Getting Started on Star Gazing

In the GPS age, you don't need to look at the stars to navigate from one location to the other. However, you can look at the stars to admire their beauty.

I have captured sequence of steps that I followed in my quest to explore the universe.

Here is some very basic information and links that should help you get started!

Ingredients: Good observation skills, clear skies, sky map, patience and practice.

Getting Started:

Getting Familiar with Constellations

The best way to start is to star gaze on your PC - no hoping for clear skies or craning your neck to avoid obstacles. A great place to start is a website that teaches you to identify 3 constellations (Orion, Big Dipper, Cassiopeia), 2 stars (Betelgeuse, Polaris) and 1 planet (Jupiter).

Quietbay

After going thro' the exercise of identifying these constellations, stars and planet, you are ready to test your skills in the "real" world (uhm, universe). Going thro' the exercise does give you the confidence that you will be able to identify them from millions of stars staring at you. Also, it really helps to know what you are looking for :). I must add that these heavenly bodies must be visible from your location at that time (thank your stars). If for a start you can't spot what you are looking for go ahead and connect the dots and name your own constellation :)

Sky Chart

A sky chart gives you a view of the sky at an observing site at given time on a given day. Hence, it is best to obtain a sky chart/map for your point of observation. A couple of good resources on the web that provides sky charts for any location on the globe is provided below:

Heavens Above

Your Sky

John Walker's Your Sky is a detailed resource that offers horizon views in addition to the sky maps. To obtain a sky map for your observing site you will need to enter the latitude and longitude of your observing site. A number of resources that are based on Google Maps provide you with your co-ordinates once you have marked your observing site. For example if you are in Bangalore, latitude of your observing site will be ~ 13 degrees North and the longitude will be ~ 77 degrees East.

Satellite Signals

Generate a sky map for your observing site by entering your co-ordinates. The default sky map that is provided to you is for the current time and date, i.e. meant for immediate use. If you want a sky map for another day or time make sure you enter these values as well. It is handy to get a print out of the sky map to help you with your observations.

Start Spotting

Armed with an appropriate sky map, you are ready to spot your favorite constellations. The sky map is intended to be held above your head in manner that the north on the sky map is "above" the terrestrial north (north as shown by a compass :)), the south on the sky map is "above" the terrestrial south and so on .... At first, you may have a little trouble using the sky map and getting your orientation right, that perfectly normal! A sure fire way of getting to use the sky map is to spot the moon (that should be easy) and rotate the sky map over your head to match the moon's actual position.

Hope this information as helped you in getting started, happy spotting!

If you are residing in India you should have no trouble spotting the Orion.

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