What to Pack for a Stargazing Getaway
Few recreational activities put things in
perspective quite like stargazing. The vast universe above presents countless
opportunities to discover new information about the night sky while relieving stress.
If you're planning a stargazing trip,
it's important to come prepared with the right essentials to maximize
visibility. Take a look at this overview of what to pack for a stargazing
getaway.
Friends and Family
The night sky is indescribable. If you
really want to share your appreciation for astronomy, the best way to do it is
to bring along friends or family members on your stargazing trip.
Teach your children the wonders of the
universe through the eyes of a telescope. Telescopes
at High Point Scientific work well for backyard astronomers and
semi-pros alike.
Blanket
The hood of your car might be a great
place to watch 4th of July fireworks, but it's a poor option for seating when
stargazing. Bring along a beach towel or blanket so you can lie down throughout
the evening.
Bring along a tarp if you're visiting a
site right after rainfall. This helps to keep your blankets dry while you relax
and look up at the stars.
Telescope
You'll need a powerful telescope to get
the most out of your stargazing trip. Bring along your dew shield, Moon filter,
and other accessories that allow you to see certain attractions with more
clarity.
Be sure to give each person on your trip
ample time using the telescope after a brief tutorial on making adjustments.
Always supervise children around large telescopic equipment to avoid potential
injury or damages.
Place a beach towel beneath the legs of your
tripod to help stabilize the telescope.
Binoculars
It's costly to have more than one
telescope on a stargazing trip. Aim to have more than one pair of binoculars
instead.
The added stargazing device allows
everyone to take their time during their time using the telescope. It also
means you have the means to keep young children occupied if your stargazing
trip involves families.
Red Flashlight
The goal of your stargazing trip is to
find a dark, remote location. It'll take your eyes a minute to adjust to the
darkness around you.
Keeping a red flashlight on hand helps to
provide visibility once your eyes have adjusted to the dark. When you need to
take your eyes away from your telescope, the red glow requires only a minimal
adjustment when switching between darkness and light.
Headlamp
A good telescope is an investment. You'll
want both hands free while you set up and breakdown your equipment while in a
remote location.
It's a good idea for everyone to wear
headlamps while packing up to keep an eye out for potential trip hazards. Even
if you're careful, someone else's trip and fall in darkness can cause damages
to the equipment or injuries.
Stargazing Gear
Much of the same stargazing gear you use
in your backyard can be used while out on location. The key to making your
stargazing trip a success is to focus on inclusiveness and safety.
Giving everyone a chance to participate
in stargazing activities creates shared memories that'll last a lifetime. For
more information and tech tips, visit our blog for updates.
