The biggest problem with stargazing in urban areas is light pollution. We are so used to the streetlights, floodlit stadiums, car parks and shopping malls, that we don’t notice this pollution until we stare upwards. Every bit of stray light radically drops the number of stars and planets you can see.
The best thing to do if you are an urban stargazer is to find the darkest, least light polluted area around. Even an area with a limited number of streetlights will make your star gazing much more enjoyable.
Now that we have sorted out the light pollution problem, what equipment do you need to have. How high-tech the equipment you use depends on what you are interested in seeing. Surprisingly enough, some of the best observations can be made with nothing more than a good quality pair of binoculars, and a comfortable garden lounger.
Wrap up well beforehand, as the best viewing is done in cool nights, when there is less heat distortion in the atmosphere. Get yourself a flask of something hot, and settle yourself outside on your chair. Don’t forget to give yourself about ten or fifteen minutes for your eyes to grow accustomed to the dark. You are now ready to view the night sky.
The advantage of using binoculars is that they give you a nice wide view of the heavens. This allows you to become familiar with the constellations and their positions in the sky. Purchase yourself a star chart, and get to know the sky around you. You will also have a better chance of seeing comets using binoculars; because of the wide-angle view they give you.
If you need to use a light to check something, then use a red light. A red light will not damage your night vision, so you won’t waste time re-adjusting to the dark. If you have problems keeping the binoculars steady, then invest in a cheap camera tripod, and fabricate a clamp to secure the binoculars onto it.
For more serious stargazing, you will need a telescope. Invest in the biggest telescope you can afford, as anything with a mirror less than 6 inches can be disappointing. Don’t be economic over the lenses either; when you are working at a high magnification, all those lens imperfections are magnified as well.
The telescope stand is also a very important choice. You can choose a stable tripod stand with a counter weight. This is set up to allow you, with a twirl of a couple of knobs, to follow the arc of a planet through the night sky. This is a more expensive stand, especially compared to a Dobsonian telescope on a basic stand. A Dobson telescope is an economical way to move into serious sky gazing. A 10-inch Dobson on a very basic stand is well within the budget of the amateur stargazer.
Whatever equipment you decide to use for your urban stargazing, just plan ahead, study your star chart, and get yourself comfortable. The sky at night is wonderful and an awe inspiring thing to study, and whether you are in the best of observing conditions or not, you will still see some amazing stuff if you just look. So get out onto your balcony, or backyard, and have fun.
