The solar eclipse captivated the world on April 8, but there is more fun to come this summer. Luckily, technology has given us plenty of apps that allow stargazing to be accessible anywhere. Regardless of your destination, here are three things to consider for a night to view the sky.
1. Take time to adjust your eyes.
Naked-eye stargazing refers to viewing the sky with no devices, such as telescopes or binoculars. About 6,000 stars can be seen with the naked eye in the darkest conditions, according to Astronomy Cliff Notes. It is important to enter a dark space with no lights to allow your eyes to adapt to the darkness. The Space Center Houston recommends avoiding using bright TV or phone screens for at least 20 minutes before looking into the sky. Naked-eye stargazing can be done from anywhere, but you may consider traveling to get optimal star-viewing results.
2. Light Pollution in Los Angeles, CA.
The artificial lighting that surrounds our cities decreases our ability to view the night sky, which is known as light pollution.You may consider driving about two hours from Cal State Fullerton to the Joshua Tree National Park to enter a dark desert. Visit the park during “new moon” periods when the night sky is dark to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way, according to VisitJoshuaTree. There are four designated spaces in the park for stargazing, or you can choose one of nine available campgrounds as stated on the National Park Service site. If watching the night sky isn’t for you, try at home apps to connect with constellations.
3. Use sites to get notified about nearby events.
SpaceX satellites fill the sky with devices and you can easily track them. The spacecraft manufacturer created a site that allows you to spot them in the sky with close accuracy.
Try it out and click here. The next possible average visibility in Fullerton, CA, is on May 2, 2024, at 4:30 am. Alternatively, check out the Night Sky app available for free on both IOS and Android phones. The app uses augmented reality and will allow you to find constellations.
Don’t forget to check out Cal State Fullerton’s Department of Physics to join an Astronomy night. The schedule is tentative, but don’t miss the next event to view a great sky.
I love things like solar eclipse and other events. Im kind of sad I haven't been able to see the recent things like the pink ,non. :( I am going to start paying more attention.
ReplyDeleteHey Viviana,
ReplyDeleteGreat insight on how in depth you went while streamlining the topic on stargazing! I never knew the exact number on the amounts of stars along with the quick links provided to reference your facts really add to your credibility.
Hi Viviana,
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating read! The solar eclipse was indeed a breathtaking event, and the prospect of more celestial wonders this summer is incredibly exciting. The accessibility of stargazing through technology is truly remarkable.
I particularly appreciate the practical tips provided here for enjoying a night of stargazing. Adjusting your eyes to the darkness is such a simple yet crucial step, and I had no idea that about 6,000 stars could be visible with the naked eye under the right conditions. It's a great reminder to seek out dark spaces away from light pollution for the best experience.
Hi Viviana! This was such a cool blog post! I really enjoyed all the tips you gave in your post especially about finding sites and apps that can notify you on nearby events. I think that is something Im going to look into for this summer!
ReplyDelete