7 Tips on how to Stargaze Without a Telescope

Posted: April 20, 2021 10:19 am

If you are new to stargazing or would like to give it a try, you might be wondering what tips make your experience more enjoyable. Stargazing is an incredible experience for anyone, and knowing what to look for makes it even better. Look for consultations and planets, or you can look at the stars and try to discover your location. Stars are mysterious and grab your attention if you know the thing for which you are looking. But when you view the stars, it’s vital you also keep an eye on the weather.

Check the Weather in Advance

Check the weather in advice if you don’t want to run into any unexpected problems along the way. Remember to check the forecast to avoid getting caught in the rain. You can also decide if you want to bring a sweater or extra jacket in case the weather gets cold at night. Discover how likely it is to rain where you want to stargaze. Many people decide to stay inside if the odds of rain are greater than 40%, but only you can decide the level of risk you are willing to take.

Use a Mobile Application

Checking the weather is a great place to start. Although watching the weather on television or online gives you an idea of what to expect, it’s not always enough. Weather can change in an instant. Clear skies can change to rainy skies before you know it, so don’t get caught off guard.

Know the Sky

Knowing the sky is another important part of the process. Look for dark clouds if you want to know what is on the way. Dark clouds contain moisture and indicate rainy weather is in your future. Pack your equipment and get inside as soon as you notice dark clouds.

Dark clouds are one thing, but tall and dark clouds are another issue of which you want to be aware. Tall clouds indicate strong upward winds that come with powerful thunderstorms. If you see these clouds while you are stargazing, get inside as soon as you can. You don’t want to take any chances when it comes to thunderstorms. One lightning strike could be a disaster if you are not careful.

You Can Smell Better

When you are stargazing, pay attention to your sense of smell. Most people can smell better before the rain begins. Although this might not make sense, it does when you understand why it happens. Humidity indicates how much moisture is in the air. The humidity goes up before it rains. Your sense of smell increases based on the amount of moisture in the air, and this is why an increased sense of smell could mean rain is coming.

Change in Temperature

Pay attention to the weather if the temperature drops. Before a storm, you will likely notice a sharp decrease in the temperature. This happens because a cold front will often come before a change in the weather. When cold air and warm air meet, the cold air sinks to the bottom and pushes the warm air up, which creates strong updrafts.

A strong burst of cold air on a warm night means a storm could be approaching. Take steps to protect yourself when you notice this change in the temperature, and you won’t find yourself in the middle of a storm. Check your mobile app if you are not sure if the change you notice means bad weather is on the way.

Halo Around the Moon

As you are looking at the stars, pay attention to the moon. If you see a halo around the mood, check your weather app to ensure a storm is not in the forecast. Having a halo around the moon means you could have a weather issue on your hands. Before a storm, updrafts sometimes push raindrops high into the sky where the temperature is much lower than it is on the ground. Light refraction creates a halo effect around the mood, and you will know to check the forecast before it’s too late.

Additional Safety Tips for Stargazing

Staying safe while stargazing is about more than just watching the weather. You want to protect yourself from weather events no matter the situation. Some people might not think light rain is a big deal while they are hiking, but you don’t want to take the chance. A little rain and wind can make a big difference before you know it. It can lower your body temperature and cause hypothermia before you know it.

Depending on your location, you might have to hike for more than a few minutes to get to your spot. Keep track of the time and know how long it takes to return to your car. Give yourself extra time in case you run into unexpected issues along the way, and you will be glad you did. Taking the right steps gives you confidence and peace of mind.

If you are outside when you notice that a storm is on the way, get indoors as soon as you can. Getting inside your car is also a smart option if you want to stay safe. As long as you don’t touch mental objects, your car can protect you from lightning strikes.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning a stargazing trip and want to get the most from it, ensure you plan for the weather. Check the forecast for at least a week before you go stargazing. Plan your trip when the weather is the most on your side to avoid the unthinkable, and you will be glad you did.

You stay safe and get the most from your trip. You will have no trouble viewing the stars on a clear night. You will view stunning constellations and know you made the right choice, and a little planning goes a long way to make your stargazing adventure much more enjoyable.

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