Your first light.
Your own pace.
You don’t need an expensive rig to take part. Set your starting point, find something within reach, and keep a record of what you discover.
A small step each night
0 of 5 steps recorded. Repeat them whenever you start a new target.
- 1. Find something worth looking for
Use the targets below or the sky map. Check when it clears your horizon; dark sky on a chart does not guarantee clear weather.
Explore my sky → - 2. Prepare a simple setup
Charge batteries, practise focusing, pack warm layers and a dim red light. Start with equipment you already have. Never point binoculars or a telescope at the Sun without suitable dedicated solar equipment.
Check the forecast → - 3. Observe, or take a first frame
Give your eyes time to adapt. For a camera, focus on a bright star and inspect a short test exposure. Your first attempt is a useful starting point.
Find an observing session → - 4. Write down what happened
Record the target, time, equipment and what you would change. Even an unsuccessful night can teach you something.
Open my diary → - 5. Share a result or a question
Choose what you want to make public. A first attempt and a useful question both belong here.
Explore community challenges →
Try from Glasgow, Scotland
Remaining nautical-darkness windows above 25°. These are starting points for your equipment category, not a guarantee of naked-eye visibility or camera framing.