Anyone For A Five Star Holiday?
Astronomers can predict astronomy activity years in advance of an event. It’s possible to plan an astronomy trip up to three years in advance, giving you plenty of time to save up! 2012 looks like it will be an exceptional year for night sky watching, so once you have got your holiday itinerary in place, all you’ll need to do is look out for cheap flights to your chosen destination and your star gazing holiday can begin.
Turkey, North Africa, Indonesia, Australia and Hawaii are just a few of the top astronomy destinations. Hawaii has one of the largest observatories in the world and is a mecca for astronomers. There are plenty of venues to visit, which are relatively easy to get to, once you leave the airport zone. These places have so much to offer that even if your two week break was a wash out, there is so much to do and see that you’ll still have a fantastic holidy!
You’ll be able to set your own agenda and stay for as long or as short a time in one place as you choose. You can club together with other holiday buddies to hire or buy a night telescope – and in clear skies, it won’t need to be an expensive piece of eqiupment. Lying on a beach, watching the night sky, with the shoreline alive with phospherence is an unforgettable experience. Imagine it –Â the sea at your feet and a bright moon-lit sky overhead, shooting stars, shifting planets and meteors skimming the horizon.
There are a few things to consider when planning a star gazing trip. For instance, the night sky may be bursting with activity but an unexpeced layer of cloud between you and the stars, means zero star gazing. Make sure you have picked a place where there are a few excursions and diversions to employ you in your spare time, just in case you need a little bit of extra activity! On a clear day however, you can pick key places to visit in the day time, rest in the early evening and then get up around 9.00pm for a bit of star gazing.
If you’re prepared to put in a little effort and learn the basics of astronomy, it’s a fascinating subject and you’ll be able to share your new found knowledge with others. You can pick up astronomy starter kits, which contain binoculars, LED torches for reading your star finder guide at night, and a planet-sphere which helps you to locate a star, and then navigate your way across the sky, if you are lucky you’ll see major stars and planets.
Watching the night sky – minus light and air pollution is a magical and increasingly rare experience. So pack up your telescope, find a flight and try your hand at exploring the night sky!
