Observing, Star Party

Star Party Etiquette

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A public star party is one of the most enjoyable and inspiring ways to experience astronomy. There is nothing quite like seeing Saturn’s rings with your own eyes, watching the craters of the Moon snap into sharp focus, or spotting a distant star cluster or galaxy for the very first time. Unlike looking at images online, you are seeing actual photons that have traveled across space, sometimes for millions of years, before reaching your eye. That simple fact alone makes the experience feel personal and meaningful.

Keep Looking UpStar parties are also incredibly informative. Most observers are more than happy to explain what you are looking at, how their telescope works, and how you can get started yourself. Whether you are completely new to astronomy or have been observing for years, these gatherings offer an opportunity to learn something new, ask questions, and share in the excitement of discovery. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and genuinely enjoyable, a wonderful mix of education, fun, and inspiration under the night sky.

A public star party is meant to be relaxed, welcoming, and enjoyable, but it also works best when everyone understands a few simple ground rules. Telescopes are carefully aligned, observers are protecting their night vision, and many people may be waiting patiently for a look through the eyepiece. A little awareness and courtesy go a long way. If you are attending a major star party such as the Texas Star Party, Winter Star Party in the Florida Keys, or the Grand Canyon Star Party, or one of many others across the U.S. then be sure to check that star parties web site for specific rules regarding that event.

If you have a star party in your future and are looking for some general guidelines to assist you then please see my list below. Many of these guidelines below come from years of actively participating in star parties. I have experienced many, if not all, of the situations that have lead to these guidelines. These suggestions are straightforward, easy to follow, and they’ll help ensure that everyone can enjoy a smooth, memorable evening under the stars.

Guideline Why It Matters What To Do
Before You Arrive
Arrive Before Dark (If Possible) Getting set up and oriented is much easier before nightfall. Arrive early to find parking and get settled.
Avoid using headlights once observing has begun.
Take time to get familiar with the layout.
Pets Are Usually Not a Good Idea Even well-behaved animals can create unexpected issues. They can also be a tripping hazard in the dark. Sudden movement in the dark can be dangerous.
Noise or curiosity can disrupt observers.
Check event rules before bringing pets.
Dress for the Weather Nights are often colder than expected. Bring layers.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Consider insect repellent.
While You’re There
Use Parking Lights Carefully Headlights can instantly ruin night vision across the entire field. Turn off headlights as soon as it is safe.
Use parking lights or low beams only if needed.
Avoid pointing your vehicle toward observers.
Use Only Red Light White light destroys night vision for everyone. Use a red flashlight.
Dim your phone screen.
Avoid sweeping headlights across the observing field.
Limit Screen Use Bright screens are one of the biggest modern disruptions. Enable red or night mode.
Keep brightness as low as possible.
Step away if you need to use your phone.
Ask Before Touching Equipment Telescopes are expensive, carefully aligned and sensitive pieces of equipment. Always ask first.
Do not lean on tripods or touch the telescope.
Let the owner adjust focus unless invited.
Respect Astrophotographers Long exposures can be ruined by even small amounts of light or movement. Do not walk in front of cameras.
Avoid shining lights near imaging setups.
Give extra space to imaging equipment.
No Flash Photography Flashes instantly ruin dark adaptation. Turn off flash completely.
Avoid bright phone screens.
Ask before photographing equipment.
Be Mindful of Noise Sound carries easily at night. Keep conversations low.
Silence phone notifications.
Avoid loud music.
Watch Your Step Tripods, cables, and equipment are everywhere. Move slowly in the dark.
Ask before walking through setups.
Be aware of cables and power supplies.
Respect the Line Everyone deserves a chance to observe. Take turns.
Keep viewing time reasonable.
Step aside promptly for the next person.
Children Welcome (With Supervision) Star parties are family-friendly but require care. No running in the dark.
Parents remain close.
No grabbing equipment.
Food and Drinks Spills and messes can damage equipment and disrupt the area. Avoid messy or strong-smelling foods near equipment.
Be careful with open drinks around electronics.
Clean up after yourself.
Smoking and Vaping Smoke and light can affect others more than expected. Smoke can drift across observing areas.
Light from lighters is very disruptive.
Step well away from the group (downwind) if needed.
Give Your Eyes Time Dark adaptation takes time but greatly improves what you can see. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust.
Avoid bright light during that time.
Be patient as your view improves.
Don’t Rush the Experience Some of the best moments happen between telescope views. Take time to look up with your own eyes.
Enjoy the atmosphere and conversation.
Let the night unfold naturally.
Ask Questions Astronomers enjoy sharing what they know, their experiences, equipment and the target in the telescope. Ask what you’re seeing.
Ask how the telescope works.
Ask how to get started.
Wrap-Up
Pack Out What You Bring Respect the site and leave it better than you found it. Take all trash with you.
Double-check your area before leaving.
Respect parks and dark-sky locations.
Follow Host Guidelines Each event may have specific rules. Listen to volunteers.
Respect site-specific instructions.
Meteor Showers

