Stargazing.
Reach for the stars with us!
Silence. The barely audible chirping of crickets. Clear air. Darkness.
High above this peaceful natural scene, the overwhelming twinkling of the starry sky unfolds. Time and again, a shooting star traces its luminous path across the firmament.
Since time immemorial, the starry sky has fascinated us. Time and again, we look up, marvelling at the infinite vastness of the universe and wondering what secrets lie hidden out there. Sometimes, all it takes is to go outside in the evening, sit down and let your gaze wander. The seemingly boundless expanse of the universe seems almost surreal – it both enchants and inspires in equal measure.
An unobstructed view of the stars, the Milky Way and the full splendour of our galaxy is no longer something we can take for granted. Low levels of light pollution make this experience of nature something special – almost a privilege.
In Warth-Schröcken, the conditions are ideal: thanks to the low levels of light pollution, the mountain villages offer excellent conditions for stargazing. Here, an impressive view of the sun, moon, stars and the Milky Way unfolds before you. In this article, you’ll find out where the best viewing spots are, what you can discover there and what you should look out for.
The Perseids – the most beautiful night of shooting stars of the year.
The Perseids are an annual meteor shower. The tiny particles of rock burn up as they enter the Earth’s atmosphere, creating the familiar shooting stars. They are among the most spectacular meteor showers that can be observed in our part of the world. They take their name from the constellation Perseus, from the direction of which the shooting stars appear to come.
When?
The Perseids can be seen in the night sky every year from mid-July to the end of August. They reach their peak around 12 August, when a particularly large number of shooting stars can be seen. The best viewing conditions are between 9.00 pm and 6.00 am, looking towards the north-east.
In the right place at the right time.
Hochtannberg Pass – Simmel.
Anyone who makes the short climb up to the Simmel will be rewarded with an impressive view of the starry sky.
Kalbelesee towards Körbersee.
Along the path towards Körbersee, a little way off the road, there are numerous quiet spots that are ideal for stargazing.
Bürstegg.
Bürstegg offers the least light pollution. Those not put off by a night-time hike will find one of the best spots in the region here for undisturbed stargazing.
The website www.lightpollutionmap.info or apps such as Dark Sky Finder can also help you find particularly dark observation spots.
Our tips and tricks for stargazing.
- Avoid light sources: the darker the surroundings, the more stars you will see. However, especially at first, the sheer number of stars can be overwhelming. That is why it can be helpful to start by getting to know the night sky in slightly brighter moonlight or in dimly lit places, and to spot your first constellations.
- Make the most of the new moon: Around the time of the new moon, the sky is at its darkest and the Milky Way is particularly impressive to behold.
- Check the weather: Clouds, haze or fog can significantly restrict your view of the starry sky.
- Use navigation aids: star charts, constellations and apps such as ‘Stellarium’ or ‘SkyView’ make it easier to find your way around. The North Star is also a helpful point of reference.
- Take a head torch with you: it will ensure you reach the observation point safely and make it easier to read the star chart. However, use the light sparingly, as your eyes have to readjust to the darkness each time you switch it on.
- Be well prepared: Allow plenty of time and be patient. A blanket or a deckchair, warm clothing and some food will ensure a relaxing viewing experience.
- Discover more: You can already spot numerous celestial objects with a pair of binoculars. If you’d like to delve even deeper into the world of astronomy, you should bring a telescope with you.