Go Stargazing!

One of the most romantic times spent with a partner is in a secluded, private place watching the stars together and talking about your hopes and dreams for the future. If this is something you would like to try, take some time and use the following tools and ideas to make your evening of stargazing a memorable and informative one!

• Ways to observe the sky
  
  Choose the best tool based on your level of experience.
  
  With your naked eye
  You can see most common occurrences, perfect for getting to know the sky and its changes.
  
  Using a good pair of binoculars
  A highly recommended beginners tool! You are able to see more of the sky than with a telescope, making it easier to scan the sky to find what you're looking for.
  
  Using a telescope
  A powerful way to see objects not normally seen by the naked eye.
  
  Going to a planetarium
  This gives you access to some of the worlds most powerful telescopes. Most planetariums also provide entertaining shows and events.
  
  
• What to observe
  
  The best way to successfully find constellations and other nighttime phenomenon is by learning your way around the sky. Start first by locating the obvious, the moon. Then if you're in the northern hemisphere, The Big Dipper. If you're in the southern hemisphere, the Southern Cross. The following tools will help you do this:
  
  Downloadable Sky Maps
  Each month Skymaps.com provides a new downloadable map of what can be seen in the sky. The guide is very user friendly!
  
  What Stars Can Be Seen Tonight?
  This tool provides the sky map for your city by entering your location in the world.
  
  What Celestial Events Are Happening?
  Want to know which plantes are observable? Is their a Blue Moon coming up? Any comets passing our way? Check out Space Watch and find out what's coming up in our skies.
  
  
• Where you should go
  
  The best place to view the stars is in a dark place, away from city lights. If this is not an option, try finding an area around your city that has the least amount of light.
  
  
• Tips and ideas
  
  If you have a pickup truck, put a twin mattress in the back and bring blankets.
  
  Bring hot chocolate & marshmallows.
  
  Make this an on-going tradition and keep a log/diary together of what you both find.