Star Gazing in Chopta
Stargazing also known as Amateur astronomy is a hobby where participants enjoy observing or imaging celestial objects in the sky using the unaided eye, binoculars, or telescopes. Amateur astronomers do star gazing as hobby who have interest in celestial objects like planets, stars, moon, asteroids, galaxies, etc.
Amateur astronomers typically view the sky at night, when most celestial objects and astronomical events are visible. Some just look at the sky using nothing more than their eyes or binoculars, but more dedicated amateurs often use portable telescopes or telescopes situated in their private or club observatories.
Why Chopta is suitable for Star Gazing?
Chopta is located at an altitude of 2600 mts in a protected sanctuary area. The region is away from crowded cities or nearby towns. There is big markets of streetlights thus providing good dark environment from evening which helps in astronomical activities
Chopta offers wide sky with majestic view of Himalayas which will make your star gazing a divine one.
What can you do during Star Gazing?
Common targets of amateur astronomers include the Moon, planets, stars, comets, meteor showers, and a variety of deep sky objects such as star clusters, galaxies, and nebulae. Many amateurs like to specialise in observing particular objects, types of objects, or types of events which interest them.
One branch of amateur astronomy, amateur astrophotography, involves the taking of photos of the night sky. Astro-photography has become more popular with the introduction of far easier to use equipment including, digital cameras, DSLR cameras and relatively sophisticated purpose built high quality CCD cameras.
Methods include simply looking at the night sky with the naked eye, using binoculars, and using a variety of optical telescopes of varying power and quality, as well as additional sophisticated equipment, such as cameras, to study light from the sky in both the visual and non-visual parts of the spectrum.
Stargazing Tips
- Choose your stargazing place which should be a dark place with open sky. Hills are more suitable for this activity.
- Stargazing is best done before the moon is full, so check the phase of the moon before you plan a trip.
- The sky should be as clear as possible. Even broken clouds will prevent you from seeing the patterns you need to see to start learning how to recognize constellations.
- Try stargazing at different times in the year to spot seasonal constellations.
- A star spotter guide and a compass to help you find a particular constellation or star.
- There are many apps which help you to identify the stars and planets, such as Star Walk or Google Sky apps.
- Things to carry: A blanket, camping mat, warm clothes if it is winter. Food and drink to enjoy along with stargazing.
- Get a good camera to capture the wonder on the faces of stargazers or the stars above.
- Do not buy a telescope unless you are familiar with night stay with naked eyes. Once you are aware of planets and constellations then you can buy a telescope and pursue your hobby.
- Binoculars are very helpful when it comes to stargazing as they offer a wide field of view and a greater magnification.
We are planning a starry night event in Chopta, if you are a stargazing guide or wanted to participate in this event, do let us know.