Observing Meteors

The 2026 Perseid meteor shower is setting up to be one of the most memorable sky events in years, delivering its peak on the night of Wednesday, August 12 into the early hours of August 13 beneath perfectly dark new moon skies. With moonlight completely out of the picture, conditions will be ideal for seeing dozens of meteors each hour (weather permitting) and potentially well over a hundred, including frequent bright fireballs that make the Perseids so popular. The most active period will come after midnight and toward dawn on August 13, when Earth is plowing headfirst into the debris stream left behind by Comet Swift Tuttle. Adding an extraordinary twist to an already rare setup, the peak coincides with a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, visible from parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, raising the fascinating possibility of spotting Perseid meteors even during daylight. With so much working in its favor, this shower offers a perfect opportunity to slow down, look up, and experience one of the night sky’s most accessible and awe inspiring spectacles, making it an ideal moment to talk about how to properly observe and enjoy a meteor shower.

Watching a meteor shower is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to experience astronomy, especially for casual or amateur sky watchers. The first step is choosing the right shower to observe. Major annual showers such as the previously mentioned Perseids in August, Geminids in December, and Quadrantids in January tend to produce the most meteors and are the best options for beginners. When selecting a date, it helps to check not only the predicted peak but also the Moon phase, since bright moonlight can wash out fainter streaks. Dark skies matter more than perfect timing, so choosing a clear night with minimal light pollution will greatly improve the experience.

When it is time to observe, comfort and patience make a big difference. Find a location away from city lights with a wide, open view of the sky, such as a rural area or state park. Allow about twenty to thirty minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to the darkness, and try to avoid looking at bright phone screens or car headlights. The best viewing hours are usually after midnight through dawn, when your part of Earth is rotating into the stream of debris that causes the meteors. Instead of staring directly at the point in the sky where the meteors appear to originate, it is better to scan darker areas of the sky, where longer and more dramatic streaks are often visible.

One of the most surprising facts for new observers is how small most meteors actually are. The majority are caused by particles no larger than grains of sand or small pebbles. Despite their tiny size, they strike Earth’s atmosphere at extraordinary speeds, often tens of thousands of miles per hour. That speed compresses and heats the air in front of the particle, causing it to glow brightly for a brief moment. The streak of light you see is mainly energized air rather than the space rock itself burning up.

Occasionally, you may be lucky enough to see a much brighter event known as a fireball or bolide. These are caused by larger fragments and can be bright enough to cast shadows or be seen even from light polluted areas. Bolides often flare, fragment, or change color as they break apart, and they sometimes leave behind glowing trails that linger in the sky. These lingering trails, called meteor trains, can last from several seconds to a few minutes and slowly twist and distort as high altitude winds reshape them. Watching a meteor train fade and evolve can be just as memorable as the meteor that created it.

