Southern Skies Observing

If going South for a vacation with astronomy in mind here are some useful points:

1. The nearer to the Equator the longer are the nights in the summer (due to the Earth's tilt); 5 hours of darkness in Tenerife in the summer months.
2. The best views of the centre of the Milky Way from Southern Europe or North Africa are in late summer or early autumn.
3. The best views from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South America are in the spring or early summer when the Milky Way splits the heavens with its centre at the zenith and the Carina arm of the Milky Way is at its best.
4. Pick a dark site; see Light Pollution maps to check light levels near where you propose to stay. If in Southern Europe i.e. Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey then pick a place some 100 km from the coast.
This is because the coasts are very light polluted. However, in North Africa all the pollution is to the North and the South; nice and dark.
5. Always pick a time around the New Moon to get the darkest skies. If on a 10 day stay, then arrive 7 days before New Moon and 3 days after as the Moon's light will degrade the darkness. If longer than 10 days then viewing in the early morning will be best from 4 to 8 days after New Moon.
6. A sun lounger or camping mat to be used when looking at the Zenith with binoculars.
7. A table top tripod and 45 or 90 degree diagonal to be used with a spotting scope is a must to prevent neckache.
8. A good star atlas or a smart phone map (see Gareth) to help find objects. I use Sky and Telescope's pocket atlas.
9. If new to astronomy, practice in the UK before you go to familiarize yourself with using maps and optical equipment.
10. Use a low power Red torch in order to maintain dark adaption.

Rod