Stargazing is an incredible pastime at any time of year, but late fall and winter are undoubtedly the very best times to look to the skies. With so many of us seeking ways to reset and recharge from the stresses of life, especially before the frenetic pace of the upcoming holiday season, stargazing is just the thing to allow you to reconnect with nature and yourself.
Gaze at Greatness
Looking to the skies is an ancient form of entertainment that even our ancestors enjoyed. Gazing at the stars and considering the vastness and greatness of this universe always helps put into perspective whatever might concern you on Earth.
Plus, it’s a hobby that’s available to anyone regardless of age, background, or status. And best of all, it’s completely free! So bundle up, grab a hot cup of joe, and get ready to be amazed and humbled at the wonders in the skies.
Ideal Winter Weather
While most Californians prefer our warmer sunny times of year, this colder season is actually the perfect time to stargaze. Summertime offers great sky viewing like the popular Perseid Meteor Shower, a “second moon,” or the brightest “Comet Of The Century.”
But winter weather allows you to see more of the night sky because the air tends to be clearer. The colder temperatures mean clearer skies, and stargazers are able to see even more celestial bodies than during the warmer months. Plus, winter nights are longer, so there’s more time to look up at the starry skies.
Where To Go Stargazing
Of course, light pollution from our big cities around the globe has become a real concern for astronomers. It’s become more and more difficult to find spaces that are dark enough for us to see the sky. Instead of simply walking into our backyards like previous amateur astronomers did, we now must seek out a dark enough area.
Before you start a midnight drive to seek the darkness, check out this light pollution map. It will help you figure out the closest and best stargazing spot in your area. Additionally, read our list for the 10 best stargazing spots around Los Angeles for the perfect starry sky spot.
Additionally, check out DarkSky International’s certified list of Dark Sky Places to find great stargazing spots no matter where you are in the world.
Practical Stargazing Tips
First of all, turn off all lights and electronic devices. Let your eyes adjust to the dark for at least 10–15 minutes. Find a place with a dark, open sky and an unobstructed view. Find a comfortable spot to recline either with lawn chairs or blankets.
If possible use flashlights with red filters when going out to a stargazing site. It can take up to 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust again after looking at a bright white light, so it’s best to just avoid it altogether. Avoid looking at your phone or other screens, and definitely do not point any light in the faces or eyes of fellow stargazers.
Of course, a telescope is helpful for seeing the more distant celestial bodies, you can see many astronomical beauties just by looking up with your naked eye. However, a pair of binoculars is a way to more easily upgrade if you start to yearn for a closer look at the heavens.
Enjoying our beautiful starry skies is the perfect way to find peace and appreciate what a beautiful world we have.