One of the great advantages of meteor watching is that no special equipment is required. In fact, binoculars and telescopes are not recommended because they limit how much of the sky you can see. A reclining chair or blanket, warm clothing, and a little patience are all you really need. A red flashlight can be useful for checking charts or adjusting settings without ruining night vision. If you choose to try to photograph meteors a basic DSLR or mirrorless camera on a tripod with wide-angle lens and long exposures can capture meteors, but photography is completely optional.

It is also important to set realistic expectations. Even during strong meteor showers, meteors do not appear continuously. You may see several in quick succession followed by long quiet periods. Many meteors will be faint, while only a few will be bright fireballs. Approaching meteor watching as a relaxed, almost meditative experience makes it far more enjoyable. Each brief streak represents ancient debris shed by a comet or asteroid, traveling through space for thousands or even millions of years before ending its journey in a split second of light. With a little preparation and patience, meteor showers offer a simple and powerful connection to the dynamic nature of our solar system.

Meteor Shower Observing Checklist

• Pick a major shower and check the Moon phase
• Find a dark spot away from city lights
• Go out after midnight for best rates
• Let your eyes adapt for 20–30 minutes
• Avoid bright screens or use a red light
• Look away from the radiant and scan the sky
• No gear needed, use a chair or blanket
• Dress warm and be patient

Clear skies,

Scott

Observing

Belt of Venus

The Belt of Venus is a beautiful and subtle atmospheric phenomenon that can often be seen shortly after sunset or just before sunrise. It appears as a soft, pinkish or rosy band of color that stretches across the sky, just above the darker blue-gray shadow of the Earth that rises opposite the Sun. What you’re actually seeing is sunlight scattering through the atmosphere. The red and pink hues come from sunlight passing through more of Earth’s atmosphere when the Sun is low, while the darker area below is literally the Earth’s own shadow being projected onto the sky.

Belt of Venus and the Full Beaver Moon
Belt of Venus and the Full Beaver Moon on Nov. 4, 2025.

The name “Belt of Venus” doesn’t mean it has anything to do with the planet Venus. The term dates back to classical times and was inspired by the idea of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, wearing a “belt” or “girdle” of radiant color. It’s a poetic name that fits the soft pastel glow often seen around twilight, lending a romantic quality to what is really a simple scattering effect of light.

Belt of Venus and Full Moon
Belt of Venus and Full Moon

One interesting fact about the Belt of Venus is that it’s visible all over the world if you look in the right direction. While sunsets tend to draw our eyes westward, the Belt of Venus appears in the opposite direction, in the east after sunset or the west before sunrise. It’s also one of the few atmospheric phenomena that you can predict with near certainty. It happens almost every clear day, though clouds or haze can hide it. Airplane passengers sometimes get an especially vivid view of it from above the horizon, where the colors can look much deeper.

Belt of Venus
The Belt of Venus.

To observe it, find a clear view of the horizon opposite the Sun. Just after sunset, look toward the east about 10 to 20 minutes after the Sun has dipped below the horizon. You’ll first see a grayish-blue band rising, which is Earth’s shadow, and above it, the pinkish glow of the Belt of Venus. The colors are most vibrant when the air is clean and dry, and the effect can be especially striking when silhouetted by mountains, trees, or distant clouds. It’s one of those quiet, everyday wonders of the sky that’s easy to overlook but deeply rewarding once you know where and how to look.

Clear Skies,

Scott

Telescopes

ZWO SeeStar S30 Smart Telescope

ZWO SeeStar S30
The ZWO SeeStar S30 all-in-one smart telescope.

The ZWO SeeStar S30 is a compact all-in-one smart telescope that makes capturing the night sky simple while still delivering impressive results. Keep in mind that ZWO introduced the SeeStar “S30 Pro” in 2025 and started shipping that unit in early 2026 but this review pertains to the original S30.

