A sky full of stars

As experts reveal it’s the best time in a decade for stargazing, Elizabeth Archer reveals how to make the most of the night sky

Experts have revealed 2022 is the best year in more than a decade for stargazing, with Jupiter in opposition to the sun and shining brightly, while Mars is also visible.

And as the nights grow longer and chillier, there’s never been a better time to get acquainted with the constellations.

“Autumn is a great time for stargazing. Not only are the nights longer, but often we get cold air – polar maritime air – coming in from the north, which is less polluted and means stars are more visible,” says Professor Ian Morison, of the Popular Astronomy Society.

Not only is the night sky beautiful, but there are wellbeing benefits to spending time under the stars too.

“Connecting with nature by looking at the stars can make us feel creative and inspired, and help regulate our body’s natural rhythms too,” says therapist Marisa Peer (rtt.com).

Here our experts reveal how to make the most of the night skies near you.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

There are a huge number of stars, constellations and planets, says Professor Morison.

The moon Every month of the year, we can enjoy looking at the moon. Note how it waxes and wanes through the month, and rises and sets just like the sun. Currently, the moon is a small crescent, and will get bigger over the coming days.

Jupiter This planet is the brightest object in the sky, apart from the moon, and is visible today from around 5pm, until 4.45am tomorrow. Look up to the south any time in the evening and simply search for the brightest light. Mars While not nearly so bright as Jupiter, you should still be able to spot this planet on a clear night.

Tonight it is visible from around 8pm, but the best time to see it is around 4.30am. Look for a light with a reddish hue.

Seven Sisters

Between October and April, we can see the pleiades cluster, known as Seven Sisters. Look east at around 10pm, and try to find three stars in a line – this is Orion’s Belt. Slightly to the right are five stars grouped together, which make a small plough shape.

You will be able to see about five stars in the cluster on a clear night, and seven or more when looking through binoculars. Andromeda galaxy To find this galaxy, look for Cassiopeia – a constellation shaped like an open W. Just to the right of it, you should be able to make out three stars in the shape of an arrow.

If you follow that downwards slowly, you will find the andromeda galaxy, which has a little hazy glow.

TRY MINDFUL STARGAZING

Use the night sky to be in the moment, says Marisa.

Feel inspired On a clear night, take a few moments to look at the stars and allow yourself to feel a sense of awe and wonder.

Appreciate the amazing show nature is putting on for you.

Jot down ideas Most creative people will tell you they have their best ideas in nature, as it forces us to slow down and reflect away from the busyness of life.

Before you go to bed, stop and really look at the stars, and allow your mind to wander. You might want to ask yourself a specific question, or reflect on a particular problem. Jot down any ideas you have on a piece of paper.

Feel awe and appreciate the amazing show nature is putting on for you

Reset your body clock

In modern life, we’re never too far away from lights and noises, whether it’s traffic or falling asleep with the TV on. But being in the darkness helps our minds and bodies to reset, so we wake feeling truly refreshed.

Before you go to sleep, open the window and breathe in fresh air as you gaze out at the moon and stars for a few moments. See how much better you feel in the morning.