Make the most of your outdoor space this summer by keeping an eye on the nighttime sky.
Be prepared though; astronomy requires patience, says Michael Unger, a performer and writer at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. Stargazers are routinely frustrated by overcast skies and improperly-calibrated telescopes. However, getting a glimpse of a constellation named for a Greek myth or watching a meteor shower can make it all worthwhile.
"Finding objects in the nighttime sky can be really rewarding," he said. If you're not having much success from the backyard, Unger said it is sometimes necessary to get away from the bright lights of the city for an optimal view. Light pollution, an accumulation of light primarily caused by streetlights and signs, tends to brighten the night sky and make it difficult for astronomers to chart the stars, causing them to seek rural areas for a better view.
"As long as you get a dark enough sky you don't need any enhancements to enjoy the wonders of the Milky Way," Unger said. "Even with binoculars you can get details of the moon," he said.
"The best thing to do is come down to the space centre on a Friday or Saturday night," he said, adding that the observatory is open until midnight on weekends.
The mood is very genial and the observatory is generally brimming with people who are happy to offer advice or let a rookie take a look through their telescope, according to Unger.
For Unger, an amateur astronomer who said he's been fascinated with the stars since childhood, it's far more important for new astronomers to pick the right location and find the right people. "Astronomy is a huge topic," he said, adding that even experienced astronomers tend to be constantly learning more about their craft.
For amateur astronomers who want to learn in a festive environment, Unger advised taking part in astronomy meet-ups.
"Going out to these parks, it's almost a party atmosphere," he said.
Besides looking through a host of telescopes, Unger said amateur astronomers can expect to become embroiled in fascinating conversations at the monthly gatherings.
The Vancouver Astronomy Meetup Group is next scheduled to meet Friday, Aug. 19 at Aldergrove Lake Regional Park in Abbotsford.
The site is one of the best dark sky locations in the Lower Mainland, according to Unger.