The entire unit stands about a foot tall with the included mini tripod and weighs a touch over 3.5 lbs. It comes with its own soft sided carrying case, and it’s super portable. It can easily fit into a carry on bag or backpack. It uses a 30mm (1.2″) apochromatic triplet lens with ED glass and a 150mm focal length at f/5, producing sharp images with good color correction for its size. The S30 is built around a Sony IMX662 sensor and features fully automated pointing, tracking, and live stacking, allowing me to focus on framing and enjoying the sky rather than setup and alignment. Everything is controlled through the Seestar mobile app, which makes finding and imaging deep sky objects fast and intuitive.

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Comets

What Are Comets?

Comet Hale-Bopp
Comet Hale-Bopp seen before sunrise at the Fort Worth Astronomical Society’s dark sky location near Paradise, TX on March 20, 1997.

Comets are small icy bodies that orbit the Sun and are often described as leftover building blocks from the formation of the solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. Most of the time they remain frozen and inactive in the distant outer regions of the solar system, but when a comet’s orbit brings it closer to the Sun, heat causes its ices to vaporize. This process releases gas and dust, creating the glowing appearance that makes comets visible from Earth.

Comets form in two main reservoirs far beyond the planets. Short period comets originate in the Kuiper Belt, a disk shaped region beyond Neptune that also contains dwarf planets such as Pluto. Long period comets come from the Oort Cloud, a vast, spherical shell of icy objects that surrounds the solar system at distances thousands of times farther than Earth is from the Sun. These comets likely formed closer to the giant planets early in the solar system’s history and were later scattered outward by gravitational interactions.

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Telescopes

Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ

Overview

The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Newtonian telescope and tripod.

I’ve had the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ for about a year now, so I thought I’d share my thoughts on this telescope, my experiences using it both at home and at public star parties, and a few drawbacks that potential buyers should know about so there are no surprises.

Let me start with my 30,000-foot take. It’s a good little scope that’s beginner-friendly, portable, and easy and fun to use. While it does have some flaws, which I’ll get into shortly, I think it works very well as an entry-level telescope for those new to the hobby and looking to explore the night sky.

Design and Features

Looking down the DX 130AZ’s optical tube.

The Explorer DX 130AZ is a 5-inch Newtonian reflector mounted on an alt-azimuth mount and enhanced by a smartphone-guided system. It uses Celestron’s proprietary StarSense Explorer app on your smart phone, which allows you to easily locate objects in the night sky. That feature alone is what makes this telescope especially appealing and accessible to both newcomers and seasoned amateurs.

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Observing

Types of Twilight

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Venus and Jupiter Conjunction 8/11/25

Twilight is the period before sunrise and after sunset when the Sun is below the horizon but its light is still scattered through Earth’s atmosphere. This scattering bends sunlight around the planet, illuminating the sky even when the Sun itself is no longer visible. Twilight is divided into three main types, civil, nautical, and astronomical, based on how far below the horizon the Sun is, and each represents a distinct stage in the transition from day to night.

Civil twilight occurs when the Sun is between 0° and 6° below the horizon. During this phase, there is still enough natural light for most outdoor activities without artificial lighting. The sky often displays vivid reds, oranges, and pinks near the horizon, including the Belt of Venus, a soft pink band visible opposite the Sun caused by Earth’s shadow rising into the atmosphere, while the brightest stars and planets begin to appear. Civil twilight is commonly associated with the everyday concepts of dawn and dusk and is widely used in photography, aviation, and urban lighting schedules.

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Archaeoastronomy, Travel

The Pantheon

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The Pantheon in Rome is one of the most extraordinary architectural achievements of the ancient world. Built around 118–125 AD during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, the current structure replaced an earlier temple commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus. Nearly two thousand years later, the Pantheon remains one of the best preserved monuments of Roman engineering and design. But beyond its beauty and endurance, the Pantheon also reveals a deep connection to the heavens, making it an intriguing site for the study of archaeoastronomy.

