During the pandemic lockdowns, most of us likely noticed changes to the ecosystem — most notably a reduction in carbon emissions driven by a reduction in traffic, shipping and aviation. But as we return to our old habits, the environment is returning as it was. In the case of stargazing, there has been a return to hazy and dusty skies in cities and the continued increase in the urban sky glow (light pollution) across the countryside.
Binoculars help cut through the urban haze and light pollution to reveal star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. They are all you need to take stargazing to the next level, so we encourage readers to keep a pair with them during their walkabouts, even during daytime excursions, to “eye-drop” into the activities of wildlife. Even modest visual aids expand our vision and deepen our experience.
We hope our Astronomical Almanac, with specifics found in each month, will entice you to go on evening walkabouts and seek out places without artificial lights so you can take full advantage of this guide and your binoculars. Take your time. Discovering the sky is a leisurely activity, so take it as it comes — don’t force it.
