Took the kids out to a dark sky site about 30 miles from our house (Atlanta area) last Friday. Got a cheap red flashlight so our eyes could adjust, brought blankets, some snacks. My 10yo spotted the Milky Way and just went completely silent for like 2 minutes. Didn't even need a telescope, just binoculars. Might be our new thing. Way cheaper than I expected and barely any planning required.
30 miles and still seeing the Milky Way that clearly? That's impressive for Atlanta metro. Most people don't realize how much light pollution kills the view. What area exactly? Asking because we're about 20 min north of you and wondering if it's worth the drive.
That red flashlight move is clutch. So many people don't know about that and ruin the whole thing with their phone lights. Did you go to one of the Chattahoochee spots or further out?
How old are your binoculars? I grabbed a pair from Walmart for like $25 and honestly the view is better than I thought it would be.
Man, the fact that your 10yo went silent for 2 minutes might be the realest moment in this thread. That's not something you can buy or force. That's just seeing something genuinely mind-blowing for the first time. Jealous of that memory you're gonna have.
The silence moment hits different. My 7yo did the exact same thing when we saw Saturn through binoculars last month. Just standing there processing it. Totally worth the drive.
This is the way. We did this about a year ago and now my kids ask about stargazing every clear night. Pro tip: download SkySafari (free version) on your phone before you go so you can ID constellations without ruining your night vision. Just keep the brightness all the way down.
Wait, you don't need a telescope? I've been putting this off because I thought we had to invest in some expensive gear. What kind of binoculars are you using? Regular ones or something special?
lol same here. Thought I needed to drop $500 on a telescope. Now I'm mad at myself for not doing this sooner.
Yeah but honestly the cheap red flashlights are garbage. Spent like $12 more for a decent one from REI and the difference is night and day. If you're gonna do this regularly might be worth the upgrade. Also makes it easier to actually see what you're looking at on a map.
Real question though - what do you do about bugs? Every time we try to sit outside at night for more than 20 minutes the mosquitoes absolutely destroy us. Did you bring bug spray or just deal with it?
This post just sold me. My kids have been asking to go stargazing and I've been overthinking it. Red flashlight, binoculars, blanket, snacks - that's genuinely the whole setup? Might do this next weekend if the weather cooperates.
Did the kids complain about being out that late or were they just locked in? Asking because mine are usually wrecked by 9pm but I feel like seeing the Milky Way might be worth the zombie morning after.
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nailed it