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Stargazing in the Garden

International Dark Sky Week has grown to become a worldwide event and a key component of Global Astronomy Month.

Each year it is held in April around Astronomy Day. 

Everybody can do something to stop light pollution!


Stargazing in the Garden:

  1. Turn off the lights in your home/garden to keep it as dark as possible.

  2. Then head into the garden and let your eyes adjust.
    "If you go outside from a brightly lit room, you will probably only see a handful of stars. Wait and let your eyes adjust to the darkness – ideally for 30 minutes. Beware: a single glance at a bright phone screen could wipe out all your hard work."

  3. You can download a free 'Back Garden Astronomy' guide from the BBC via this link: https://try.skyatnightmagazine.com/backgardenastronomy/

What you might need:

To go stargazing, all you need is to put yourself outside under a clear sky, but you can make a fantastic family evening of it with a bit of forward planning and preparation.

  • Warm Clothes
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Blanket or Beach Towel
  • Torch (the best option would be a red torch, you can buy a cheap LED torch that often has a red LED option)

  • The simplest of stargazing sessions needs no equipment at all, but if you have binoculars or telescopes, you will undoubtedly be able to see more.

Stargazing Apps for your phone or tablet:

Night Sky (iOS, Free) 

Night Sky allows users to quickly identify stars, constellations, satellites and planets as well as weather conditions for the coming night.

Sky Map (Android, Free)

Sky Map uses your phone's many sensors to calculate your geographical position and then display a detailed star map based on where your device is pointed. 

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