Star Gazing Simplified: A Guide to Observational Astronomy

The night sky is a truly mesmerizing sight and the star gazing session is a good start for observational astronomy where we used to observe these countless stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial wonders. From the bright light of a full Moon to the twinkling of distant stars, the night sky has something to offer for everyone.

One of the most spectacular sights in the night sky is the Milky Way galaxy. This vast collection of stars stretches across the sky, looking like a hazy band of light on a clear night. The Milky Way is our home galaxy, and it contains billions of stars and planets, including our own Solar System.

Another amazing sight in the night sky is the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. This natural light show is caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in a stunning display of colors such as green, pink, and purple. The aurora borealis can be seen in the northernmost regions of the Earth, such as Canada, Alaska, and Norway.

Meteor showers are also a spectacular sight in the night sky in observational astronomy. These displays of shooting stars are caused by the Earth passing through the debris left behind by comets, resulting in a shower of bright streaks of light. Some of the most famous meteor showers include the Perseids, Geminids, and Leonids.

The night sky is also home to a wide variety of deep-sky objects, such as galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. These objects are best viewed through a telescope, and they offer a glimpse into the vastness and beauty of the universe. Some of the most famous deep-sky objects include the Andromeda Galaxy, the Orion Nebula, and the Pleiades star cluster.

To start star gazing, you will need a few things:

A clear night with minimal light pollution.
A comfortable location to sit or lie down and look up at the sky.
A pair of binoculars or a telescope (optional but recommended for a better viewing experience).
A star chart or sky map (also optional but helpful for identifying constellations and other celestial objects).

Once you have these things for observational astronomy, you can simply go outside on a clear night and look up at the sky. Familiarize yourself with the constellations and the brightest stars. If you have binoculars or a telescope, you can use them to get a closer look at celestial objects such as the Moon, planets, and star clusters.

It is also important to note that some of the best stargazing happens during certain seasons or times of the year, such as during meteor showers or when certain planets are at their closest to Earth.

And if you are in the city and the light pollution is too much, you can try to find a location that is farther away from the city or even a dark-sky reserve.

Subdivisions of observational astronomy:

Solar astronomy: This subdiscipline focuses on the study of the sun and its effects on the solar system. Solar astronomers use telescopes and other instruments to study the sun’s surface and atmosphere, as well as its magnetic field and internal structure.
Stellar astronomy: This subdiscipline focuses on the study of stars and their properties, including their formation, evolution, and death. Stellar astronomers use telescopes to observe stars in different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, as well as to study binary and multiple star systems.
Galactic astronomy: This subdiscipline focuses on the study of galaxies and their properties, including their formation, evolution, and structure. Galactic astronomers use telescopes to observe the distribution and motion of stars, gas, and dust in galaxies, as well as to study the properties of the galaxy’s central black hole.
Extragalactic astronomy: This subdiscipline focuses on the study of galaxies outside of our own Milky Way galaxy. Extragalactic astronomers use telescopes to study the properties of distant galaxies, including their formation and evolution, as well as to study large-scale structure and the distribution of matter in the universe.
Astrophysics: This subdiscipline applies the laws of physics and chemistry to the study of celestial objects and phenomena. Astrophysics is a theoretical and computational field that helps to explain the observations made by astronomers.
Planetary astronomy: This subdiscipline focuses on the study of the planets and other objects in our solar system. Planetary astronomers use telescopes and spacecraft to study the geology, atmosphere, and potential habitability of planets and moons.
Astrometry: This subdiscipline focuses on the precise measurement of the positions, motions and distances of celestial objects. Astrometry is used to study the properties of stars, galaxies, and other objects in the universe.
Cosmology: This subdiscipline studies the origin, structure, and evolution of the universe as a whole. Cosmologists use telescopes and other instruments to study the large-scale structure of the universe and the properties of dark matter and dark energy.

These are some of the main subdivisions of observational astronomy, each one of them have its own set of tools and techniques, but all of them use telescopes and other instruments to observe and study celestial objects and phenomena.

