Accidentally fall asleep in the woods and wake up with no idea where you are? Bored out of your mind and desperate for a hobby? Looking for something with which to pass the time of this meaningless existence? Look no further than the stars and beyond!

I'll save you the history lesson of the cosmos by providing a brief summary, Aristotle was a fool with the divine hand, Copernicus was burned at the stake for being correct, and oh yes, most of the stars are arranged in patterns that are recognized as constellations since Antiquity, at least in America. Meanwhile, other deep-space phenomenon like galaxies have more modern names due to technological advances allowing for them to be catalogued.

Preparation

Photo by Rama on Wikipedia Commons

Before I dive into finding your way through the stars, it will be of utmost importance to acknowledge some tools or resources you may like to have. Please notice my emphasis on the like, as none of these items are necessary, just extra.

During my naïve elementary school years, when I had not learned of Karl Marx, or Kimberlee Crénshaw, the night sky was my realm of choice. Due to my minor obsession as a child, I have various astronomical guides though there are two that I find particularly helpful in star gazing: National Auburn Society Field Guide to the Night Sky and Smithsonian's Star Finder! A Step-By-Step Guide to the Night Sky.

The former is a step-by-step guide that helps you find your way from one constellation to the other, making the puzzle of finding constellations easier as you start out. The latter is a heavier book, filled to the brim with information on different telescopes mythology, schematics and real-life photos of various constellations in both hemispheres alongside several other deep space objects. Now we come to technology, and the question: do I really need a telescope?

As I mentioned, none of these tools are needed, merely extra, so no you do not need a telescope. However, if you would like one I do have one suggestion as well as important differences to note about the different types. My one suggestion is as follows, consider buying a used telescope albeit from a well-known seller. Of course, this is just one suggestion, and you may do with it what you want.

Moving into the types of telescopes, I will try to keep it brief as one can easily get bogged down in technicalities. There are two main types of telescopes: reflectors and refractors. Reflectors are telescopes that use a system of mirrors to collect and reflect light to the point of focus.

Refractors work similarly, except their system of mirrors works to collect and refract the light to the point of focus. It is important to note that while refractors are overall more expensive they are more sturdy than reflector telescopes. Alternatively, you may also use binoculars instead of a telescope for casual star-gazing.

Other things you may like to bring along with you include a blanket to sit on and wishes for ideal star-gazing conditions. These include, the moon being in the new moon phase(so the moon’s light won’t obscure the stars), minimal to no light pollution, and clear skies.

And now, without further ado, let us get to the burning balls of gas that are millions of light years away.

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Getting Started

The term star-gazing is actually a bit of a misnomer. Star-gazing not only encompasses observing the stars, but also other planets in our solar system alongside deep-space phenomena like galaxies. However, observing galaxies is nearly impossible with the naked eye. Planets, on the other hand, are visible to the naked eye at the right times.

Keeping this in mind, I will introduce a beginner-friendly way for you to start navigating your way around the night sky.

The Big Dipper to Leo With Some Added Stops

For the technique, let me introduce you to the well-known Big Dipper or the Plough in the United Kingdom. The Big Dipper is not a constellation but an asterism (which is really any pattern of prominent stars) that features seven bright stars arranged in a ladle or a dipper shape and is found by looking north.

Photo by Marc Sendra Martorell on Unsplash

Once you find the Big Dipper, you can look outward to the stars that branch from it to locate the constellation Ursa Major or The Great Bear.

Photo by Roger Sinnott & Rick Fienberg on Wikipedia

Next, if you have a telescope at hand, you can spot the Cigar Galaxy. Ursa Major’s Big Dipper forms its body and tail, while its legs and nose extend outward. To locate the Cigar Galaxy, look just above the bear’s nose.

Photo by NASA, ESA, and The Hubble Heritage Team on Wikipedia Commons

If you don't have a telescope at hand don't fret! You can trace the right most star in the Big Dipper upward to Polaris, a bright star in the northern sky known for its navigational guidance and for being the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor.

Photo by Roger Sinnott & Rick Fienberg on Wikipedia

Moving back to the Big Dipper, you can trace a sweeping arc from the left most star in the Big Dipper to the brightest star, Arcturus, in the constellation Boötes.

Photo by Roger Sinnott & Rick Fienberg on Wikipedia

Now, returning to the Big Dipper, you can spot the Whirlpool Galaxy near its handle, though you’ll need a telescope to see it. But don’t fret, there are other planets visible to the naked eye, like Venus!

Photo by NASA and ESA on Wikipedia Commons

Before exploring the other planets in the solar system, we must first locate the constellation Gemini. To find Leo, start at the Big Dipper and trace a line from its second rightmost star to Regulus, the brightest star in Leo.

Photo by Roger Sinnott & Rick Fienberg on Wikipedia Commons

From Leo, trace an upward diagonal line to the right to reach Castor in the constellation Gemini.

Photo by Roger Sinnott & Rick Fienberg on Wikipedia Commons

From there, you should be able to spot both Venus and Mars near Castor and Pollux, the brightest stars in Gemini.

Photo by NASA/JPL on Wikipedia Commons

Start Star-Gazing!

Now that you know the equipment that you need or might want along with a simple roadmap to get started, step outside and began star-gazing!