Getting oriented to better learn the night sky: Stargazing Basics 1 of 3

Want to know more about the basics of stargazing? Learn how to orient yourself in the night sky for beginner astronomy, starting with the cardinal directions, and moving through the concepts of the meridian, zenith, ecliptic, celestial sphere, celestial equator and celestial pole - all in a friendly, easy-to-understand presentation.

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[jimmo]

Thanks for disappointing me. I came here expected this to be yet another boring and confusing YouTube video. I was disappointed. This is well presented, you speak very clearly, and the information is useful and coherent. Admittedly, I already knew almost everything you said having been an astronomy buff since the 70's, but it was definitely a wonderful review of the basics. Keep up the great work!

[Eyesonthesky]

You're welcome! Remember, the zenith is different depending on your latitude (and not the same as the celestial north pole); it is the point directly over your head, no matter where you are on Earth. So nadir is directly down through the ground, wherever you are, and won't point at south pole unless you're at north pole. Altitude is degrees above your own horizon; azimuth is the direction "around" that horizon. Download free program Stellarium; bottom tabs have most of these listed.

[ulisesthornock]

This guy: no one lives at the North Pole.
Santa: Am I a joke to you?

[Eyesonthesky]

Thanks - I figured there are some folks who are interested, but don't know how to get started and may be afraid to ask. This way they can get the basics of the terminology, where and how to look, and then ask better questions. I'm hoping that astronomy clubs may find these useful to put on their websites too, as it should help beginners get basic astronomy questions answered so newcomers will feel better informed.

[Vladdie]

Thanks dude, I'm trying. Started stargazing as a kind of therepeutic thing with some binoculars. I do struggle to orient myself, sometimes I can easily spot constellations when I'm lying down, then I move around and look up and it takes me ages to get my bearings again. This should help with that. It's really cool though, feels like I'm reconnecting with my ancient ancestors and the universe again, we are all stardust after all. It feels great to learn the constellations, once you can see them properly it's like your painting the night sky with your imagination.

[raymundo]

I love your videos. So well at explaining things precisely and clearly. Thanks :)

[buddydog]

After listening to this guy....I'm getting spaced out ~

[rahulfromkerala]

Awesome videos...Highly appreciate your efforts in making these...

[erichowry]

What a great video! Thank you for posting and keeping it simple! I am 51 years old and received a telescope for Christmas and trying to learn the basics before I attempt to use it!!

[Simeylambx]

thanks so much! i have my astronomy gcse tomorrow afternoon and i really didn't understand declination and right ascension until i watched this! many thanks from the UK :D 

[Eyesonthesky]

You're welcome, and I'm glad that things "clicked" for you! :-)

[TheBogur]

Thanks. This explains whole lot for me. As in Contact . Jodie Foster was talking about right ascension and declination :) I had no ide what she was talking about :) Ty

[bobmustbebored]

Wow thanks for that! I couldn’t put into words what I was thinking to explain to someone what I was trying to understand. And the simple words of “getting oriented with the night sky” sounds so basic but is powerful thanks! 🙏🏽 🎉 🌎

[Eyesonthesky]

Thank you Jim. What I was thinking was astronomy clubs might want to put them on their websites, to help people get oriented in the night sky, so they feel more educated if/when they show up to outreach events or meetings. But I also use them to supplement my own live presentations at libraries and park districts, because I cover the same concepts each time. This way people can review them at their leisure on my website or on YouTube too.

[TheVinster]

Thanks for this. I'm taking an Astronomy class next semester, and this helped me wrap my head around the concept of the celestial poles. I never knew stars rotated in the sky though, I always assumed they just went from East to West like the Sun. Interesting stuff!

[DifferentSaturner]

Excellent! I liked how you explained everything clearly. I'm interested in this subject but I was often fooled by fake, not-so-clear, clickbait videos. Finally found your channel & hopefully watch more videos from your channel. Added to a playlist: Astronomy, cosmos, universe. Thanks again from Great Britain.
(Mon 11 Oct 2021 12h10)

[davidlord]

Awesome videos bud. Keep them coming learning something new with each video. Thanks again.

[abrahamlinkenssphere]

I'm sort of late to the party, but I just wanted to take a moment to thank you folks at eyes on the sky for all the helpful information!

[JedeyeCoffee]

Went from my 11PM to the 15PM in natural. Love it. Awesome bit of kit.

[johngraboski]

David, David, David! Thank you! Now that was the best explanation and presentation I have seen on this subject. For a little over a year I've been heavily into astronomy, reading a lot and even trying to make sense of this Coursera (Duke U.) Into Astronomy Course, and you really nailed that for me. Thank you!!!