Re: Is it bad to stargaze when it is cold out?

Yurissa, I note you are in Hamilton. There is
a very active chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society
of Canada in Hamilton. I strongly encourage you to look
up these fellow amateur astronomers in your area: they
can give you many tips about astronomy in general, and
about cold-weather observing in particular.

Their Website is at:
  http://homepages.interscape.net/homeroom/rascsite

But to briefly answer your question, the truth is that
it depends on HOW COLD it gets! :) For most of us obs-
ervers down in the States, it is rare for temperatures
to get much below 0oF. At those temperatures, both the
human body, and most telescope parts (moving or other-
wise) will work just fine. Of course, in some parts of
Canada, 0oF (-18oC) is considered a warm evening! So
the things you should always think about when observ-
ing in the winter cold are:

a) Pick an observing spot out of the wind if you can.
   Of course, if you're using your backyard or some
   other fixed location (like a local club's observ-
   atory, for example), you may not have much choice.

b) dress in layers - this is especially important if
   you have to walk over any distance to observe, or
   if you have to do any strenuous work to set up the
   telescope and observing site.

c) OVERdress for the weather - remember, you will be
   out under the sky at night, radiating your body's
   heat almost directly out into space.

d) Also, depending on how and what you are observing,
   you may want to be able to remain standing in one
   place for a long period of time - possibly in the
   snow. So try to wear VERY warm footwear - mukluks
   or sorrels if you have them, warm moisture-wicking
   socks, chemical "toe warmers" if you have them, etc.

e) If your telescope has an automatic drive (a "clock
   drive"), the lubrication in the gears may start to
   break down when temperatures are very low: just be
   aware of this, and ask a fellow amateur in Hamilton
   what steps you can take to "winterize" your drive.
   This same concern may apply to the focusing tube on
   your telescope as well, and any other "moving parts"
   that require lubrication, or metal moving on metal.

f) Finally, of course, remember that you will be hand-
   ling lots of metal parts - eyepieces, focuser knob,
   mount and drive, and possibly your telescope tube
   if it is made of metal also. So in addition to very
   warm OUTER mittens/gloves, you should also try to
   wear a warm, very thin INNER layer of hand wear. (I
   use simple thermalite glove liners for the relative-
   ly mild winters in Boston. Again, your fellow Hamil-
   tonians may have other ideas for you.)

Well, I hope this helps answer your question, Yurissa.
Winter is a WONDERFUL time to observe the heavens, so
long as you are prepared for it. So don't let those
cold nights keep you indoors!

Clear skies,
Lew Gramer