In the article, the author recounts his experience of stargazing from the comfort of his backyard, which proved to be more rewarding than any of his previous stargazing trips. He shares how the present circumstances, primarily the Covid-19 pandemic, forced him to re-evaluate his backyard as a potential place for stargazing.
Initially, the author had concerns about the feasibility of viewing celestial bodies from his backyard due to the light pollution from his house and nearby street lights. However, he discovered that by simply turning off the unnecessary lights and positioning himself in a dark corner of his garden, he was able to significantly reduce the light pollution. He also found that using a telescope with a narrow field of view can help to block out peripheral light.
In his backyard, the author was able to observe a variety of celestial bodies including the Pleiades star cluster, the Andromeda galaxy, and the Orion Nebula. The author also pointed out that he had the added benefit of being able to observe these celestial bodies multiple times, something that is not always possible during a stargazing trip due to time constraints or weather conditions.
Furthermore, the author was able to take advantage of the comfort and convenience of his home. He could easily access refreshments, use the bathroom, and even take a quick nap if needed. He also had the flexibility to stargaze at any time of night without having to worry about the logistics of travelling or dealing with unpredictable weather conditions.
The author concluded that while stargazing trips to dark sky locations are undeniably magical, stargazing from his backyard provided a unique and equally enchanting experience. He encouraged others to try backyard stargazing, saying that it doesn’t require expensive equipment or a lot of knowledge to start. He advised that with a basic telescope or even a pair of binoculars, and a star chart or app, anyone can enjoy the wonders of the night sky from their own backyard.
The author’s experience highlights the accessibility of stargazing as a hobby, showing that it can be enjoyed from virtually anywhere, even in urban or suburban areas with light pollution. It also emphasises the importance of making the most of our immediate surroundings, especially in the current global situation where travel is limited.
Source link