Australia is great for sky gazers. We have some of the best skies in the world full of bright stars, prominent constellations and fascinating celestial sights. Lots of budding astronomers get their start with telescopes they most likely got for a Christmas or birthday present.
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Maybe you're one of them and need a target at which to point it, or perhaps you just want something to do on a warm, clear summer night. Here's a great suggestion, what about checking out the night sky? Really! Now is a great time to step outside and learn something about our solar ystem and the universe around you.
"Stargazing need not be complicated," said internationally recognised Australian astronomer Dave Reneke from Mid North Coast Astronomy. "If you can find the moon, you're on your way to becoming a backyard astronomer."
David is an astronomy lecturer, teacher, author, broadcaster and a feature writer for Australian Science magazine.
Nothing in the night sky is easier to study than the moon. Binoculars or a small telescope will reveal stunning views of craters, especially on nights when the moon is not full. Many of these craters formed more than four billion years ago. Study the region where light and dark meet and shadows are deepest.
Equally as stunning and hard to miss at the moment is Venus shining brilliantly in the eastern sky, just before sunrise. Venus was called the 'goddess of love' in Greek mythology, but we know it better as the 'morning' and sometimes the 'evening star.'
A small telescope will reveal a similar dazzling sight nearby, Jupiter and his moons. Jupiter is readily visible as an oval disc in binoculars, and is an amazing sight in a small telescope. Look for it as a bright companion to Venus in the pre-dawn skies.
Yellowish coloured Saturn, high overhead after dinner, has always been a telescopic favourite. This year the rings have been getting wider after being closed for so long as the planet tilts in its orbit. A medium telescope, about 5-8 inches, is needed to see the rings and some of the largest moons.
Because you don't need telescopes or other equipment, observing meteors is a great social activity. Relax in a reclining lawn chair and look up. Bring a thermos of hot tea or coffee and snacks and make it a party. It's a great pastime in between planet and moon watching.
If you're having a little trouble using your telescope, don't worry. It takes a bit of practice to point the telescope at objects you want to see. So before you give up, head to Dave's website www.davidreneke.com for some help, free advice and a free e-book called 'The Complete Idiots Guide To Astronomy.'
Oh, and if you get this silly urge to wave up at the astronauts when you are watching the international space station pass over you ... give in. How do you see it? Just visit www.heavens-above.com, choose your city from the database, and you'll be able to get all the information you need to spot the space station and a few satellites zooming over your house.