I want to take my boyfriend stargazing (he's really into astronomy). How (if it's possible) can I tell when the sky will be clear enough to see the stars within the next few days.
Also, if you know anywhere that would be good for stargazing, I'd appreciate that too. (I live in a rural area, so there are lots of open fields, but I know you can get better views of certain constellations from different areas)
2007-08-06 06:10:52 · 5 answers · asked by FreeFlyingKite 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Assuming you've got an unobstructed view of the sky (no big buildings, etc.), the three big variables are: the weather; the moon; and the lights from the city.
Since you live in a rural area, the city lights should not be a problem.
The weather? You'll just have to keep an eye on local reports.
A full moon can really "wash out" the sky so that the stars are not as visible. You should find out what time the moon is going to rise and set on your planned night; and what phase it will be in. You can go to various web sites to find out about the moon. Right now, the moon is in its last quarter and waning, so any time in the next week or two would probably be good.
2007-08-06 06:21:56 · answer #1 · answered by RickB 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check the weather channel. Look for nights that are clear or partly cloudy. Wind, clouds, high humidity all interfere with star gazing.
As for location, find a place that's out in the open and away from light sources. The darker the better, and the fewer trees you have blocking your view, the more constellations you'll see.
You can get a map of the constellations you can expect to see this month from http://www.skyandtel.com
2007-08-06 06:17:49 · answer #2 · answered by eri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check online to make sure the skys won't be cloudy. THen bring binoculars and maybe a sky map. Or just let him talk about the stars. Probably on a hill, i live in a rural area, but there aren't many hills around here... make sure you are away from any big lights... and you should be good to go
2007-08-06 06:27:59 · answer #3 · answered by Lexington 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the clear sky clock. It is a 48 hour astronomical weather forecast for North America.
2007-08-06 07:25:48 · answer #4 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
cHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST FOr CLEAR SKIes.
2007-08-06 06:50:20 · answer #5 · answered by Renaissance Man 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