Basic Instruments for Observational Astronomy:

Telescope: This is the most essential instrument for observing celestial objects. There are several types of telescopes, including refracting telescopes that use lenses to gather light, and reflecting telescopes that use mirrors to gather light. Some popular telescope types for observational astronomy are: reflector, refractor and catadioptric telescope.
Binoculars: These are another essential tool for observing celestial objects, particularly for viewing bright objects such as the moon, planets, and star clusters. They are also useful for locating faint objects that may be difficult to spot with the naked eye.
Star Chart: A star chart is a map of the night sky that shows the positions of stars, planets, and other celestial objects. Star charts can be used to help you identify and locate objects in the sky.
Planisphere: A planisphere is a circular star chart that can be adjusted to show the night sky for any date and time. It’s a handy tool for observing and identifying stars, constellations and deep sky objects.
Star diagonal: A star diagonal is an accessory that attaches to the telescope and allows the observer to look at objects at a more comfortable angle, especially when observing at the zenith.
Finder scope: A finder scope is a small telescope attached to the main telescope that makes it easier to locate and point at faint objects in the sky.
Eyepieces: These are lenses that attach to the telescope and are used to magnify the image of the object being viewed. There are different types of eyepieces available, each with its own magnification and field of view.
Tripod: A stable tripod is essential for holding the telescope steady during observation.

These are the basic instruments that are commonly used for observational astronomy. With these instruments, you can observe the night sky and enjoy the beauty of the celestial objects. However, as you gain experience and knowledge, you may want to add more advanced tools such as CCD cameras, spectroscopes, and other specialized equipment to enhance your observing experience.

Important definitions for observational astronomy:

Equinox: The two points in the year (around March 20th and September 22nd) when the sun is directly above the Earth’s equator, resulting in equal amounts of daylight and darkness for all regions on Earth.
Altitude: The angular distance of an object in the sky measured in degrees above the horizon. For example, an object with an altitude of 90 degrees is directly overhead, while an object with an altitude of 0 degrees is on the horizon.
Azimuth: The angular distance of an object in the sky measured in degrees eastward from due north. For example, an object with an azimuth of 0 degrees is due north, while an object with an azimuth of 90 degrees is due east.
Right Ascension (RA): The angular distance of an object in the sky measured in hours, minutes and seconds eastward along the celestial equator from the vernal equinox.
Declination (Dec): The angular distance of an object in the sky measured in degrees north or south of the celestial equator.
Apparent Magnitude: The measure of the brightness of a celestial object as seen from Earth. Stars with a lower magnitude are brighter than those with a higher magnitude.
Zenith: The point in the sky that is directly overhead.
Nadir: The point in the sky that is directly below the observer.
Meridian: The great circle passing through the zenith, the observer’s location and the nadir
Light Pollution: The excess or misdirected artificial light in the night sky that makes it hard to observe celestial objects and also affects the natural environment.

Understanding these basic definitions can help you to navigate the night sky and find the objects you want to observe.

Books, Apps, Softwares and Websites:

Books:

“Turn Left at Orion: Hundreds of Night Sky Objects to See in a Home Telescope – and How to Find Them” by Guy Consolmagno and Dan M. Davis
“NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe” by Terence Dickinson
“The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide” by Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer

Apps:

SkyView Lite: This app allows you to point your phone at the sky and identify stars, planets, and constellations.
Star Chart: This app provides a detailed map of the night sky and includes information on celestial objects in observational astronomy.
Sky Safari: This app provides an interactive map of the night sky, including information on stars, planets, and deep-sky objects.

Software:

Stellarium: This free and open-source planetarium software allows you to view the night sky from any location on Earth and at any date and time. It’s recommended for observational astronomy.
Cartes du Ciel: This free planetarium software allows you to view the night sky and provides information on stars, planets, and deep-sky objects.
Redshift: This commercial software provides a realistic 3D simulation of the night sky, including stars, planets, and deep-sky objects.

Websites:

NASA’s Night Sky Network: This website provides information on upcoming astronomical events, such as meteor showers and eclipses, as well as resources for finding local astronomy clubs and events.
The American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO): This website provides resources for observing and studying variable stars, including a database of observational data.
The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA): This website provides information on light pollution and how it affects astronomy, as well as resources for finding dark-sky observing sites.
Sky and Telescope: This website provides a wealth of information on astronomy, including articles on observing techniques, equipment reviews, and sky charts. This is one of the famous websites which are used for observational astronomy.
The Meteor Society: This website provides information on meteor showers, including viewing tips and predictions for upcoming events.
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS): This website provides information on astronomical research, education, and outreach, and also a calendar of astronomical events.

