Observing / Guide
Observing guide
Everything you need to observe the sky with the naked eye, binoculars or solar viewers. Weather, light pollution, celestial calendar and practical tips.
Weather & sky quality
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Celestial calendar
All upcoming astronomical events over the next 12 months: full moons, eclipses, meteor showers, planetary conjunctions, oppositions, equinoxes and solstices. Browse the months and click a date for details.
Complete observing guide
Discover the three observing instruments accessible to everyone and the phenomena not to be missed each season.
Observing instruments
Naked eye
Naked-eye observing is the most accessible and rewarding way to start. Without any instrument, you can already see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, the brightest planets and many celestial phenomena.
WHAT YOU CAN SEE
TIPS
- Let your eyes adapt to the dark for 20-30 minutes
- Avoid phone screens (white light destroys night vision)
- Use a red flashlight to read a sky chart
- Lie down to sweep the sky without neck strain
- First spot the brightest constellations (Ursa Major, Orion, Cassiopeia)
- Look well above the horizon, where the sky is darker
Binoculars
Binoculars are the ideal instrument to start in astronomy. Lighter and more intuitive than a telescope, they offer a wide field that makes locating objects easier. A 10×50 model (10× magnification, 50 mm objective) is the recommended standard.
WHAT YOU CAN SEE
TIPS
- Prefer 10×50 binoculars: a good brightness/weight compromise
- Steady yourself: rest your elbows on a wall, a railing, or lie down
- Use a suitable tripod for long sessions
- Never look at the Sun through binoculars without a certified solar filter
- Start with the Moon to practice focusing
- Slowly scan the Milky Way: you'll discover unexpected star clusters
Solar viewers
Solar viewers are essential to observe the Sun safely. They filter out 99.999% of visible light and 100% of harmful UV/IR. They must be certified ISO 12312-2:2015. Never use regular sunglasses, CDs, smoked glass or photographic film.
WHAT YOU CAN SEE
TIPS
- Check the ISO 12312-2:2015 certification before buying
- Inspect the viewers before use: no holes, scratches or tears
- Do not use them with binoculars or a telescope without a solar filter on the objective
- Always supervise children during observation
- Replace them after 3 years or if the film is damaged
- Store them in their original pouch, away from heat
Seasonal guide
spring
Nights gradually shortening. Mild temperatures, ideal for beginners. Favor the second half of the night for planets.
TO OBSERVE
summer
The shortest nights of the year but the mildest. Often clear skies. Ideal for meteor showers. Watch out for mosquitoes and dew on equipment.
TO OBSERVE
autumn
Nights getting longer. Atmosphere often more stable than in summer (less turbulence). Still pleasant temperatures early in the season. Plan warm clothes for November.
TO OBSERVE
winter
The longest nights of the year — the maximum observing hours. Often very pure skies (cold air = less water vapor). Dress very warmly, bring a hot drink and thin gloves to handle equipment.
TO OBSERVE