Oxford at Home Lecture: Stargazing Tips by Dr. Becky Smithhurst

Introduction

• Host: Ron Amit, Chinese history teacher at the University of Oxford
• Speaker: Dr. Becky Smithhurst, Junior Research Fellow at Christ Church, Oxford
  • Research: Evolution of galaxies and supermassive black holes
  • Popular YouTube channel "Dr. Becky" and author of "Space: 10 Things You Should Know"
• Focus of Talk: Tips for stargazing during winter, especially from home

Importance of Dark Locations for Stargazing

• Key rule: Find a dark location to allow eyes to adjust and see more stars
  • Stand in the dark indoors before going outside or spend more time outside to adjust

Finding Celestial Objects

• The Moon

  • Best viewed when half or crescent for better contrast
  • Full moon too bright, washes out stars
  • Use binoculars to see details during crescent phases

• Pleiades Star Cluster

  • Visible tonight or tomorrow night near the moon
  • Historical use as an eye test by various cultures

• Constellation of the Plough (Big Dipper)

  • Recognizable and useful for navigating the sky
  • Stars are trillions of miles apart, not physically close

• Polaris (North Star)

  • Continuously points north, useful for navigation
  • Can be found using the Plough

• Constellation Orion

  • Visible in the winter sky
  • Features Orion's Belt and the red giant Betelgeuse
  • Betelgeuse may go supernova, noticeable even during the day

• Winter Hexagon

  • Formed by six of the brightest stars around Orion
  • Bright enough to be visible even in light-polluted areas

Tips for Stargazing

• Use free star chart apps on smartphones to locate objects
• Adjust vision by turning off indoor lights and blocking streetlights when observing
• Use binoculars or telescopes for enhanced viewing

Best Locations for Stargazing

• UK: National parks, especially the Lake District and Kielder Forest Dark Sky Park
• Worldwide: High, dry locations like deserts or mountain tops

Engaging Children in Stargazing

• Look for bright objects like Venus
• Participate in meteor showers, e.g., the Perseids in August

Citizen Science and Contributions

• Amateur astronomers can participate in projects like Galaxy Zoo
• Opportunities to classify galaxies and contribute to scientific research

Recent Discoveries in Black Hole Research

• Supermassive black holes grow by accreting material, not just by merging with other galaxies

Conclusion

• Stargazing is accessible even without a garden or telescope
• Encouraged to explore the night sky, engage with science, and join future talks and events