These resources can help you to learn about different constellations, how to find directions, observing conditions and also can help you to find some astronomical events and clubs in your area.

Zodiacs and Constellations Mythological Stories:

The zodiacs and constellations are groupings of stars that have been recognized and named by various cultures throughout history.

Zodiacs are a specific group of constellations that lie along the ecliptic, the path that the sun, moon, and planets appear to take across the sky. There are 12 zodiac constellations, and they are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.

Constellations are any group of stars that have been given a name, whether or not they lie along the ecliptic. The night sky contains 88 constellations in total, many of which have been named and recognized by different cultures throughout history.

Many cultures have associated stories or mythologies with the zodiacs and constellations. These stories often reflect the beliefs and values of the culture that created them. The ancient Greeks, for example, associated many of the constellations with figures from their mythology, such as Orion and the Pleiades. The ancient Egyptians also had their own set of constellation related stories, and many ancient civilizations had their own set of stories and myths associated with stars, planets and constellations.

The most commonly known mythology associated with the zodiacs is the Greek one. It tells the stories of how the gods and goddesses were associated with the stars and how the stars came to be in the sky. Each zodiac constellation is associated with a specific figure from Greek mythology, such as Aries with the ram of Zeus, Taurus with the bull of Zeus, etc.

Other cultures, such as the Chinese and the Polynesians, have also associated stories and myths with the stars and constellations. These stories often reflect the culture’s beliefs, values and their own way of understanding the world.

In addition to the Greek mythology, many other cultures have also associated stories and myths with the stars and constellations. For example, in ancient China, the stars were associated with different dynasties, and the constellations were seen as symbols of the emperor’s power. The Chinese also associated certain stars and constellations with specific elements and animals, such as the Big Dipper being associated with the North and the bear.

In ancient Egypt, the constellations were linked with the worship of their gods and goddesses, and they also associated certain stars and constellations with specific elements and animals, such as the star Sirius with the goddess Isis, and the constellation Orion with the god Osiris.

In ancient Mesoamerica, the Aztecs and the Mayans associated the constellations with their calendar and religious beliefs. They also associated certain stars and constellations with specific elements and animals, such as the constellation of the Pleiades with the god Quetzalcoatl.

In many indigenous cultures, the constellations were seen as a map of the sky, and they were used for navigation and to mark the passage of time. They often associated certain stars and constellations with specific elements and animals, such as the constellation of the Big Dipper with the bear and the constellation Orion with the hunter.

The Indian or Hindu mythology also has a rich history of stories and myths associated with the stars and constellations. In Hindu mythology, the stars and constellations are associated with the gods and goddesses. The Hindu calendar is based on the position of the stars and the constellations, and many Hindu festivals and ceremonies are timed according to the movement of the stars.

For example, the constellation of Orion is associated with the god Shiva, and the constellation of Taurus is associated with the god Vishnu. The constellation of the Pleiades is associated with the god Krittika, and the constellation of the Big Dipper is associated with the god Dhruva.

In Hindu astrology, the zodiac signs are also associated with specific gods and goddesses, each of them corresponding to a specific planet: Aries is associated with Mars and Hanuman, Taurus is associated with Venus and goddess Parvati and so on.

In addition to the gods and goddesses, the stars and constellations are also associated with the elements and animals. The constellation of Orion is associated with the element of fire, and the constellation of Taurus is associated with the element of earth.

In Hindu mythology, it’s also believed that the stars and constellations have the power to influence human lives and fate. The position of stars and constellations at the time of one’s birth is believed to have a major influence on a person’s personality, career, and future events.

Indian or Hindu mythology has its own way of interpreting and understanding the natural world, the stars and the constellations, and it has a rich history of stories and myths associated with them.

The stories and myths associated with the zodiacs and constellations reflect the beliefs and values of the culture that created them. They often serve as a way of understanding and interpreting the natural world and the movements of the stars and planets.