The night sky has always fascinated Thomas Jordan. Jordan, professor of physics and astronomy, built his first telescope when he was 9.
"It's just something that is well beyond us and (is) untouchable," Jordan said. "I think (stars) fascinate everybody."
Stargazing combines learning and enjoyment to understand the night sky. Whether you have explored the galaxies before or are just beginning your sky-watching efforts, there is always something to learn and observe about the sky's spectacles.
People can explore the fascination behind the stars with a 10-step guide to successful and satisfying stargazing.
Step One:
The first step to stargazing, as in every new hobby, is to learn about it. By researching the constellations, you'll find that they are always moving, coinciding with the earth's movement around the sun. Web sites like Space.com offer sky watcher's guides and sky calendars. These tools not only chart the movement of constellations but also provide information about what time planets will be visible in certain parts of the sky and if any other events, like eclipses or comets, could occur.
Planetarium software, which is also available online, tracks movement, portrays locations and provides information about the solar system's features.
Other helpful resources include magazines such as Astronomy and Sky and Telescope. These present information about tools and strategies for stargazing in more in-depth coverage. Lou Church, president of Muncie's Astronomy Club, recommends these titles for beginner stargazers.
Church also said an Internet search can turn up thousands of sites.
Step Two:
A helpful way to find advice and suggestions is to join an astronomy club. No matter the expert level, being able to talk to other people who share the same hobby benefits any stargazer. Muncie's Astronomy Club formed about three years ago and meets the first Monday of every month, usually at the Minnetrista Center. The club schedules field trips regularly.
"Go out with people that are already doing it," Church said. "They have the equipment, so you'll be able to figure it out. It's the most fun and exciting to go out with somebody else."
Not only will you find help for answering questions and solving problems, but you will make new friends who also share the joy of watching the sky.
Step Three:
If you are unable to go outside to view the stars, Ball State offers two sites in Cooper Physical Science Building for people to observe.
Throughout the academic year, the planetarium provides programs, some relating to constellations, planets and galaxies.
Ball State also has an observatory equipped with telescopes of various sizes, which allows you to see glimpses of the moon, planets and stars.
Off-campus, however, poses a setback for stargazers. Most cities share the same problem as Muncie: light pollution. When trying to stargaze, light hinders your efforts by hiding the sky and by keeping your pupils from dilating enough to focus on the constellations.
Jordan recommends going outside of Muncie.
"Astronomers need dark, clear skies," Jordan said. "A lot of people, unfortunately, have never experienced being away from city lights. You can't realize what's there.
Jordan said people can go west of Yorktown on country roads or go east on Highway 32 to Parker City.
Space.com recommends city-dwellers use obstacles to their advantage, if necessary. If you're not able to find an empty, dark area to setup, look for places that are blocked from light by tall buildings or a group of trees. However, make sure your view is not obstructed; an open sky is key.
Step Four:
Before you head out for an evening of sky-watching, make sure you are prepared. Check the weather forecast ahead of time and wear suitable clothing. Bring along drinks and snacks for a long night. For the warmer months, make sure you bring insect repellent. Remember, stargazing is mainly sitting. By bringing an adjustable chair, you lower your chances of an aching neck by not turning upwards as much.
Step Five:
You should head to your stargazing location early, before night falls. This way, you'll be able to setup equipment, such as telescopes and cameras, and make any necessary adjustments. Space.com suggests shielding white light with red cellophane or red plastic in order to make sure your eyes stay adjusted to the darkness. If you are gazing in a group, remember to park so that your car's lights will not disturb other members if you leave early. Another bonus to arriving early is watching the sun disappear; it works as an opening act to the night ahead.
Step Six:
To begin observing, start simple. Use only your naked eye and become accustomed to the brightest stars first. Star charts can acquaint you with the basic constellation positions.
Jordan considers these the only elements you need to become familiar with the stars.
You don't need any other kinds of things if you're just going to go out and look," Jordan said.
However, before you can appreciate all of the sky's beauty and history, you need to know what you're looking for.
Jordan believes the best way to do this is by finding a central point in the stars you can always come back to for reference.
Jordan suggests finding the fixed star Polaris and using it to find the Big Dipper as a starting point.
By learning the basics first, you can be sure you'll understand how to navigate the sky and where to find certain constellations and events by direction.
Step Seven:
After becoming oriented with the sky, stargazers can move to binoculars. Space.com recommended the seven-power pairs, which means they magnify seven times. Most stargazers enjoy using 7 x 50 binoculars, or those that hold 50-millimeter diameter lenses, the Web site said. A pair of seven-power binoculars can give you a good view of the Moon's craters and the crescent of Venus, and are lightweight and portable.
Step Eight:
Stargazers can also use telescopes. To determine which telescope is right for you, you have to understand the three different types. These are refracting, reflecting and catadioptric, according to Space.com. Beginners need to understand the differences in telescopes before they make a decision. Church says knowing what type of observing you will be doing and what you want to magnify is the best way to approach a telescope purchase.
"A lot of people don't know what they want to be doing," Church said. "The best thing to do is see what kind of equipment people have and where they bought it."
Telescopes are the area where people get in over there head, Space.com says. Be cautious, wise and knowledgeable before determining the one right for you.
Step Nine:
As you peer above with your eyes or other tools, remember to appreciate what you are seeing. Every constellation and element in the sky has a name, and for most, a story. Mythology created tales as to why the stars are located as they are in their clusters. To help you navigate from region to region of the sky, it helps to know these tales because many of the constellations are related in some way.
"You have to have an imagination," Jordan said.
Step Ten:
Finally, expect the unexpected: a comet or asteroid shower, a falling star or emerging planet.
Church, a seasoned stargazer, said he takes pleasure in the sky's contents.
"I don't think anybody who has not used a decent telescope is seeing anything," Church said. "They have missed a lot of things; they take what's up there for granted. Once in a while, they hear about a comet, or Mars or Venus, but those are just the things that get people interested. You've got to show them some of the other things up there."
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