Planning for Astronomical Observing
For me, a night out observing is a rewarding experience. There are a number of things you can do to make the night a smooth, enjoyable and productive experience. Here are some tips for before, during and after your observing session.
Take a look at what stars, constellations, planets, and objects will be up during your excursion. There are a number of tools to accomplish this. You don't need to plan every object you will look for, but it helps to know what is going to be up there.
Planispheres
The night sky has seasons. By this I mean that in the winter evening sky, Perseus and Auriga are overhead and Orion is high in the south. In the summer, the bright stars of Cygnus, Aquila, and Lyra form the "Summer Triangle" overhead. A planisphere allows you to dial in the date and time to show the constellations that are above the horizon at that time.
Star Charts
Star charts come in different shapes and sizes. There are fold out maps, bound books, laminated boxed sets, spiral bound.
Books are a good supplement for charts. Most often I use them before and after an observing session to learn more about what I observe. How far away is M13, how big is it, how old is it...
On-line resources
There are a number of on-line observing resources, including on-line versions of star charts and planispheres, satellite pass predictions, and weather forecasts made for astronomers.
Astronomical Software
Planetarium programs and phone apps show the sky for your location and time, and many can point you to planets, comets and deep-sky objects.
Magazines
Sky & Telescope's "Sky at a Glance"
Equipment - There are a few things you can bring along to make your session more enjoyable.
A Red Flashlight
Red LED lights are useful for looking at star charts or finding eyepieces. They are available at any store or web site that sells astronomical equipment. A dim red light disturbs your dark-adapted eyes much less than white light does. After a flash of white light it can take 20 to 30 minutes to get your full "night vision" back.
Chairs
I usually bring 2 chairs. An adjustable height chair for observing and a folding chair for relaxing.
Table
A portable table to hold your equipment and charts is essential. There are several models available.
Eyepiece Case
There are also commercially available eyepiece cases.
Dew Prevention
On damp nights, dew can form on lenses, mirrors and eyepieces. Dew shields and small battery-powered heater strips help keep optics clear.
A Tarp or Rug.
If you will be observing in a field, a cloth tarp or rug is helpful for when you drop something or to keep bugs away.
Snacks
Snacks and Coffee. Sometimes a thermos of soup hits the spot. Remember though, if you are in an area where bears are known to be about, keep food in sealed containers or locked in your car. Bears have sensitive noses and will find food wherever you try to hide it. Never, never, don't ever store food in your tent!!!