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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!!

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

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.

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)

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

You are very welcome - thank you for watching.

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

Hi Charles - thanks for the thoughts. I guess I look at this way: In the story of the tortoise and the hare, the tortoise won. Maybe comparing myself to a tortoise isn't the greatest one to make, but the point is this: Over time, the views will go up. That's what matters. I'm not worried. :-)

Excellent video, thank you. A true astronomer! Wearing a comfortable black hoodie while presenting an instructional video to thousands of viewers.

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!

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 

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! 🙏🏽 🎉 🌎

Im 15 and my love for astronomy i had as a child is starting to grow again. Ive been looking for information about the planets and the night sky for a week now , have installed an app to help me too. I'll buy a telescope in a few months when im completely ready!

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