Urban Stars
What is Urban Stargazing?
"Urban stargazing" refers to the activity of observing the night sky from within an urban or city environment. In contrast to stargazing in rural or remote areas, urban stargazing comes with challenges such as light pollution. Light pollution is caused by the excessive and misdirected artificial lights in urban areas, which can make it difficult to see celestial objects clearly.
Despite these challenges, urban stargazers can still observe and appreciate celestial bodies such as the Moon, planets, and bright stars. Some stargazers in urban areas use special filters or equipment designed to mitigate the effects of light pollution, allowing for a better view of the night sky.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in urban stargazing, and community events, astronomy clubs, and initiatives have emerged to help city dwellers connect with the cosmos despite the challenges posed by city lights. Urban stargazing often involves educational and outreach activities to raise awareness about the impact of light pollution and promote the appreciation of the night sky.
What You Can See While Urban Stargazing
Planets in our Solar System:
Planets and moons in our solar system are the most easily observed objects you can see. In particular, Venus, Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter are all bright enough to see even through light pollution
Nearby Moons:
You can also observe our own moon, which brightly illuminates the night sky for most of each month. Even with a beginner's telescope, you can discern the craters on the moon!
Comets & Meteors:
Although you may not witness passing comets or meteor showers every night, urban stargazing does present excellent opportunities to observe both of these celestial phenomena.
How to go stargazing in your city?