Throwing a Star Party

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The night sky is exciting and fascinating if you present it in the right way to your kids. Have a great time viewing stars in the vast universe from your own little spot of Earth with a star party!

Frustrated that the blue glow of the television is what your family most often watches at night? Try turning off the tube and tuning in to the stunning show going on right above our heads! On any given night, your family might see constellations, a far-off planet hovering above the horizon, shooting stars, or even a distant comet.

Stargazing is a fun, free, and fascinating hobby to learn as a family. And if you turn it into a party, complete with friends, games, and delicious food, who would rather sit inside watching TV?

If you're worried that you don't have special tools for studying the sky—don't! To get started, you don't need to buy a telescope or even binoculars. Instead, read on to learn about some observing basics, as well as how to turn observing into a four-star event.

Putting It Together

Stargazing is best when artificial light is at a minimum. Go outside at night and check out the sky above. In some dark locations, you can see as many as 3,000 starts overhead. If you live in a city or in the suburbs where there is a lot of manmade light, consider traveling away from the lights. Some good choices might be a nearby schoolyard, local or state park, or farm.

Next, consider what resources are available to you. Many stargazers jump at the chance to share their knowledge with other people, especially young observers. James Morgan, an avid amateur astronomer, says that giving informal talks about the night sky is one of his favorite things to do. So why not invite an amateur astronomer to your star party? Perhaps you have relatives who own telescopes or dabble in astronomy as a hobby. They would probably jump at the opportunity to share their passion with a group of children!

Additionally, many state or regional astronomy clubs sponsor free educational programs for families, focusing on practical tips that make stargazing a rewarding hobby. Look in your phone book or online for information about when these free programs are offered. While learning is a wonderful part of stargazing, Morgan recommends not getting too hung up on scientific theories. For young children, especially, it's a lot more fun to just get outside and observe together.