Stargazing Hacks: Tips to Instantly Boost Your Astronomy Skills
January 30, 2025
Ready to improve your stargazing? Whether you're just starting out or want to sharpen your skills, these simple tips will help you get more out of your time under the stars. From picking the best viewing spots to using tools and apps, these hacks will take your astronomy game to the next level. Let’s dive in!
Tip #1: ![]() |
"Seeing conditions" refers to the amount of turbulence in the air. When the sky is turbulent, views can be shaky. To assess your current seeing conditions, step outside and look for twinkling stars. If the stars are shining steadily, bump up the magnification and enjoy some fantastic, detailed views! If conditions are poor, stick to lower magnification eyepieces that won't magnify the turbulence. |
Tip #2: ![]() |
Take your telescope outside about an hour before you plan to observe so it can adjust to the ambient temperature. When your telescope is warmer than the surrounding air, it can produce distorted views. Telescopes with large mirrors and lenses may need a bit more time to cool completely. |
Tip #3: ![]() |
If you own a Newtonian or Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, ensure your telescope's optics are collimated. It can make a difference when it comes to discerning fine planetary detail. If the optics are slightly out of alignment, you may be cheating yourself out of seeing Jupiter's clearest and sharpest details. Make it a habit to check collimation and adjust once your telescope is cooled down. Most refractor telescopes generally do not need to be collimated. |
Tip #4: |
While you don't need to travel to a dark-sky site to enjoy the stars, it pays to find a good observing spot away from streetlights and other light pollution sources. Avoid obstructions like tall trees and buildings so you can see a larger portion of the sky. |
Tip #5: ![]() |
Filters are a great, inexpensive way to enhance specific features in celestial objects. They can improve contrast and reduce glare, helping you see finer details. Experiment with different filters to find the ones that provide the best clarity and detail for your observations. |
Tip #6 ![]() |
Star charts from astronomy magazines, books, and websites serve as visual guides to help you plan your stargazing adventures. Or consider using an astronomy app, like the ones that come with select Celestron telescopes. Powered by SkySafari™, these apps provide instant access to real-time sky maps, Tonight's Best objects to observe, audio descriptions, rise and set times, and more. |
Tip #7 ![]() |
Many astronomers want to cross all seven planets off their observing bucket lists. But observing Mercury can be tricky because it's so close to the Sun. Wait until Mercury reaches its greatest elongation, or farthest point from the Sun, which happens a few times every year. During elongation, head out during deep twilight—either just before sunrise or just after sunset—when Mercury is above the horizon, but the Sun is still completely obscured. |
Tip #8: Plan a road trip. |
Travel outside city limits or go west. Pristine darker skies are more abundant in the western U.S., and your eyes will be dark-adapted to see fainter stars. The best time is during New Moon when our celestial neighbor is invisible, or during the waxing or waning crescent phase. The Moon will either set early or rise late, allowing you more time to enjoy the night sky. If you have a Celestron telescope, download Celestron’s SkyPortal app to view the Moon’s phase at any date or time. Lastly, always check the weather forecast for your viewing location and revise your plans if needed. |
Tip #9: Use binoculars or a rich-field telescope. |
Use an optical instrument to scan the Milky Way and the sky. You will see an abundance of individual stars, planets, star clusters, and nebulae. |
Tip #10: Observe in comfort. |
Use an observing chair or reclining camping chair to avoid straining your neck and observe in comfort. It’s most useful when the Milky Way passes overhead. |
Tip #11: Be dark adapted. |
Keep your eyes dark adapted while observing. Use a red flashlight if you need to check your surroundings. Celestron offers various models of red flashlights. Some models not only provide red light but also warm your hands and charge your mobile devices. |