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| So awesome for so many reasons. |
For those of us prompt Prissy Girls, Spring this year is on our shit list as it slept through it's obnoxious alarm clock. Now that Spring is finally here, one thing is for sure... Summer is just down the street, past the stop sign and on the north east corner. One of my favorite perks of summer involves a warm evening that tuns into a pleasant night of stargazing. Toss in a fire pit and a few glasses, okay bottles, of wine, tilt your head back and the evening is yours to contemplate that inky black stuff suffering from a bedazzler attack. Lieutenant U'Hura isn't the only Prissy Girl who gets to be among the stars. To prevent us Prissy Girls from going into darkness, here are a few essential tips for stargazing.
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| Does this give anyone else vertigo? |
1. Dumb it Down, Mr. Hawking.
The sky knows how big it is and the secrets it holds. Enjoy it first before you pull out the criticizing microscope. There are 88 constellations to get to know and all can be determined with the use of these fine apps for your smart phone or tablet (iPhone, Android). While these apps are freaking awesome, I have a hard time using them when I want to feel more connected to the universe. I usually stick with maps that I've purchased from used book stores and the like. Removing Earth from the equation, there are 5 planets we can see from our solar system on a regular rotation. We can also see a few clusters, the ever alluring Milky Way, a spiral galaxy, a few falling stars and every once in a while a comet/ufo graces the night sky.
2. Try to Be Close Enough to Touch the Sky
For many common reasons finding a hill or a mountain is the best location for stargazing. There is less ambient light, less pollution, and less overall distractions. If you are in a painfully flat corner of the world, usually an hour or two of driving can get you to a clearing far from the city. Round up a few friends and have yourself a stargazing party. Living in Cow Town, USA, finding an area for excellent stargazing is as easy as putting on my house slippers and taking a few steps to my back yard. If all else fails, museums generally have star shows that are awesome in every meaning of the word.
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| I"m going to pimp out Blackmilk Clothing in blogs to come |
3. Don't Forget the Material Things
You can have a great night of stargazing with just your eyes and a great hill. What if it gets a little more chilly than you thought or a few friends show up unexpectedly? Whats that term I use all the time? Oh yes, be prepared.
- A blanket is always welcome when the temp dips below 50 degrees or 70 degrees if you're like my sister. I recommend keeping a blanket in your car at all times.
- A telescope will be a nice addition. With a cheap telescope, you can get an up close and personal look at the moon in all of its nakedness, and you'll be able to see the red of Mars.
- Libations are a basic supply for the summer (Skinny Girl Vodka or Wine). Wine brings out more of the philosopher Prissy Girl in me, but beer is cheap and less maintenance. I don't recommend high proof liquors for stargazing, especially if you had to drive to find your spot. As tempting as it may be, getting blitzed while tilting your head back spells headaches that turns to vomiting. Avoid that at all costs.
- Music follows me around as if I had bacon in my pocket. I usually include my iPod docking station on all summer night activities.
- Snacks are a must.
- Bug repellent is easy to not think about. Bring a citronella candle or wear a bug repellent bracelet (I used this brand for beach time stargazing and it was awesome). Nothing ruins a summer night like mosquitoes buzzing around threatening to make you itch for a few days.
Its not hard to have a good time stargazing. Especially after you've had a bbq and people are sticking around past 1am, turn it into a stargazing party. Amazing things happen when you bring out a telescope. The sky comes to life and all of the sudden that hidden wonder we all had as children peeks around the corner then puts its sticky paws on our walls to let us know its still there. All that it takes to know how small and unique you are, is to tilt your head back and smile.
Here' s lil electronic, galactic love from me to you:
Check the links for 2013 summer galactic events:
May 2013Black Holes and Gas Clouds (Promise this is sky related)
Astronomy Calendar
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