WEBVTT 00:02.135 --> 00:06.706 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Hey, Stargazers! Whether you're brand new to stargazing or an amateur astronomer, we all 00:06.706 --> 00:10.677 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% look up at the night sky and admire the stars and planets from time to time, but sometimes, it 00:10.677 --> 00:14.214 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% pays to have a friend in the biz, like me. Here are five stargazing pro tips to get you to the next level. 00:19.719 --> 00:24.891 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% First location, location, location. Whether you live in the countryside or downtown 00:24.891 --> 00:29.396 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% in a city, there is always some place nearby that can help you get the most out of your 00:29.396 --> 00:35.235 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% stargazing experience. If you're lucky, your own backyard may be an ideal spot for star viewing, 00:35.235 --> 00:40.040 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% but sometimes you could have trees blocking your view or even light pollution from nearby street 00:40.040 --> 00:44.844 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% lights or local businesses. None of that is going to help you see the stars, so even taking a walk 00:44.844 --> 00:49.182 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% to your local park or schoolyard can make a huge difference in what you can actually see in the sky. 00:49.182 --> 00:52.352 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% The best option is to venture out into the countryside a bit and escape the light pollution. 00:57.757 --> 01:02.629 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Depending on what you're trying to see you might have to hit the skies at a different time of 01:02.629 --> 01:07.934 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% night or even a different time of year. Have a plan before you go outside and things will go 01:07.934 --> 01:14.541 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% more smoothly. Trust me. That said, autumn, winter and spring are what many astronomers refer to as the 01:14.541 --> 01:18.912 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% observing season. These are the months where the nights are the longest and when you're more likely 01:18.912 --> 01:25.418 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% to have clear skies. Also, when there is a full moon, it can disrupt your view. It's pretty but it's not 01:25.418 --> 01:28.955 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% the best for stargazing because it's so bright and it can wash out everything around it. 01:28.955 --> 01:35.028 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Generally, the best time to stargaze is when the moon is in the gibbous, crescent or new phase. 01:35.028 --> 01:37.363 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Remember, humans are not the only thing that can cause light pollution. 01:42.902 --> 01:49.209 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% You may be thinking, "Trace, how can I truly dive into the wonders of stargazing without owning a telescope?" 01:49.209 --> 01:54.347 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% No need to worry, man. I don't even have a telescope and I host an astronomy show. You can actually learn a lot about 01:54.347 --> 02:00.553 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the night sky without any fancy high-tech tools. In fact, many astronomers recommend beginners just observe the night sky 02:00.553 --> 02:05.592 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% with their own eyeballs. You can orient yourself in the night sky by locating some anchor objects 02:05.592 --> 02:08.728 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% such as the Big Dipper or the North Star and go from there. Then if you want to start looking a 02:08.728 --> 02:10.296 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% bit closer, binoculars are a good place to start. 02:15.768 --> 02:21.474 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Whenever you're stargazing, let your eyes get adjusted. Astronomers refer to this process as dark adaptation. 02:21.474 --> 02:27.981 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Just like walking into a dark room, you should give yourself a couple of minutes to let the cells in your eyes adapt to the 02:27.981 --> 02:32.552 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% darkness. This is a physical process so it can take like 10, 20 minutes. It also means avoiding your phone 02:32.552 --> 02:37.757 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% since the phone's light can take away from your night vision. If at any point you need a light to 02:37.757 --> 02:41.928 align:left position:20% line:71% size:70% see something, use a red flashlight. Red light helps your eyes maintain their night vision so you get 02:41.928 --> 02:43.229 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% the best view possible when you're looking up at the sky. 02:48.668 --> 02:54.140 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% If you're really excited to see the night sky, there is no one who knows the area you live in better than 02:54.140 --> 03:00.547 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% your local astronomy club or organization. You can also go to a planetarium, an observatory, a museum, even a library is a 03:00.547 --> 03:05.485 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% good place to start and you can find out more info from those people. And they may even have tools you 03:05.485 --> 03:10.223 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% can borrow. Not to mention, you'll meet people who share a similar passion of stargazing. 03:10.223 --> 03:15.161 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Astronomy is fun, but it can be even more fun when you do it with other people. Those were our top five tips to 03:15.161 --> 03:19.465 align:left position:20% line:71% size:70% better your stargazing experience. If you have more tips or suggestions, comment below and let us know 03:19.465 --> 03:21.334 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% your favorite way to study the night sky. We'll see you next time and remember keep looking up!