man stargazing in backyard

Stargazing Resources - Our Guides to Observing the Night Sky

New articles are published regularly!

This section of the website is dedicated to my stargazing guides. They were created for anyone wanting to start visual astronomy as a hobby. The night sky is full of wonders and there are plenty of things to discover. Becoming a backyard stargazer can be a bit challenging because of the overwhelming amount of information one must learn. Planets, constellations, galaxies, nebulae… and how to find them, which telescope to use, and much more.

The best way to get started is to find someone who knows what they are doing and can help point out some of these objects. That’s where I come in 🙂

Below are a few articles to help you get started, and I will add more guides over time. If you have any questions or anything isn’t clear, let me know and I’ll see what I can do to improve the articles. Don’t forget to check out our telescope guides too.

farmer harvesting strawberry during full moon

Discover the Strawberry Moon 2023 date and time in June. Learn about this unique full moon phase, why it’s special, and how best to view it.

sunset over Echo Lake
Due to the state’s minimal light pollution and clear skies, the night sky in New Hampshire offers exceptional views of stars, planets, and even galaxies.
view of the sky over the ocean at dusk
Learn about the definition of dusk and when it occurs, including factors that influence its timing and variations based on location and time of year.
starry nightsky
What makes stars appear to twinkle in the night sky? In fact, stars do not actually twinkle; they only look like it when seen from the surface of Earth due to the effects of our atmosphere.
stargazing date
In this article, we’ll go over the basics of creating a romantic and memorable stargazing experience for you and your loved one.
observing a lunar eclipse
Let’s learn a little about lunar eclipses and then look at the upcoming calendar of lunar eclipses for 2023.
Seeing Jupiter with a telescope

Observing Jupiter through a telescope is a breathtaking and rewarding experience! Learn how to see this majestic planet with our simple stargazing guide.

Observing Saturn 101

When it comes to observing planets, Saturn is one of the easiest targets to see through a telescope. If you are just getting started, here’s what to expect.

a picture of planet Uranus

Observing Uranus through a home telescope is at the limit of what amateur astronomers can really do. Good… We love a challenge.

The Blood Moon as seen from Switzerland in 2015

The moon that we are most familiar with is white in color. However, it sometimes takes on a majestic red appearance… Here’s why.

waning gibbous moon

The gibbous moon is one of the various phases that the Moon goes through during its monthly lunar cycle.

List of Messier Objects

From nebulae to galaxies and beyond, this comprehensive list offers a wealth of celestial wonders to explore.

The brightest stars in the night sky

When you look up into the night sky, you might have noticed that not all the stars shine equally.

multiple shooting stars in the night sky

One of the most beautiful aspects of stargazing is looking up to see shooting stars (also known as falling stars) streaking across the night skies.

stargazing with binoculars

Using binoculars for stargazing is a fairly inexpensive way to observe many celestial objects with your own eyes.

zodiacal light from Chile

The zodiacal light, also known as “False Dawn” is a triangle-shaped faint glow that can sometimes be seen shortly after sunset or before dawn.

true colors of the moon

Everyone knows that the Moon is mostly gray. However, if you look closer, there may be a few other different shades up there.

where is the international space station

You could see the station a few times within a few hours, granted you are on the night side of the planet and you know where to look.

astronomy apps

Applications for iPhone & Android have revolutionized backyard astronomy. It’s now easier than ever to find your way around the night sky.

observing the night sky with the naked eyes

Planets are a popular observing target among amateur astronomers. Contrary to popular belief, telescopes are not always required to observe them.

a telescope aimed at the moon

The short answer is no, there are no telescopes powerful enough to see the Apollo landing sites from Earth. The long answer is a bit more complicated.

aiming a telescope

If this is your first time using a telescope, you may be wondering how to point it at the various space objects across the night sky.

november stargazing

Planning is the key to productive stargazing adventures. So, what’s the schedule for November 2022? What is visible throughout the month?

a man using his telescope during the day

Telescopes are often thought of as tools only made for stargazing at night, but daytime observings can be just as rewarding.

constellations in the sky

Constellations help us group the numerous stars into recognizable shapes, but how can we segment them into easier groups?

waning gibbous moon
When sunlight hits the Moon, it is reflected off of the regolith and back into space, making the Moon appear bright to us on Earth.
DIY Eclipse Glasses
Create the perfect viewing experience for the upcoming solar eclipse with this easy DIY guide to making your own eclipse glasses.
night sky at Acadia National Park
With its rocky coastline, rolling mountains, and sprawling forests, Maine is an ideal spot for those who love to gaze up at the stars and explore the night sky.
Venus in the night sky

Everything you need to know on how to observe every planet of our solar system through a telescope. 

