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THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO THE ART AND SCIENCE OF STARGAZING. Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and marveled at the mysterious beauty of the universe? If looking at the heavens leaves you feeling star-struck, you're not alone. For as long as humans have been around, we've been studying, staring into, and storytelling about space. Maybe it's because stargazing is infinitely entertaining—from Super Flower Blood Moons to solar eclipses and meteor showers, there's always a show in the sky. However, it's even more interesting when you know what you're looking at! Best of all, you don't need any fancy equipment or special knowledge to appreciate the celestial theater. Here's how to get started. S TA R G A Z I N G S P OTS You can engage in stargazing from anywhere—just keep in mind that where you're located influences what you can see. For instance, if you live in a large city, light pollution may make it difficult to see constellations or meteor showers, but you'll still be able to pick out planets. If you can get away from civilization and seek out a forest clearing far from any towns, you'll be able to spot much more. The best time of day and year to see certain constellations and planets changes, but you'll always get good views when stargazing on days before, during, and directly after a New Moon. In this part of the lunar cycle, the Moon is tiny or nonexistent, so there's no moonlight to obscure your view. STARGAZING EQUIPMENT Many heavenly bodies are visible to the naked eye. But you'll need to wait 15 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. While special equipment isn't required, binoculars can offer a better experience. Choose a pair with anti-fog glass lenses. To take it to the next level, consider investing in a telescope. Select a model with at least a five-inch mirror to gather the most light and improve visibility. STARGAZING RESOURCES Got a smartphone? Download stargazing apps to enhance your practice. Apps like Sky Walk or Sky Safari allow you to simply point your phone at the night sky, then use augmented reality to identify what you're looking at. If you're searching for a specific constellation, comet, or planet, apps can direct you to the right location, too. Be sure to turn on your phone's "night vision" setting first. Don't have a smartphone? Go old school and buy a star atlas or planisphere instead; these inexpensive options show planets and constellations that are visible throughout the year. Or head to your local library and check out a few books, guides, or star maps to build your knowledge and make stargazing more enjoyable. 14