February
in Abu Dhabi, has a dark nights of winter and like many thousands of people
around the world, we find the sight of a dark, star-filled sky inspiring moment,
there is no better time than the nights of winter to get started as an
astronomer.
To
start with, here are my five things we learned to this stargazing trip!
Lesson# 1: Checklist of equipments
Before you missed the opportunity of enjoying the stargazing
make it sure you have a check list of equipments, gadgets and other things to
run through with upon packing in your vehicle to make it sure nothing left
behind. Since February is a cold season in UAE, we never forgot to bring jacket
to fight against the cold weather.
Lesson# 2: Considering nature’s condition
We reached the place while the sun still up and we appreciate
the beauty of the desert in Abu Dhabi, from that time till sunset it brings
beauty to the place. The area is not a real desert area but it is good enough
for stargazing. The wind blows strong up to where we almost packing up and
reschedule for the next time. Luckily, the wind stopped, and as the darkness
engulf the place the temperature drop to unexpected range.
Lesson#3: Equipment condition
The plan is to stay in the place until early morning but the
stargazing terminated early due to unexpected situation. Initially, it was a
windy environment, then it become calm. We set-up the equipments as it is, and
not considering to the possible situation. We enjoyed sky watching at first as
we aligned the telescopes to have a good accuracy. The evening deepens and the
sudden drops of temperature that builds up dews to the equipment. We tried to
warm up the telescope by using dew warmer but it’s too late. Our visual worsen
up to the extent that we need to terminate the activity.
We took some photos, we enjoyed the place and we have lessons
learned.
