Stargazing for beginners

Stepping out under a blanket of stars can be overwhelming, but our “Stargazing for Beginners” program is designed to turn that mystery into a lifelong passion. We start with the absolute basics, teaching you how to orient yourself using the North Star and how to identify the major “anchor” constellations like Orion, the Big Dipper, and Cassiopeia. You will learn how to use a planisphere (a star wheel) and mobile sky-mapping apps to navigate the celestial sphere. This introductory course removes the technical jargon and focuses on the joy of discovery, proving that you don’t need expensive equipment to begin your journey into the cosmos.

Once you’ve mastered the naked-eye basics, we introduce you to the “tools of the trade.” You’ll get hands-on experience with entry-level binoculars and telescopes, learning how to focus on the Moon’s craters or see the rings of Saturn for the very first time. We also cover essential tips for “dark-sky etiquette,” such as using red light to preserve your night vision and choosing the best local spots for observation. By the end of this session, the night sky will no longer be a random collection of lights, but a familiar map filled with stories, science, and endless wonder.