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by Sarah Bluvas
Stargazing and planet seeking are two
often-forgotten outdoor activities that you
and your child can enjoy on a clear and
quiet night. With nine planets and over 80
constellations to choose from in our galaxy,
the Milky Way, all you need is a blanket and
a keen eye for an enjoyable evening!
 The
primary purpose of a telescope is to collect
light, not magnify as is commonly thought.
The greater the aperture size, the more
details will be visible. If you’re
interested in owning a telescope, it’s
important to consider the size of the
aperture, or the diameter of the front end
of the telescope where light is collected.
For a kid-friendly beginner scope, try the
Discovery Portable Spotting Scope, The clear
magnification brings distant objects close
enough for kids to relish while the durable
design ensures countless hours of
observation in the field. $24.95 at the
Discovery Channel store and various online
retailers.
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The night sky, or celestial sphere, is divided
into 88 areas called constellations, patterns formed in the sky by
stars. Most of the constellations recognized today
are based on the observations of the ancient Greeks.
Commonly known constellations include Orion, Ursa
Major and Ursa Minor (which include the Big Dipper
and Little Dipper), Pegasus and Andromeda.
Throughout the year, 55 of the 88 constellations are
visible in the night sky, with 6, including Ursa
Minor and Ursa Major, being visible all year long.
The Lyrid Meteor Shower will take place April
16-25 just east of the constellation Lyra in the Northern
Hemisphere. Lyra contains the star Vega, the fifth
brightest star in our universe. For maximum viewing
of the meteor shower, watch on April 22 beginning at
midnight. Open fields away from city lights are the
best places to view meteor showers and other
astronomical events on clear nights.
Try these places for
optimal stargazing:
- Callaway Gardens
- Stone Mountain Park
- Kennesaw Mountain National Park
Suggested Reading:
Backyard Stars
by Klutz Press, $4.95
This introduction to your friendly neighborhood
stars is probably the world’s simplest constellation
guide. No special equipment needed; just the naked
eye.
The Kids Book of the
Night Sky
by Ann Love, John Drake, and Heather Collins;
$12.95.
This book clearly explains the many wonders of the
night sky, including moon phases, eclipses, and the
sun, and provides brief descriptions of everything
from the surface of a planet to its temperatures.
Collections of myths and legends, jokes, and
activities will keep your children entertained while
they learn about astronomy!
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