![\"Backpacking](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/observing-night-sky-stars-backpacking.jpg\")
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Camp for Free in the Backcountry<\/h4>\n
Buy it on Amazon<\/a> Does staring up at a dark night sky appeal to you? If so, here\u2019s how to maximize your enjoyment…<\/p>\n Cloudy sky = no stars! However, partly cloudy skies may have brilliantly clear patches that allow good observing. I use the National Weather Service<\/a> to get a point forecast for the area where I’ll be hiking or boondocking.<\/p>\n Check the phase of the moon (easy to do online, and also visually). Anything more than a sliver (2-3 days old) will wash out the fainter stars in the sky, along with most nebulae and star clusters, so try to plan your trip accordingly. It\u2019s still great to look at the sky with a moon, and to look at the moon itself, but if you\u2019re like me, it\u2019s the truly dark skies you want.<\/p>\n Also find out which planets are visible, and when. In addition, research meteor showers, including the best days and times to view them, and the expected number of meteors per hour.<\/p>\n Earthsky.org<\/a> and Space.com<\/a> are both excellent resources for current information.<\/p>\n Pick a region at high elevation. All other things equal, the higher the elevation, the better the seeing.<\/p>\n Choose a camping spot either in or just beside a clearing. You want a substantial portion of the sky open, so avoid the forest. High desert sites are my favorites.<\/p>\n The night sky is amazing with just your natural eyesight. You don’t need any aids to experience the beauty and wonder. Just let your eyes and imagination roam.<\/p>\n Take binoculars<\/a>, if you can. Any binoculars will do, but more expensive binoculars with wider lenses will show you more stars and other celestial objects, and it will all be brighter and clearer.<\/p>\n Find the Milky Way and sweep along it, especially in the constellation Sagittarius. This is where you\u2019ll see the coolest stuff.<\/p>\n Here are the binoculars I use:<\/p>\n Nikon Prostaff 3S<\/a>. These are 8×42 waterproof binoculars that I use mainly for birding, but they also are great for astronomy. They are also relatively lightweight, an important consideration for backpackers.<\/p>\n I also have a pair of Orion Ultraview 10×50 binoculars<\/a> that are designed specifically for astronomy. They are my go-to binoculars when I’m boondocking.<\/p>\n If you want more info about binocular astronomy, including detailed advice on buying binoculars, using binoculars to see nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies, and knowing which of those beautiful objects are currently visible, check out these books<\/a> (I particularly like Binocular Stargazing<\/em><\/a>) and also visit this website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Consider taking printed star charts, a planisphere<\/a>, or a star atlas<\/a>. These will let you learn the constellations and major celestial objects.<\/p>\n Yes, there are apps for identifying everything in the night sky. Point your phone and the app will tell you exactly what you\u2019re looking at. Note that the light of your phone will reduce your night vision, and that\u2019s why I prefer the old-fashioned method of star charts with a red flashlight.<\/p>\n There are several apps for both Android and iOS. Choose one that has a high number of positive ratings.<\/p>\n Buy a red flashlight for use with the planisphere or atlas in the dark. The red light will preserve your night vision.<\/p>\n The night sky has fascinated me ever since I was a little boy. As I grew older, my fascination blossomed into a love of astronomy, which was actually my first major in college.<\/p>\n I was fortunate to grow up in the countryside outside of Anderson in far Northern California, where dark skies were common, but it was on my first backpacking trips in the nearby Trinity Alps<\/a> as a teenager when I first saw truly dark and clear skies.<\/p>\n I soon learned all the constellations and the brightest stars, and eventually I explored more deeply with binoculars and telescopes, looking at galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae.<\/p>\n I still really enjoy a truly dark sky filled with stars, and boondocking and backpacking are great ways to make it happen.<\/p>\n Feel free to share your experiences and any tips in the comments below.<\/p>\n My book shows you everything you need to know to find and enjoy secluded dispersed camping (boondocking) spots in the backcountry:<\/strong><\/p>\n Buy it on Amazon<\/a>![\"Camp](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/dispersed-camping-boondocking-camp-free-300.jpg\")
My book shows you everything you need to know to find and enjoy secluded dispersed camping (boondocking) spots in the backcountry:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\nBuy it on Apple, Kobo, and Nook<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n10 Tips for Observing the Night Sky for Backpackers and Boondockers<\/h2>\n
1. Check the Weather<\/h3>\n
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2. Be Aware of Moonlight<\/h3>\n
3. Find Out What’s Happening in the Night Sky<\/h3>\n
4. Higher Elevations Are Better Than Lower Elevations<\/h3>\n
5. Camp In or Near an Open Area<\/h3>\n
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6. Observe the Sky with Your Naked Eye…<\/h3>\n
7. Binoculars Show You More of the Night Sky…<\/h3>\n
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8. Use Printed Resources for Identifying Stars, Constellations, and Celestial Objects<\/h3>\n
9. Use Phone Apps for Identifying Stars, Constellations, and Celestial Objects<\/h3>\n
10. A Red Flashlight Protects Your Night Vision<\/h3>\n
My Early Night Sky Observation Experiences<\/h2>\n
Enjoy Your Time Under the Night Sky!<\/h2>\n
Find Solitude through Dispersed Camping<\/h4>\n
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\nBuy it on Apple, Kobo, and Nook<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nSubscribe to the Northern California Hiking Trails Blog<\/h2>\n