The Pantheon
The Pantheon in Rome.

The Pantheon’s most remarkable feature is its dome.  To this day it’s still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. Measuring 43.3 meters (142 feet) in diameter, the dome is a perfect hemisphere, mirroring the shape of the celestial sphere. Its design was a marvel of Roman engineering: the builders used progressively lighter materials as they reached the top, mixing volcanic pumice into the concrete to reduce weight. The interior is divided into recessed rectangular panels, or coffers, which lighten the structure while also creating a mesmerizing geometric pattern that seems to draw the eye upward toward the heavens.

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Archaeoastronomy, Travel

Clava Cairns

Clava Cairns is one of Scotland’s most evocative prehistoric sites, lying just a few miles east of Inverness in the heart of the Highlands. I visited this amazing site in May of 2025 and at first glance it may appear to be little more than a scattering of stone circles and cairns, softened by moss and time, yet these ancient structures hold a story stretching back nearly 4,000 years. Built during the Bronze Age, the cairns served as sacred burial places, but they were far more than simple tombs. Their design reflects a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, the cycles of the seasons, and the deep spiritual connection between life, death, and the cosmos.

Clava Cairns South-West Cairn
Clava Cairns South-West Cairn

The site is made up of several passage graves, ring cairns, and an array of standing stones arranged with deliberate care. Archaeologists believe that the builders of Clava Cairns were not only skilled in working with stone, but also in reading the skies. The most striking evidence of this lies in the alignment of the passageways. On the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice, the setting sun shines directly into the inner chambers of certain cairns, illuminating the very heart of the tomb. This was no coincidence. To the people who raised these stones, the solstice marked both the depth of winter’s darkness and the promise of light’s return, a cycle of death and rebirth mirrored in their burial rites.

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Archaeoastronomy, Travel

Chimney Rock & Archaeoastronomy

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In July 2023 my son and I spent a week in Durango, CO doing all the fun summer stuff we could including rafting down the Animas river, riding the Durango & Silverton narrow gauge train, a tour of Mesa Verde National Park and a visit to Chimney Rock National Monument. Chimney Rock is only about an hour drive from Durango.

Chimney Rock National Monument
Chimney Rock National Monument

Visiting Chimney Rock National Monument in southwestern Colorado was like stepping into a portal that connected earth, sky, and the ancient humans that once occupied that land. As we hiked the ridge trail that winds up to the base of the two towering rock pinnacles—Chimney Rock and Companion Rock—I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty and significance of this unique spot.

The landscape stretched wide in every direction, with the San Juan Mountains rising in the distance and the valley below. I could easily make out Peterson’s ridge or mesa across the way from the great house where I was told there were even more kivas and ruins. But what moved me most was not just the natural beauty—it was the knowledge that this was once a place of profound astronomical observation and ceremonial importance for the ancestral Puebloans over a thousand years ago.

Standing on that high ground, I learned how the people who lived here built structures and aligned them with cardinal points and astronomical events. Most striking was the alignment with the major lunar standstill, a rare event that occurs roughly every 18.6 years. From a specific vantage point at the Great House Pueblo, the moon rises precisely between Chimney Rock and Companion Rock during this event—a phenomenon that must have been deeply significant to them. It’s amazing to think that they observed and tracked the cycles of the moon with such precision, incorporating that knowledge into their architecture, ceremonies, and culture.

 

Chimney Rock National Monument - The Great House
Chimney Rock National Monument – The Great House

The deeper I explored the site and its history, the more I appreciated how attuned these people were to the rhythms of the cosmos. This wasn’t just a village or a ceremonial site—it was an observatory built into the land itself. To witness the same skies, the same rock formations, and to walk among their ruins was both humbling and inspiring. Chimney Rock reminded me that long before telescopes and digital star charts, humans were already charting the heavens and weaving that knowledge into the heart of their culture.

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