DOS -AND-DON’TS IN STARGAZING
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Have you ever felt like to just sit under the stars, and be lost in their beauty? Who hasn’t, right? Stargazing is to gaze or observe at stars, which is the act or practice of stargazers. Stargazing has always been hip and in for all ages, and one of the top romantic date ideas, am I right? But stargazing isn’t just about sitting under the night sky, it even has its own share of dos-and-don’ts.
So here are some Dos-and-Don’ts in stargazing which we divided into three (3) phases:
Phase 1: Before
Do know your location. When in the city, get somewhere high to avoid the obstructions of high-rise buildings. You may always think of going for a drive to the nearest province or to any location with less or (if possible) no buildings in sight.
Do check the weather. Once you’ve decided on the location it is best to know the weather forecast on the desired date you would want. It’s better to be safe and ready than to be sorry.
Do protect your eyes. Because you will be embraced in darkness for some time (no, I’m not trying to scare you), it is better to invest in a red flashlight or bring a red cellophane or paper to cover up your torchlight. Why red? It is because a William Paterson University astronomer named Jason Kendall explained that: “Red light does not have the same effect on your eyes as does blue or white light,”.
Do know where to look. Get a star chart or download a good app that can help you know where to locate and observe celestial bodies – a big plus to impress your date!
Don’t observe where light pollution is high. Not only will this be an obstruction for your observation, but it will also be the reason why you’d only see few stars.
Don’t forget to check the weather. The weather forecast might not be accurate but it will save you time and energy. Why? This is because you will know beforehand whether to push through with your observation or not. A cloudy night sky is no different than watching gray clouds covering the sun in the morning – bringing rain soon after.
Phase 2: During
Do keep a safe distance between the telescopes and the observers. Aside from the tripods having spread out legs where people may be tripped, moving hurriedly around may cause damage both to the equipment and the viewers.
Do listen to the instructions. When viewing night sky objects through a telescope, one must listen carefully to the instructions on how to use the equipment. This is to avoid any trouble and also to maximize the telescopes capabilities.
Don’t use white lights. Using white light or flashlights may interrupt the eye’s adaptation to the dark environment. This may cause the eye to re-adjust therefore making it for observers to see dim features of the objects being observed.
Don’t hang around near the equipment. Staying aimlessly around the telescopes may block its field of view.
Phase 3: After
Do use a white headlamp for clean-up. When you’re done observing, a regular white headlamp can help you clean up quickly.
Do put your things safe and clean. Put back your things as you put it on before. Check your things very carefully if you might forget any.
Don’t litter. Pack your trash and dispose it appropriately. You must clean the place as the way you enter it before.
Don’t leave as you were told to. Don’t go to other places than the stargazing venue. You must ask permission to the authorized person if you are leaving or going somewhere. Don’t leave your things inattentively. After the event, leave the place accordingly.
