Stargazing
A friend bought me a book called ‘The Stargazer’s Guide’ by Emily Winterburn this Christmas. She said I’d once mentioned it as something I thought I’d be interested in but didn’t know where to start. I don’t recall that conversation but I’m glad she did.
It took me a while to get used to her style but have now voraciously read to whole book. It seems the winter is a good time to start with the persuit because it’s dark seemingly all the time.
Being trapped in the city centre isn’t as bad as it might seem either. The light pollution means you can only see the very bright stars. Apparently this is helpful to beginners because you get to learn the major constellations more easily - they’re the only ones you can see. Then once you’ve got to grips with the basics you need to find somewhere darker so you can start filling in the gaps.
Nor do you need a telescope. You should learn your constellations by eye first then maybe get a good pair of binoculars. If after a few years you want more then you can start saving for a telescope.
As it was a clear night tonight I figured there’s no time like the present. Our little terrace is surrounded by streetlights and buildings so I couldn’t see a great many stars (and the big fat moon didn’t help any either) but I could clearly make out the brightest stars in Orion, including his shoulders, belt and legs (but not his arms) and, I think, all of the constellation Auriga, the Charioteer. I’m fairly sure I also identified the stars Sirius, Procyon and Aldebaran.
Not bad for a first attempt. I’m rather pleased!