The holiday season is already here, and finding that perfect gift can be a trying experience. It can be especially challenging if the person you're shopping for has a particular hobby or interest, like astronomy. Here are a few suggestions on what to get for that special person who can't get enough stars (or planets) in his or her eyes.
If you're shopping for someone who is just getting started in astronomy, a telescope can be one of the worst gifts to give. It takes a while to learn about the sky, and if you don't know the basics, a telescope can be very frustrating. How many telescopes are hidden away in attics, basements, and garages simply because they were too complicated for a beginner?
A good, simple star chart is the best way to start. Star charts come in a variety of shapes and sizes. One of the best is called a star wheel or a planisphere. It's inexpensive and easy to use. A star wheel can be used for any night of the year just by setting the date and time. And the shop at the Science Center always has them in stock.
Books are great for learning more about astronomy. Many titles are available with tips on watching the sky and detailed star charts. Others are packed with information about the stars, planets, and the whole universe. They are also good to have handy on cloudy nights when there's not much to see in the sky. Binoculars make a fantastic gift for an amateur astronomer. They can reveal lunar features, Jupiter's larger moons, seemingly countless star clusters, and even a few nebulae and galaxies. Binoculars make the night sky come alive, and they can be used for daytime terrestrial viewing as well. They are also much less expensive and easier to use than telescopes. Anything 7x50 or larger will do nicely. There are also some excellent guide books for observing with binoculars.
Novelty gifts, like posters, mugs, and tee shirts, can be wonderful on their own or paired with other astronomical gifts like books or magazine subscriptions.
If you think that you or someone else is ready for a telescope, the Planetarium staff is happy to make suggestions and answer your questions.
Even in these modern times, it is still the thought that counts when giving gifts. A little thinking now can save a lot in the long run. Whatever your choice of astronomical gifts, be sure to participate in using them. The best gift you can give, to anyone, is your time.
For several months, bright-shining Venus has been an "evening star", in the west after sunset. It's still there this month, but as 2005 comes to an end, Venus will dive back towards the glare of sunset. By the middle of January, Venus will reappear as a "morning star" low in the east just before sunrise. So if you're not an early riser, act now to see Venus - if you've got a clear view to the southwest it's almost impossible to miss!
Meanwhile Mars continues its impressive show high in the sky. Having just made its closest approach to Earth in late October, the red planet is now gradually getting fainter every day. For now, it's bright enough to stand out between the constellations Taurus the Bull and Pisces the Fishes. Make sure not to confuse Mars with the orange-red star Aldebaran, which marks the eye of Taurus. Mars will be the brighter of the two.
Ringed planet Saturn rises in the east at about 9:00 pm at the beginning of the month, and before 7:00 pm by the end of the month. Wait an hour or two after planet-rise to see it, near the center of the faint constellation of Cancer the Crab.
Early risers can also find Jupiter, which rises this month before 4:00 am. People who prefer to be asleep at this time can look forward to the giant planet making a return to evening skies in the spring.
The Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society meets at the Adventure Science Center on the third Thursday of each month. Visitors are always welcome to attend the programs. Meetings start at 7:30 pm unless otherwise noted.
The next FREE public star party is scheduled for Saturday evening, January 28, 2006, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Join the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society at the Special Events Field at Edwin Warner Park for a close look at the night sky. Saturn and Mars will be visible, along with a host of other celestial sights. Dress warmly, it will be cold!