Venus with telescope fb

I have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you observe planet Venus through your home telescope.

stargazing in the wild
Learn how to safely stargaze in the great outdoors. Our tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable experience while exploring the night sky.
Mars with telescope guide

Mars is among the most popular planet to observe in the night sky. Here are a few tips and tricks on observing Mars through a telescope.

planets in the night sky
There are many beautiful objects in the night sky including stars and planets. But, which planets are the brightest in the night sky?
the full moon is shining down on a forest with a buck walking

Discover the Buck Full Moon 2023 date and time in July. Learn about this unique full moon phase, why it’s special, and how best to view it.

meteor shower over mountain range
Picture a star, swiftly darting across the sky, leaving a streak of light in its wake – a mesmerizing sight, isn’t it? This spectacle, magnified countless times, forms the celestial firework we know as a meteor shower.
solar system planet orbit
Planetary opposition constitutes the best time to observe the planets with your telescope or binoculars.
spring constellation
Discover the springtime constellations and star asterisms. Learn practical tips for identifying the starry features of March, April, and May.
long tailed comet
Learn about Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS), set to dazzle the sky in 2024. From the Oort cloud to your backyard, discover its journey.
man fishing during the sturgeon full moon

Discover the Sturgeon Full Moon 2023 date and time in August. Learn about this unique full moon phase, why it’s special, and how best to view it.

farmer standing in field during harvest full moon

Discover the Harvest Full Moon 2023 date and time in September. Learn about this unique full moon phase, why it’s special, and how best to view it.

the october hunters fulll moon

Discover the Hunter Full Moon 2023 date and time in October. Learn about this unique full moon phase, why it’s special, and how best to view it.

the major moon phases
From New Moon to Waning Crescent, understand the moon’s journey through its eight major phases in our comprehensive guide.
telescope above city and light pollution
Discover the Bortle Scale, a comprehensive rating system that measures light pollution levels in our skies.
solar eclipse timeline
Explore the captivating phenomena of solar and lunar eclipses. Our comprehensive guide compares their unique characteristics, occurrences, and scientific explanations.
november beaver full moon
Discover the Beaver Full Moon 2023 date and time in November. Learn about this unique full moon phase, why it’s special, and how best to view it.
cold full moon in december
Discover the Cold Full Moon 2023 date and time in December. Learn about this unique full moon phase, why it’s special, and how best to view it.
the-wolf-full-moon

Discover the Wolf Full Moon 2024 date and time in January. Learn about this unique full moon phase, why it’s special, and how best to view it.

snow full moon in february

Discover the Snow Full Moon 2024 date and time in February. Learn about this unique full moon phase, why it’s special, and how best to view it.

bird snacking on worm during full moon

Discover the Worm Full Moon 2024 date and time in March. Learn about this unique full moon phase, why it’s special, and how best to view it.

the pink full moon in april

Discover the Pink Full Moon 2024 date and time in April. Learn about this unique full moon phase, why it’s special, and how best to view it.

the flower full moon in may

Discover the Flower Full Moon 2024 date and time in May. Learn about this unique full moon phase, why it’s special, and how best to view it.

digital art of a full moon
Whether you’re an avid moon gazer, a lunar lover, or simply someone planning a special evening under the moonlight, my calendar will guide you through the dates and times of each full moon in 2024.
star party observing the moon

Mark your calendars! Dive into the upcoming Supermoon dates & peak viewing times.

farmer standing in field during harvest full moon
Discover the current moon phase in Usa, along with precise moonrise and moonset times. Stay in tune with the lunar cycle in your city.
new moon closeup
Chase the moonless nights! Get your calendar set with the dates and times for the upcoming 12 New Moons.
the 12 zodiac constellations
Astrology meets astronomy in this comprehensive guide to the 12 zodiac constellations. Learn their stories and how to find them in the sky above you.
blue moon shining down a lake
Experience the wonder of the Blue Moon. Find out when to gaze up at the night sky with our guide to the next five dates and times.
new moon
The moon has been a constant, mesmerizing presence in our night sky. Yet, once a month, it seemingly vanishes, leaving the night sky dark and empty.