Whether you're an amateur astronomer, an enthusiast or simply curious about the mysteries of the universe, stargazing is an activity that never ceases to captivate. If you're just starting out, there are some practical tips that can greatly enhance your observing experience. Discover our tips for observing the stars in the best possible conditions.
Choosing the right night-sky observation post
To get the maximum number of stars, start by moving away from city lights and looking for a spot with both dark and clear skies.
Urban areas are subject to a great deal of light pollution. This greatly reduces the visibility of the night sky, drowning out the faint starlight with its multiple blinding beams.
So, while it's necessary to get away from the cities to observe the stars, a short journey can be enough to improve your astronomical observation conditions.
Please note: observatories and rural areas generally offer the best conditions for observing the night sky, as they are far from light pollution.
Waiting for the best moment to observe the stars
Generally speaking, the best time to stargaze is between late summer and early autumn, when the weather is still mild and the nights are already getting longer.
However, stargazing is perfectly possible all year round. In fact, new celestial objects appear with each new season, and it would be a shame to miss them.
In any case, wait for a clear, cloudless night to go stargazing. On the other hand, avoid full-moon nights, as well as major events likely to generate enough light pollution to obscure the sky. For example, we advise you to avoid the evenings of July 14th, when fireworks are set off all over the country. And don't forget to check the phase of the moon before setting off to admire the heavens.
In short, whatever the season, make sure you plan your stargazing outing carefully, so you can get the most out of your view of the sky.
Consult the weather forecast
As we've seen, a clear night is one of the essential criteria for observing the stars. So always check that the sky is clear before going out. Clouds can hide the stars and spoil your experience.
Check the weather forecast first to plan the evening of your outing. Check the conditions again on the day. Even if the sky looks perfectly clear when you set off, it may become cloudy as the evening progresses. Of course, in the event of overcast skies or bad weather, it's best to postpone your astronomical outing to another time.
Use astronomical observation tools
Astronomical binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes... astronomical observation tools will enable you to explore in detail the wonders of the celestial vault.
Observation with the naked eye
Naked-eye observation is an excellent way to begin your exploration of the night sky.
This method already allows you to spot :
- the brightest planets, such as Venus, Mars and Jupiter ;
- bright stars, such as Sirius and Arcturus;
- the best-known constellations, such as the Big Dipper, Orion and Cassiopeia.
Observing the Sky with the Naked Eye offers a relevant introduction to astronomy for beginners.
Astronomical binoculars
With their high magnification and large-diameter lenses, astronomical binoculars let you explore the starry sky and highlight certain details of the planets and galaxies you're observing.
Versatile and affordable, they naturally offer a wider field of vision than the naked eye, and make it much easier to spot celestial objects (star clusters, nebulae and distant galaxies).
Please note: for greater stability, we recommend using a tripod suitable for binoculars, or leaning against a solid support. In addition, set your binoculars to a lower magnification for steadier viewing and greater brightness.
Spotting scopes for stargazing
The telescope has the great advantage of being more compact and lightweight than many telescopes. This lightness makes them ideal for travel and astronomical expeditions in the great outdoors.
Often equipped with adjustable magnification, spotting scopes enable you to observe fine details, even at great distances.
What's more, tripod mounting offers great stability, which is essential for prolonged observation and for spotting distant details.
The telescope
The telescope is a state-of-the-art tool for detailed observation of celestial objects. It can be used to explore lunar craters, Saturn's rings or even distant galaxies.
However, for optimum observation, avoid sources of atmospheric turbulence that can affect image sharpness, such as :
- hot roofs ;
- paved surfaces ;
- etc.
Applications and software
As a complement to your traditional observing equipment, you should know that today there are mobile applications and astronomy software that are very practical for observing the stars.
These tools can provide you with detailed information on :
- celestial objects observed ;
- upcoming astronomical events ;
- and weather conditions.
Some applications (SkyView, Stellarium, Star Walk...) even make it easy to identify stars, planets and constellations simply by pointing your phone at the sky.
Comfort accessories
For longer, more comfortable stargazing, don't forget to take along a few essential accessories.
- A blanket or mat to sit or lie on comfortably during your observation, and to protect you from the cold and dampness of the ground.
- A deckchair or chaise longue to relax and enjoy the celestial spectacle.
- Warm clothing, because even on summer nights, temperatures can drop rapidly as the night progresses.
- A light snack and non-alcoholic, caffeine-freedrinks (otherwise they may affect your ability to see in the dark).
- A flashlight with a red filter so you can consult your sky chart and handle your equipment without disturbing your night vision.
Learn to orient yourself in the stars
Looking at the stars is great, but understanding what you see is even better. So developing an understanding of constellations, terrestrial reference points and wayfinding techniques makes it easier to navigate the night sky.
Getting to know the constellations
Start by identifying the most visible and recognizableconstellations:
- the Big Dipper ;
- Orion ;
- and Cassiopeia.
Then learn how to spot the brightest stars in these constellations. These will serve as reference points for finding other celestial objects.
Note: you can rely on sky maps, mobile astronomy apps or specialized websites to help you identify constellations and understand their arrangement in the sky at different seasons.
Use terrestrial reference points
In addition to constellations, use trees, buildings and mountainous terrain as landmarks to locate celestial objects.
For example, have you noticed that the Big Dipper rises behind a specific tree in your garden? Use this as a starting point to locate other constellations or planets.
Locating techniques
There are some very simple spotting techniques that make it easy to spot celestial objects.
For example, the "right ascension" method, which involves drawing an imaginary line from the stars Dubhe and Merak in the Big Dipper, makes it easy to find the North Star.
The "star hopping" method, on the other hand, enables you to locate a specific celestial object by hopping from one star to another in the same constellation.
Observe celestial movements
Regular observation of the sky's movements helps you to better anticipate the position of celestial objects and to orientate yourself much more easily among the stars.
Take note of the apparent trajectories of the sun, moon and planets at different times of the night and in different seasons. Likewise, observe how the constellations move across the sky throughout the night and the seasons.
