Below are some items that I recommend having for a night out under the stars. Having the right equipment can really make stargazing a much more enjoyable experience.
Flashlights
It is strongly advised that instead of a standard white light flash light, that you use a flashlight with a red bulb to read your star charts in the dark. Red light, unlike traditional yellow and white bulbs, will not cause your eyes to adjust to a brighter setting. Using a red colored flashlight will ensure that your night vision will not become impaired for several minutes at a time, every time you need to read a star chart or turn a knob on your telescope.
Celestron Astro Vision Flashlight
This flashlight is made by Celestron, one of the best telescope companies in the business today. Its LED lights preserve night vision better than just red filtered bulbs and only uses a 9-volt battery. It also allows you to adjust the brightness. Click here for more information
Compasses
A compass, while not a necessity for stargazing, can be a useful tool, especially if you are unfamiliar with the sky or the area you are in. If you are getting a compass for stargazing purposes you really don’t need anything to advanced or expensive; just something that will accurately point out north, south, east, and west so you can orient yourself quickly.
Below are some examples of compasses that are ideal for stargazing.
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| Silva Starter 1.2.3. – Compass |
Brunton Classic Compass |
Silva Polaris Type 7 Compass |
