How to Stargaze (for beginners!)

Introduction

Finding your way through the nightsky is easy, if you know what you're looking for.

Things You'll Need

• Star charts are optional. These can be found in your local science store, and can cost you as little as a few dollars.

Steps

1 Step One

This exercise is designed for the fall months. Once you get outside, give your eyes several minutes to adjust to the darkness. Astronomers often rely on extra vitamin A (think carrots!)- it helps improve your night vision. Try not to use artificial lights outside if you can help it. This will also help preserve your night vision.

2 Step Two

This picture shows an exaggerated (brighter) version of what you are looking for.

One of the easiest objects to find is the Big Dipper. It is always found in the northern sky. A compass is a great way to try to find it for the first few times, but with practice, you'll know just where to look. In fall, it is between north, and northwest. Start by looking for three bright stars just above the horizon that form a wide triangle pointing up(on the left in the picture). These three represent the tail.

3 Step Three

Once you have found the three stars in the tail, look over slightly to the right and find the square that makes up the "pan" of the dipper. You should be seeing at LEAST six or seven stars, depending on how bright city lights are where you live.

4 Step Four

Once you have found the pan of the Big Dipper, look at the two stars on the end of the dipper on the right side. They should be the two vertical stars on the end of the dipper. Starting with the one closest to the horizon (the bottom right in the picture), draw a line with your finger up and to the right to hit the next star(the upper right in the picture). Continue until you hit another star about 2/3 of the way up the sky.

5 Step Five

Congratulations! You have found Polaris. This star is also known as the North Star, and this method can help you find north any time of the year.