A field guide to the dark sky

The first time most people see a truly dark sky, they go quiet. Big Bend is a certified International Dark Sky park, and on a clear, moonless night the Milky Way is bright enough to cast a faint shadow. Here is how to make the most of it.

Time it to the moon

The single biggest factor is the moon. A full moon washes out everything but the brightest stars; a new moon leaves the sky to the galaxy. Check the moon phase before you pick your night, and aim for the days around the new moon. The hours after midnight, when the moon has set and the air has settled, are often the best of all.

Protect your night vision

It takes your eyes about twenty minutes to fully adjust to the dark, and one glance at a white phone screen resets the clock. Use a red light instead, and turn your phone to its dimmest red setting if you must use it. Once your eyes adjust, you will see ten times more than when you sat down.

What to look for

Start with the obvious: the Milky Way arching overhead, the planets if any are up, and the bright summer constellations. Then go deeper. With binoculars you can pick out the Andromeda galaxy, the Pleiades, and the great cloud of stars in Sagittarius. With a telescope, the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter are right there. You do not need any of it to be moved, though. The naked eye and a blanket are enough.