When to Stargaze: Any Time is Cosmic Time!

Have you ever wondered when the best time is to stargaze? The truth is, any night can unfold into a wondrous stargazing adventure, and with the right equipment, even daytime can offer a celestial spectacle. At AstroTours.org, we believe every moment under the sky holds potential for discovery.

1. Nighttime Wonders: Embrace the Darkness

Each night presents a unique canvas for stargazing. A favorite among many is just after a full moon, where the moon rises late, granting us a dark sky sprinkled with stars, and then a moonrise to cap off the evening. However, you don't need a meteor shower or special event to enjoy the stars – they're always there, waiting to be admired.

2. Daytime Solar Gazing: Safety First

With the correct safety equipment, observing the sun can be just as fascinating as exploring the night sky. Specialized solar glasses or telescope filters are essential to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Never look directly at the sun without proper protection!

3. Meteor Showers: Cosmic Fireworks

Meteor showers offer a spectacular display, and Colorado's skies are perfect for catching these cosmic events. Here are some noteworthy annual showers to mark on your calendar:

• Quadrantid: Early January

• Lyrid: Late April

• Eta Aquariid: Early May

• Perseid: Mid-August

• Geminid: Mid-December

And many more throughout the year!

4. Other Celestial Events to Watch For

Colorado's skies are not just about meteor showers. Here are some upcoming events for the rest of the year:

• June Solstice: The longest day in the Northern Hemisphere.

• Lunar Occultation of Saturn: Watch the Moon pass close to Saturn in August.

• Partial Lunar Eclipse: A beautiful celestial dance in September.

• Annular Solar Eclipse: A rare 'Ring of fire' eclipse in October.

For a full list of events, visit AstroTours.org.

5. Colorado's Advantage: Clear Skies Ahead

With over 300 days of sunshine, Colorado offers a stargazing-friendly climate. Clear nights are more common than not, making it an ideal location for both amateur and seasoned astronomers.

6. Starting Your Stargazing Journey with AstroTours.org

Whether you're a beginner or an expert, AstroTours.org is here to guide you. Our tours are designed to educate and inspire, providing hands-on experience with telescopes and red lights to preserve your night vision. We also provide flyers with helpful stargazing tips for beginners.

The stars are always within reach, and with AstroTours.org, you're never alone in your celestial journey. Remember, every night is a good night for stargazing, and every day holds the potential for solar observation. Embrace the cosmos – the sky is waiting!

Book Your Stargazing Experience at AstroTours.org/book

Astronomy for Beginners: Where to Start Your Stellar Journey

Embarking on the journey of astronomy can be as thrilling as it is daunting. The night sky, with its vastness and complexity, often leaves beginners wondering where to start. Fortunately, the path to becoming an amateur astronomer is simpler than it seems, and we at AstroTours.org are here to guide you.

1. Join an Astronomy Program

The best way to dive into astronomy is by immersing yourself in it. AstroTours.org offers beginner-friendly astronomy programs that introduce you to the basics of the night sky and how to use a telescope. Our programs are designed to make learning both fun and informative. Book your spot at AstroTours.org/book and start your astronomical adventure!

2. Start with the Right Equipment

a. Choosing a Telescope: For backyard stargazing, a Dobsonian telescope is an excellent choice due to its user-friendly design and effectiveness. For those who travel or camp, a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope offers a more portable option. Remember, anything smaller than 4 inches is better suited for lunar observations only; for deeper space viewing, larger is better.

b. Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars can be a fantastic starting point. They are less expensive than telescopes and surprisingly versatile for stargazing. Look for specifications like 15x60 or 20x40 - the first number is the magnification, and the second is the aperture (the larger the second number, the better, but also heavier).

3. Utilize Stellar Apps and Resources

There's a universe of free star chart apps that can enhance your stargazing experience. Some recommended apps include:

• Aurora Alerts: Great for those in northern regions to catch the Northern Lights.

• Heaven's Above: Ideal for tracking satellites.

• Night Sky and Sky Safari: Excellent for deeper sky objects.

Combine the free versions of Sky Safari and Celestron Sky Portal for a comprehensive experience.

Also, consider traditional guidebooks and star wheels for offline learning. They are invaluable tools that do not rely on battery life or cell service and help preserve your night vision.

4. Protect Your Night Vision

Preserving night vision is critical in astronomy. All guests at our AstroTours.org programs receive red lights, which are less disruptive to night vision. This small tool can significantly enhance your viewing experience.

5. Practical Tips for the Amateur Astronomer

• Find a Dark Spot: Light pollution is a major hindrance. Seek out darker locations for the best views.

• Patience is Key: Allow your eyes to adjust to the dark for about 20-30 minutes.

• Join a Community: Connect with local astronomy clubs or online forums for advice and shared experiences.

Astronomy is a journey that starts with a single step under the night sky. With the right tools, resources, and guidance, anyone can unlock the mysteries of the cosmos. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Start your adventure with AstroTours.org and let the stars be your guide.

Embark on Your Astronomical Adventure at AstroTours.org

The Lyrids and Eta Aquarids Meteor Showers

This spring, the skies will dazzle us with two spectacular meteor showers—the Lyrids and the Eta Aquarids.

The Lyrids – Peaking on April 22-23

Originating from the debris of comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, the Lyrids are expected to produce about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. While this year's moon may wash out the fainter meteors, the brightest will still cut through the night sky, creating spectacular trails. Don't focus too much on the peak night; the days leading up to and following April 22nd will still provide wonderful opportunities to see these fast and bright meteors. For the best experience, find a dark spot after midnight, look up, and let the cosmos do the rest.

The Eta Aquarids – Peaking on May 6-7

Thanks to the nearly new moon coinciding with their peak, the Eta Aquarids promise an excellent show this year. This shower, known for its speed and produced by dust particles from Halley's Comet, can light up the sky with up to 60 meteors per hour. In the Northern Hemisphere, expect about 30 visible meteors per hour. Like the Lyrids, while peak nights are spectacular, the entire first week of May is a great time to gaze upwards. The meteors will seem to emanate from the constellation Aquarius but can appear across the sky.

How to Watch these Meteor Showers

1. Timing: Choose any night during the active periods of the showers (April 16-25 for Lyrids and April 19-May 28 for Eta Aquarids). The best viewing times are after midnight and before dawn.

2. Location: Use a light pollution map to find the darkest skies near you (lightpollutionmap.info).

3. Preparation: Allow your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Lie back to take in as much of the sky as possible. Dress warmly, and maybe bring a reclining chair or blanket for comfort.

Join Us

AstroTours.org is hosting viewing events on the peak nights of both meteor showers. While these gatherings enhance the experience with professional guidance and high-quality telescopes, you don’t need to join a tour to enjoy the shows. However, if you prefer a guided experience or wish to learn more about what you’re seeing, consider booking with us at AstroTours.org/book.

Meteor showers are a beautiful reminder of the cosmos' dynamic nature, accessible to everyone, everywhere. Whether you join one of our tours or set out on your own, the universe offers something incredible to behold. So mark your calendars, prepare your viewing spot, and enjoy the celestial show!