Learning constellations can be a really fun and rewarding way to connect with the night sky — and it’s easier than most people think.
The best way to learn the constellations is go outside and identify them season by season. Learning two or three per season builds your knowledge naturally.
Find bright stars and use them to “hop” to others. The constellations visible in autumn include Pegasus, Andromeda, Perseus and Pisces, among others. There are several free apps, like Stellarium, which can be used to point toward the sky to show you the constellations you are viewing.
Join the Pagosa Sidewalk Astronomers at 6 p.m. on Nov. 8 at Yamaguchi Park (near the pickleball courts) for a guided tour of the beautiful night sky.
We chose Yamaguchi Park for its Bortle Class 4 dark sky, as well as ample parking and accessibility.
We’ll start with the brightest stars and planets visible in the sky right now. Bring a pair of binoculars to enhance your experience. Once darkness falls, we’ll point out some large star clusters and even a galaxy visible with binoculars. Dress warmly and bring a red flashlight if you have one.
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