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The Backyard Stargazer & Amateur Astronomer Holiday Guide

Purple Star emoji 15 items
For night-sky observers, amateur astronomers, and backyard stargazers who love wrapping up in warm layers to track constellations, spot planets, and watch meteor showers on crisp winter nights, having clear optics, cozy observing gear, and smart red-...
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Telescopes, Binoculars & Stargazing Tech

 
Gerard Lett profile picture
I aligned this motorized telescope in my backyard on a clear December night, and I held my breath as Saturn’s rings came into crystal-clear focus right through the eyepiece.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope | Computerized & Portable
 
Gerard Lett profile picture
I held this compact tablet up to the sky while running my astronomy planetarium app, and I identified constellations and passing satellites in seconds without losing my night vision.
iPad Mini
 
Gerard Lett profile picture
I mounted this camera onto my tripod for a long-exposure shot, and I was thrilled to capture the faint blue and purple glow of the Orion Nebula.
canon t7 bundle
 
Gerard Lett profile picture
I kept a roll on my folding table, and I gently blotted dew off my metal equipment trays before packing everything into my car trunk.
Bounty, Paper Towels, Select-A-Size, 12 Double Rolls, White
 
Gerard Lett profile picture
I scanned the Milky Way with these giant binoculars while leaning back in my lawn chair, and I loved seeing crater details on the moon without setting up a full tripod.
Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 Astronomy Binoculars

Observing Deck Comfort, Red-Light Illumination & Gear Storage

 
Gerard Lett profile picture
I laid my red flashlight and eyepieces on this custom wooden tray, and I loved having a dedicated, smooth surface that kept small optical caps from rolling into the dark grass.
Custom Star Map on Wood - Etsy - Page 14
 
Gerard Lett profile picture
I leaned all the way back in this padded recliner while watching the Geminid meteor shower, and I spent two hours gazing straight up without any strain on my neck or back.
Zero Gravity Chair
 
Gerard Lett profile picture
I switched this headlamp to its red LED mode before swapping out my telescope lenses, and I preserved my night-adjusted vision so I could see faint stars immediately upon looking back up.
Coast - LED - Headlamps
 
Gerard Lett profile picture
I spread this thick fleece blanket across my reclining chair, and I stayed completely dry from the heavy midnight lawn dew.
Thermal Stadium Blanket
 
Gerard Lett profile picture
I lit a small wood fire in this patio bowl ten feet behind my observing station, and I stepped over to warm my frozen hands between planetary views.
Threshold : Fire Pits & Outdoor Heaters

Astronomer’s Night Wear, Cold-Weather Style & Warm Refreshments

 
Gerard Lett profile picture
I pulled this thick fleece hoodie on over my thermals, and I felt completely warm and cozy while standing in forty-degree backyard air for three hours.
Embroidered Celestial Hoodie
 
Gerard Lett profile picture
I wore these insulated waterproof boots while standing on damp winter grass, and I felt total comfort keeping my feet completely dry and warm through the entire midnight session.
Nike ACG Air Zoom Gaiadome Gore-Tex White Hiking ...
 
Gerard Lett profile picture
I applied a thick layer of this hydrating balm before stepping outside into the cold wind, and I noticed immediate relief that protected my skin from getting dry and chapped during the long watch.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
 
Gerard Lett profile picture
I filled this heavy vacuum flask with boiling hot tea before heading out at 10:00 PM, and I poured steaming hot cups all the way until 2:00 AM.
The Unbreakable Thermal Bottle
 
Gerard Lett profile picture
I stashed one of these natural balms in my coat pocket, and I swiped it on whenever the cold night breeze started to feel dry against my face.
Burt's Bees Ultra Conditioning Moisturizing Lip Balm 0.15 ...