Soar Together @ Air and Space is a monthly family program from the National Air and Space Museum. Through live events and interactive activities you can do anytime, your family can explore a different air and space topic every month.
We’ll help you and your family get ready to gaze at the stars and enjoy all the sky has to offer. Through activities and live programs, your family will learn the basics of observing the sky, including how to prepare for observing, what amazing celestial objects you can find with just your eyes, and how to share that experience with each other. No matter where you are, or whether you're a beginner or a pro, you can use the following steps to feel prepared to look up and explore.
Anytime Activities
Observing the sky is a wonderful way to connect with nature and see amazing things! Participating in astronomy does not require any special equipment or skills, but there are some simple ways to ensure it will be a satisfying experience.
Step 1: Time and Place
When planning to view the sky, think about when you want to do so and where you will be viewing from.
Think about and answer these questions:
- Where is a safe, nearby viewing spot that you can access?
- Does the weather forecast include clouds or rain that will block your view?
Figure out the directions - North, South, East and West - with this activity:
Tip: You can observe anywhere, even in the city! Just make sure you're not directly under a bright light.
Step 2: What to See
Once you have figured out the time and place where you want to observe from, think about what you want to view in the sky. What’s in the sky changes over the course of the year, and knowing what you want to look for will help you plan when to see it.
Think about and answer these questions:
- What would you like to see?
- Do you want to see stars, the moon or planets?
Learn how to view particular objects in the sky with these activities:
Observing the Moon Catch a Meteor
Tip: You can also use special apps and websites to find objects to observe, like Stellarium!
Supplies like these can be useful for observing the nights' sky.
Step 3: Gather Supplies
You don’t need any special equipment to do astronomy, just your powers of observation and curiosity! But there are some things that will help you feel comfortable while observing.
Our recommended supply list includes warm clothing, snacks and water, and a flashlight with a red filter which helps preserve night vision. It might be nice to also bring a phone with star apps, binoculars or a sky viewer.
Think about and answer this question:
- What supplies do you need?
Make a sky viewer using this activity:
Tip: You can make your own red filter for any flashlight by attaching clear plastic wrap over your flashlight opening, securing it with a rubber band and then coloring the part over the light with a red marker.
You don't need an expensive telescope to stargaze. Here are three easy methods to introduce you to stargazing. Sponsored by Boeing.
Step 4: Enjoy observing!
Now you're ready to go outside with your family or friends and look up. We wish you "Clear Skies!"
Parents and caregivers, are you looking for more ways to do astronomy and stargazing with your family? Check out these resources!
No matter where you live, there are things to observe in the night sky. Stars, the moon, planets, and rare events like meteor showers, eclipses, and conjunctions await you. In this episode learn how you can become a night sky observer. You will also learn about orbital motion (rotate and revolve) with Darnell "Speedy" Artis, and Julian "Zeus" McClurkin, members of the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters!
This episode brought to you by the generous support of Boeing