Summer is the ideal season to observe the mysteries of the cosmos. As the warm nights settle in, it is time to discover the celestial vault and its wonders. Stars, and planets… offer you a spectacle beyond compare.
Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or a star enthusiast, here are our practical tips to help you observe the stars this summer. Get ready for a unique celestial adventure!
Where can you observe the stars?
Despite the great distance that separates us from the stars, they remain visible to the naked eye. To scan the sky without hindrance and fully enjoy stargazing, we advise you to find a place far from any light pollution.
Secluded beaches, mountain peaks, and rural areas often offer ideal conditions for viewing the sky in all its glory.
So, the best thing to do is to go out into nature. The key is to get away from artificial light. According to National Geographic explorer Munazza Alam, ” stargazing is best done at mid-altitude .” So, listen to her advice if you want to enjoy a wonderful show.
To enjoy your astronomical evenings, don’t forget to check the weather. A calm night offers you the best observation conditions. Once installed, your eyes will take a few minutes to get used to the darkness. You will then be able to contemplate the Milky Way. And with a little patience, you may be lucky enough to see shooting stars.
The full moon is also to be avoided since it prevents you from seeing the sky. According to Franck Marchis, the brightness of the latter obscures the night sky and makes observation difficult ” whether with the naked eye or with an instrument such as binoculars or a telescope” .
Among the places that offer a unique view of the sky, we can mention the black triangle of Quercy. This place has the lowest light pollution in all of France. It guarantees you a magnificent perspective!
How to equip yourself to observe the stars?
According to Vincent Jean Victor, stargazing only requires “a sky map and good eyes.” Bringing a planisphere map will allow you to see the location of each constellation. You can find this type of map in bookstores, as well as in planetarium stores. A pair of astronomical binoculars will guarantee you the observation of the moon’s craters and star clusters. For a more immersive experience, you can get telescopes. They are ideal for seeing globular clusters, nebulae, and even galaxies.
If you are using a telescope or binoculars, it is useful to opt for filters to improve your observation. For example, a moon filter will reduce the glare caused by light reflected by the Moon and will allow you to observe its craters and reliefs more clearly.
We also recommend that you adjust the focus and don’t hesitate to make adjustments to get a precise view.
Many apps rely on your location for better observation of the constellations. Finally, even if you have astronomical telescopes, a clear sky can sometimes not be favorable for observation. This can be due to atmospheric turbulence.
Know the celestial events not to be missed
Summer is the perfect time to observe fascinating celestial events. You can mark various celestial events in your diary. According to Franck Marchis, “Jupiter is particularly well observed during this period.” It is also possible to observe the conjunction of the planets Mars and Venus in mid-July. As for August, it is famous for the appearance of the Perseid shooting stars.
We also recommend that you research the phases of the moon to plan your observations and enjoy the most captivating celestial spectacles.
Spot the stars
Navigating the vast night sky is no easy task. How can you spot the Big Dipper or the Shepherd Star?
The Shepherd’s Star is not a celestial body, but rather the planet Venus. It is easily observed with the naked eye after sunset or before sunrise. Known for its strong brightness, it is the second closest planet to the sun.
The Big Dipper is also one of the easiest to spot. Well, it’s shaped like a saucepan! The North Star is also visible to the naked eye. Although it’s often associated with cold winter nights, this star shines brightest on warm summer nights. To spot this star, simply find the constellation of the Big Dipper. It’s the last star at the tip of the Little Dipper’s saucepan. Follow the line connecting the two upper stars of this saucepan, and extend it toward the horizon. That’s where you’ll encounter a bright glow, the North Star itself. Its position is almost fixed relative to the celestial north. You’ll then lose yourself in the wonder of the summer stars.
You can also bring a camera. Bring a remote shutter release to capture long exposures and adjust its settings to immortalize the celestial spectacles.
In short, stargazing is an activity that requires a lot of patience. You have to take the time to study the sky, explore the areas of the firmament, and pay attention to the smallest details. The more you practice, the more you will develop your observation skills!
