STARRY
SKY
Starry sky
The starry sky has fascinated people for thousands of years. The clear night sky not only offers impressive views of stars, planets and galaxies, but also arouses curiosity about the secrets of the universe. But what does the starry sky look like today and what can you discover in the sky?
Every evening, when the sun disappears below the horizon, the starry sky reveals its full beauty. Stars millions of light years away begin to shine and conjure up an impressive backdrop that invites you to dream and marvel. Especially on clear evenings, away from the distracting lights of the city, the true splendor of the sky is revealed. Take a look at the sky pictures now!
On the embedded star map you can see a detailed representation of the night sky as it appears to you tonight. This type of map shows the celestial bodies in a circular projection, which depicts the sky as if you were looking directly upwards.
Orientation in the starry sky
The cardinal points such as north (N), east (E), south (S) and west (W) are marked on the edges of the map, making it easier for you to find your way around the sky. This allows you to quickly determine where certain constellations or planets are located by using these directions as a guide.
On the star chart, you can discover the constellations, the arrangement of which can vary throughout the year. It also shows you the path of the moon across the night sky and the planets currently visible in our solar system.
With this map in your luggage, you now know where each constellation is located and can surprise your loved ones!
The magic of the starry sky
Every night our stars shine in new splendor. But especially in urban areas, the view of the stars is often disturbed by an unpleasant phenomenon – light pollution. Light sources from street lamps, cars and buildings obscure the fine details in the night sky. If you want to experience the starry sky in all its glory today, you should therefore go to places that are far away from urban light. Some regions even offer special “dark sky” parks where you can view the stars almost undisturbed.
The starry sky today: what can you see?
The arrangement of the constellations varies between the seasons. The summer sky, for example, presents the striking constellation of Scorpius, while the winter sky is dominated by Orion and the Great Dog.
But regardless of the time of year, it is always worth taking a look at the sky – even with the naked eye you can see numerous stars and planets!
In addition to the classic constellations, special events such as meteor streams or the visibility of the planets offer fascinating observation opportunities. The phases of the moon also play an important role. A lunar calendar will help you to find the ideal time for your sky observations.
The conditions are best during the new moon, as the moonlight is minimal during this phase and therefore does not impair your view of the stars.
Unfortunately, there is not much left of our starry skies in urban areas! But a little trip to the countryside never hurt anyone, did it?
The night sky for your own four walls: starry sky projectors
If you want to enjoy the starry sky regardless of weather conditions or light pollution, there is a modern alternative: starry sky projectors. These handy devices bring the night sky directly into your living room. Whether you want to fascinate children or relax yourself, a projector makes the starry sky appear with impressive clarity.
Modern starry sky projectors offer an astonishing level of detail. They not only project simple constellations, but even simulate the twinkling of the stars or the movement of celestial bodies. Some models are so precise that they can display the current constellation so that you can experience the starry sky right in your home today.
Using a starry sky projector not only offers relaxation, but also an educational component. Especially for children, this is a great way to learn more about the universe and the different constellations without having to wait for the perfect night.
Tips for stargazing
To get the best out of stargazing today, you should follow a few simple basic rules. First of all, it’s important to check the weather – a clear night with no clouds is the best time to enjoy the sky in all its glory. If you live in a big city, look for a place with as little light pollution as possible, such as a nearby park or a rural location.
It can also be useful to find out about special events in the night sky in advance. Online tools and apps such as lunar calendars or stargazing apps offer you a real-time view of the sky and show you which stars, planets or satellites are currently visible. Star charts, whether analog or digital, also help you to keep an overview and search specifically for particular celestial bodies.