Field Notes

Two stars at the end of the Big Dipper's cup point straight to Polaris, the North Star, every single night of the year. Learn the pointer-star trick as a family and you will never look at a dark sky the same way again.

A night walk is one of the best adventures a family can take, and the secret to making it work is understanding how human eyes actually adjust to the dark. Learn the science, pack the right light, and discover a whole new layer of the outdoors after sunset.

Meteor showers are one of the most reliable sky shows nature puts on, and they require nothing more than a clear night, a blanket, and a little patience. This page walks families through the two best annual showers, how to read a forecast, and how to set up a backyard or campsite vigil that kids will remember for years.