Winter is perfect for stargazing. Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, so the stars are clear and bright. And it gets dark early, so kids can enjoy a full evening of celestial wonder and still get to bed on time.
No telescope? No problem. Scarborough Public Library has one you can borrow. In 2016, it received an Orion StarBlast telescope from Cornerstones of Science, a Brunswick-based non-profit. The group continues to provide ongoing maintenance.
Library patrons may borrow the telescope for one week at a time. It comes with a how-to guide, two books about the night sky, and a headlight with a red bulb which helps with night vision. Each month the library prints out a sky map of what can be seen at that time of year. Library staff also provide a brief introduction to the device when patrons check it out.
The telescope is large (about 18” L x 12” W x 20” H) and sits on a pedestal rather than a tripod, so you need to place it on a level, raised surface, like a picnic table.
When planning your adventure, consider what moon phase will work best for your family. Some kids enjoy examining a full moon – a large, easy to find, interesting object. This winter’s full moons will be January 25, February 24, and March 25.
Some stargazers prefer moonless nights when other celestial objects appear brighter. This winter’s new moons will be January 11, February 9, and March 10 Just know that if you are going with young kids, the smaller objects can sometimes be a little, well, underwhelming.
According to librarian Catherine Morrison, “We loan the telescope out for a week and for the first couple of years it was out most of the time. The pandemic seemed to create a lull in usage but recently there has been a resurgence of interest. We hope someone reading this article comes in and checks it out.”
Grab the coats, make some hot chocolate, and get ready for a nighttime adventure. Read below for tips on stargazing success.
STARGAZING TIPS
LIGHTS OFF: The darker your location, the brighter the objects will appear in the telescope. Find a place as far as possible from streetlights, passing cars, and other light sources. If you are at home, turn off indoor and outdoor lights. Point the telescope facing away from any light sources you cannot avoid.
EYES ON: For about 20 minutes before viewing, let your eyes adjust to the dark by staying outside and avoiding screens. In low light, your irises expand. This allows you to see fainter objects and more detail. While using the telescope, use a red-light flashlight or phone setting (or turn down the brightness). Carefully wipe off the lens and eye piece with a microfiber cloth for clear viewing.
READY, STEADY, GO: Place the telescope on a flat surface and, when looking through the eye piece, avoid touching it. This will keep the image steady. When others are viewing, step a few feet away from the telescope to avoid bumps and vibrations.
ALL OVER THE MAP: A star chart helps plan you viewing and identify celestial objects. Apps like Sky View and Stargazer are other options. Simply aim your phone toward an object in the sky and the app will identify it.
