How to Stargaze Comfortably

Stargazing can be a rewarding and engaging activity when done right. Knowing when, where, and how to stargaze is key to a comfortable experience. So, the next time the night sky is clear and you want to go out stargazing for an hour or more, gather your comfortable clothing and blankets, and lay back and enjoy!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Gathering Comfort Supplies

1
Layer your clothing. Depending on the time of year, you’ll need to bring a variety of clothing with you, as your body temperature will drop the longer you sit still. Likewise, you might get warm and want to shed a few layers.
- If you stargaze in the fall or winter, try thermal underwear, sweaters, hats, gloves or mittens, and scarves.
- If you stargaze in the spring or summer, wear multiple, light layers. Try a zip-up hoodie, light jacket, hat, and jeans. Bring one warm coat in case the temperature drops dramatically during the night.
2
Bring a mat, chair, and pillow. You will want to keep your eyes trained on the sky for an extended period of time, so comfort is a must. Your neck will become tired and sore very quickly unless you lay flat on your back or recline in a chair.
- Good options for comfort and warmth are: a yoga mat, pillows, tarp (in case of dew or damp grass), camping pad, camping chair, or reclining deck chair.^{[1]XResearch source}
- If prefer to sit up, remember to put something between yourself and the ground so that you don’t catch a chill.
3
Use a blanket for comfort and warmth. Bringing a blanket or two will both keep you warm and add a layer of cushioning to your chair, mat, or tarp. Sit under or on top of a blanket, or bundle it under your head for extra support.
- Don’t bring blankets that are not washable. Anything you bring with you while stargazing may get dirty or wet, since you will be outdoors.
4
Pack food and drinks. You may be out for a while, so it’s important to supply yourself with snacks and beverages. Sustenance can be both fun and practical, so remember to pack things that you like!
- Popular beverage options are: hot chocolate, coffee, tea (especially during the colder months), water, soda, and beer or wine (if you are over 21 and have a designated driver).
- Portable, energy-filled foods you might want to bring are: trail mix, granola bars, chocolate, beef jerky, soup in a thermos, or pre-made sandwiches.
Binoculars will help you see more stars, planets, and constellations than you would with your naked eye. This way, you won’t strain your eyes trying to see everything that’s up there.^{[2]XResearch source}
If you think you’ll be out stargazing for a while, or are worried about the weather, bring a tent, canopy, or tarp that you can set up. This way, you’ll have shelter from the elements and can take a rest if you’re feeling tired or worn out. You can also store your extra snacks, drinks, chairs, and blankets underneath the covering.^{[3]XResearch source}
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Getting Ready to Stargaze

This way, you’ll see more stars, and you won’t get wet from rain, or overly-hot due to humidity.^{[4]XResearch source} A breeze can mean less pollution near a city, but strong wind can be chilly, so bring extra blankets and sweaters if it seems windy.^{[5]XResearch source}
2
Stargaze in the summertime. Summer nights (during June, July, and August) can offer great stargazing conditions. You’ll also be more comfortable than you would be in the winter, and can pack a bit lighter.^{[6]XResearch source}
- You are most likely to see meteor showers in the summertime. The “Perseids” meteor shower is awe-inspiring, and visible from nearly everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs every August.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Some constellations that can be seen year-round (meaning they are “circumpolar”) are: Cassiopeia, Ursa Major, and Cepheus.
Try to avoid major cities and densely populated areas. Stargazing will be difficult in these areas because of the light pollution and noise they produce. For a relaxed stargazing experience, you’ll want to find some peace and quiet, likely in a more rural area.
4
Watch out for wildlife. If you are able to find a sparsely populated, rural area to stargaze in, chances are good that some wildlife will be around. Deer, bears, coyotes, raccoons, and possums are common camp-crashers. Research what animals are found in your area, and keep a sharp eye out while you are outside at night. ^{[8]XResearch source}
- Wherever you decide to stargaze, always bring bug spray. You certainly won’t be comfortable if you’re swatting at mosquitos all night!
- You can bring a bright floodlight or something to make loud noises with, to deter animals that may come near while you are stargazing.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Seeing the Stars

This is a good safety precaution, in case you lose your way in the dark or are nervous about being alone at night. You are also likely to spot more stars with two sets of eyes.
2
Set up on level ground. Arrange your tent, chairs, blankets, snacks, and drinks on an even surface and make sure that everything is within arm’s reach of you. This way, you won’t have to fumble around too much, and you won’t risk losing anything in the dark.
- Remember to clean up after yourself, both to avoid animal encounters and to protect the environment.
3
Position your head at a 30 degree angle to the ground. This way you won’t strain your neck as you look up at the stars, and you will mimic the comfort of lying in bed. Do this by using a pillow, re-positioning your reclining chair, or bundling a blanket beneath your head.
- You can also try lying completely flat on the ground, for a fuller view of the sky. Some people find this posture slightly harder to get up from, however.
4
Use an infra-red flashlight to relax your eyes. You will need to turn off your regular light once you have set up your area, in order to stargaze.^{[9]XResearch source} But, if you need to look around after doing so, you should use an infra-red light to avoid having to re-adjust your eyes to the darkness. A red light is easier on the eyes, and will not disturb your stargazing environment.
- Your eyes will need anywhere from five to thirty minutes to adjust to the darkness, and turning a bright, white light off and on will deter this adjustment process.
- You can cover your regular flashlight with red cellophane, rather than buying an infra-red light.^{[10]XResearch source}
Try using the "averted vision” method of seeing stars and constellations, which may be useful if you find it hard to spot faint stars. Rather than straining your eyes, look just to the side of what you're trying to see. Your peripheral vision is more sensitive to light and dark, making it easier to see faint objects when the rest of the sky appears gray.^{[11]XResearch source}
Stargazing can be a fun, rewarding experience whether you are an amateur or expert stargazer. Lay back, have a snack, talk to a friend, and observe the night sky as you wouldn't normally be able to.
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Allow items like binoculars and telescopes time to adjust to the night temperature, otherwise you may experience a blurred view.^{[12]XResearch source}
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Camping can be a fantastic stargazing opportunity. You will already be away from lights and civilization, have comfortable mats and sleeping bags, and likely have warm clothing, as well. Just beware of night animals and bugs! You might even be able to watch from the comfort of your campfire.
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