LOCALadk Magazine

The Adirondack Mountains are a perfect place to escape from everyday life and relax under the night sky and take some amazing photos of the Milky Way. Here are my tips for stargazing so you can start your own astronomy adventure. Stargazing is not just looking up at the sky and seeing stars. It's also enjoying the night sky in all its glory—including planets, comets, meteors and other things that are out there beyond Earth's atmosphere. Embrace the darkness To find a good spot for stargazing, you'll want to head away from the city lights. To start to find any dark skies nearby, use any number of available "dark sky finder" websites. They will tell you what kind of light pollution is present in your area. The darker your region is on the map, the better your chances are at seeing stars. When you look at an image of the United States at night, the Adirondacks stand out as a black hole. Much of the Adirondack Park is classified as a 2 on the Bor- tle Scale, a nine-level numeric scale that measures the night sky's brightness. The scale ranges from Class 1, the darkest skies available on Earth, through Class 9, inner-city skies. The Milky Way becomes visible at 3 or 4 AM on the Bortle scale at night with no moon. Seasonal viewings of the Milky Way The best time to go stargazing is in the summer because you have more hours to look at the sky. In ad- dition, it's easier to see constellations and other celes- tial objects during this season. The Milky Way is most visible from July through September (and especially August). Perseid meteor shower activity peaks around mid-August each year; however, there are some other minor showers throughout June through October too. The Galactic Core of the Milky Way—the center with the most stars and nebulae—is visible half of the year or less. It is located beneath the horizon during the other half. In the winter months (December – Feb- ruary), the Milky Way is not visible at all because it's too close to the sun. In the spring (March – May), it will first become visible a few hours before sunrise. By June it will rise much earlier before midnight. The summer months (June – August) are generally the best viewing time since the Milky Way will be up most of the night. By fall (September – November), the Milky Way will be best seen in the evening, before it sets. To get the best view, you'll want to find a loca- tion that doesn't have any major cities in the south- east or southwest directions. Even if the sky above you is dark, the light pollution from a nearby city can still impact your view if it's located to the south. What to bring: When planning a star gazing trip, it is important to bring necessary equipment and supplies. • Telescope or Binoculars: A telescope or binocu- lars can enhance your stargazing experience by allowing you to see celestial objects in greater detail. • Star Chart App: A star chart App or planisphere can help you identify stars, constellations, and planets in the night sky. • Red Flashlight: A red flashlight can help you see in the dark without affecting your night vision. • Warm Clothing: Temperatures can drop signifi- cantly at night, so it is important to bring warm clothing such as jackets, hats, gloves, and boots. • Blanket or Chair: A blanket or chair can provide a comfortable place to sit or lie down while stargazing. • Snacks and Drinks: Bringing snacks and drinks can help you stay energized and hydrated during your stargazing trip. • Insect Repellent: Bugs can be a nuisance at night, so it is important to bring insect repellent to keep them at bay. • First Aid Kit: A first aid kit can come in handy in case of any injuries or emergencies. • Spare Headlamp or Flashlight: An absolute necessity. • Camera or Smartphone: A camera or smart- phone can be used to capture photos of the night sky and your stargazing experience. • Map and Compass: If you are exploring a new area, it is important to bring a map and compass to help navigate the terrain. Remember you may not have cell service! By being prepared and bringing these essential items, you can have a comfortable and enjoyable star- gazing experience. The Dark Sky Story and photos by Scott Krycia

• Cover