While camping in the Carrizo Plain National Monument a neighboring camper was set up with multiple telescopes and stargazing equipment. Sailors, astronomers and travelers have used this guiding light to determine the direction for North on the compass since time began. The North Star located in Ursa Minor (the Little Dipper) is the only star that remains constant in our sky. Moon shot using my Lumix camera while camping in Carrizo Plains National Monument Can you find the North Star? My telephoto lens works as well if not better than our binoculars for seeing craters on the moon. My Panasonic Lumix camera is less expensive than Cannon or Nikkon, yet is capable of taking great photos. Cell phone cameras continue to improve for taking photos at night however, a digital or film camera is still the best way to capture enthralling photos. Learning to take night shots of the moon and Milky Way is a fun, challenging activity. Get on their mailing list for informative tips to stargaze. Here’s a link to Celestron’s list of when to see meteor showers. Get a tall sturdy tripod so you can sit more comfortably without cramping your neck.Ĭelestron makes a variety of affordable telescopes. I like using a tripod as it is hard to hold the heavier binoculars steady to gaze at objects so far away. I have the Celestron Sky Master which is much heavier than regular binoculars but gives better clarity to see craters on the moon and the rings of Saturn. Having a good pair of binoculars with a tripod is key to seeing more detail in the moon and stars. The constellation of Orion using my Sky View app during a full moon Getting a closer view As you can see in our photo below, our star charts have been love-worn like the Velveteen Rabbit. You can get free maps of the night sky with a 2-page monthly guide by Sky Maps. This reliable tool does not need batteries or cell phone service and is an easy skill to learn. These star chartscome in various types and sizes so you can carry them backpacking, in your truck’s glove box, or pack with your camping gear. We always bring along a star chart/ planisphere to learn the names of the constellations in the dark enthralling sky of the backcountry.
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