further you can get away from light pollution and the skyglow of the city, the more you will see. Because most camping is remote, camping and stargazing go together like chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers.

Head to the hills

Mountains can help block light. Putting the ridge of the mountains between you and the city can make a big difference. An alternative is to get to the other side of a large wilderness area or body of water.

Up we go

The dense air at low altitudes is where most of the haze, fog, and smoke tends to collect. Add to that smog and pollution from cars and the city and it can mask your view of the stars. If you can get to a higher altitude (a couple of thousand feet above the surrounding area) it can make for much clearer skies. For more stargazing tips read this beta from NASA. Any tips that we missed? Hit us up on social and let us know. Until next time: have fun, be safe, and we’ll see you outside! Cynthia Yeo is the Marketing Director for Geartrade. When she is not behind the desk, you can find her hiking or skiing the Wasatch Front, climbing and camping in Maple Canyon, traveling the world with her amazing family and friends, or just chilling out and reading by the fire. Follow us on Instagram + Facebook: Tag us @geartrade with the hashtag #unnewoutdoor #wearitout on your post or story for a chance to be featured on our page.

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