If you’ve never gotten into stargazing, it might be hard to understand the appeal of sitting out in the dark. It’s a fair question, so let’s take a look at why others find this so enjoyable!
Here’s why stargazing is fun
Stargazing fun because it’s a cheap and entertaining activity to do with family or friends. It’s also a way to explore without having to travel. Additionally, it’s an excellent real-life alternative to digital entertainment. Finally, it’s entirely free to start.
If you’re looking for something new, then you might find stargazing even more fun than gaming or browsing social media. You can learn interesting scientific facts about the moon and stars, explore the legends and myths associated with these celestial objects, and if you are lucky, you can even discover new things out there!
Here’s Why Stargazing Is Even More Fun Than You’d Think
Stargazing is even more fun than you’d think, and today we are going to present to you nine facts about why stargazing is fun and some additional tips on how to enjoy it!
Family Fun and Stargazing
Stargazing is an exciting activity for the whole family. What can be more entertaining than watching a meteor shower with your kids? The little ones will be amazed by such an interesting phenomenon, and not just them; you will also have a great time!
Watching the night sky outside also has numerous benefits for your health, and it’s a cheap activity unless you decide to invest in expensive gear. Purchasing a telescope is not a bad idea if your kids start to enjoy observing the stars, and it isn’t as expensive as you might think!
Keeping Your Kids Entertained
If your kids are bored or hyperactive, stargazing is the best choice for keeping them busy. This activity can also make them interested in astronomy.
Parents can teach the little ones about the universe’s basics, such as major constellations, moon, or planets. Who knows? They might end up on the International Space Station.
Nowadays, children are drawn into video games and other activities that keep them in front of the computer. Stargazing is a great alternative that allows the little ones to reconnect with Mother Nature.
Romantic Stargaze Date
Watching the night sky with your better half is deeply romantic. Imagine a beautiful autumn night, far from the city noise and the subject of your affection next to you.
All you have to do is gaze at the stars and connect with each other. This is the free alternative to an expensive dinner in a crowded restaurant where you can barely hear your words.
It’s funny to observe each other’s zodiac sign star constellation in the night sky, but remember to wish upon shooting stars if you have the opportunity!
Introduction Into Astronomy
Every astronomer is, first of all, a stargazer. How many successful scientific careers started with a tiny telescope received as a gift?
Looking up at the fantastic canopy of space is an extraordinary experience that may lead to a rewarding career in astronomy.
Perhaps not many of us will become astrophysicists or astronomers, but it’s cool to know scientific details about our galaxy. Also, you will set an excellent example for your children.
Cheap or Free Activity
What if you want to observe the celestial spectacle, but you are short on cash? No need to worry. Stargazing can be done without spending a dime, from the comfort of your backyard.
Using a telescope or binoculars is not mandatory. During cold autumn nights, the sky has better visibility. You just need to allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness, and you can start looking after shooting stars. Also, the Perseids meteor shower is visible during summer nights from any corner of the world.
Contribute to Science
You might wonder how this is possible. Well, maybe this is a fun fact for you, but many astronomical discoveries are made with help from amateur astronomers.
Sometimes the astronomic research organizations request amateur astronomers’ help in tracking and observing different space objects. These hobbyists have their names mentioned in scientific journals. How about being one of them? Joining an astronomy club might get you closer to achieving this goal.
Similar View as Our Ancestors
People look at the same moon and stars for thousands of years. This is a mind-blowing fact – looking at the same moon as Cleopatra or Napoleon did. You can even observe the same constellations as the druids used for predicting the future.
Observing these celestial bodies with your kids is an excellent opportunity to teach them both astronomy and history. Learn the legends about Orion, Cassiopeia, or Taurus. Stars are an important symbol in many mythologies, and everybody loves a good story. You should check out the Behenian Fixed Stars since they are visible to the naked eye and have amazing stories behind them!
A Reason to Travel
Stargazing makes a great excuse to travel in some cold locations such as the North of Europe or Alaska. There are so many beautiful things to see and experience but, not one of them is as unique as the northern lights.
Aurora Borealis is an unusual natural phenomenon that’s worth a trip to colder regions. Yes, stargazing at the edge of the world reveals the magic of the universe and puts your life into perspective.
Slowing Down
Our lives became fast-paced and pretty loud. Finding ourselves caught in the daily marathon might be tiring. Stargazing is the best option for you if the holiday is still far. It is impossible to maintain the sprint under the night’s starry sky.
Allow yourself to get lost among the stars, and you soon realize how wrong it feels to always live on the run.
Reconnecting with nature always heals our souls. Can you suggest a better alternative to the expensive counseling sessions?
Tips to Enjoy Stargazing
There is a common misconception that stargazing is an expensive passion. Some strongly believe that you cannot watch the sky without high-tech equipment such as telescopes or CCD cameras.
This isn’t quite right. Stargazing is for everybody, and we will share with you some tips to make your stargazing experience very pleasant.
Get Ready to Watch the Sky
As we already agreed, the chill autumn or winter nights are the best for stargazing. Make sure you wear a proper outfit as you don’t want to freeze.
Secondly, make sure you choose the best spot for watching the sky. That means to avoid light pollution. If you own a beautiful garden, you are lucky, provided your property is not in the middle of the city.
The street lights, clubs, or factories can take more of the view away.
If possible, get out of town and find a safe and dark place. Perhaps in the countryside. Another option would be a park or a playing field.
Also, pay attention to the moon phases. A full moon is terrific, but its light has the same effect as the city lights’ pollution.
So, to conclude, get adequately dressed, find a dark spot, and start looking up at the sky. Give your eyes 5 -10 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Sky wonders will begin to reveal to your sight.
Learn the Basics
As soon as you start watching the sky, you will notice that some stars are brighter or have different colors. Furthermore, these tiny sparks you see tend to form patterns.
Recognizing the constellations or the asterisms is pretty cool. You can even organize games. There are 88 named constellations. How many can you find?
Shooting stars are cool to wish upon, but where are they coming from? Where are they going? Other moving objects to observe are the satellites.
The International Space Station moves slowly in the night sky while planes are faster and display red lights.
You might look for different stargazing smartphone applications or use a sky chart. Kids will love this celestial treasure hunting.
Share the Stars
Although stargazing is a fascinating experience, it gets much better when you are not alone. Watching the sky and identifying constellations or asterisms such as the Big Dipper is more satisfying when friends and family surround you.
This kind of knowledge might impress ladies and amaze the kids. So bring your dear ones under the night sky. Make them look up and enjoy the starry skies.
Some of the most lavish parties involve watching the meteor showers. I’m sure you heard about the Perseids. It happens during the summer, and this phenomenon is the perfect opportunity to gather people around and try to see more shooting stars than your friends. To observe the Perseids, all you need is a clear sky and patience.
Final Thoughts On Having Fun Stargazing
So why is stargazing a fun activity? The night’s sky loved one’s company, and the bright shining stars above can bring happiness to anyone. Some of the most meaningful conversations happen under the starry sky.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to bring smiles to children’s faces. Teaching them to appreciate the simple yet so complicated beauty of the universe above can be very entertaining.
Stargazing is an extraordinary experience whether you live it alone or with loved ones. Give it a chance, and you will be surprised at how much fun you can have!
