7 essential star-gazing accessories

Last week, Wanderlust reported that Wales’ Breacon Beacons National Park has officially been listed as a Dark Sky Reserve for the quality of its starry-night skies. Whether you’re taking a trip to the Welsh national park to uncover the Milky Way, or heading further afield to watch the universe turn, don’t forget these bits of kit to help you on your way.

£0.69, App store

If you’re star-gazing without a knowledgeable guide, The Night Sky app is the easiest way to know what you’re looking at and when.

Become an instant astronomy expert. Download the app, open it on your device and point it up towards the sky. The device’s internal compass, along with the downloaded software will be able to pin-point exactly what you’re looking at, whether it’s Mercury, Mars or the Moon.

£9.61, Amazon

Don’t have a device to work this from? Not a problem. Try it the old manual way with this Night Sky Star Wheel. Sometimes the traditional ways are much more fun! An easy explanation on the back of the chart makes it simple for star-gazing novices to pick up the basics.

£14.99, Stanfords

Be prepared! Take in everything from your viewing of the Milky Way by picking up a few basics beforehand. Author of The Stargazer’s Guide Emily Winterburn reckons a stargazer is anyone who’s ever found themselves looking at the night sky wanting to know a little more. This beginner’s book focuses on the stars rather than astronomy and leads easy step-by-step ways to identify constellations.

A month by month guide will explain what you can see where and when, and in-depth explanations of meteor showers, shooting stars, comets and the moon will help you pick up a bit of background info.

It’s good for when the clouds (inevitable, it’s Wales) cover the night sky as well.

£19.99, Nomad

Whether you’re reading or just finding your way, don’t forget a good head torch! But remember, when star-gazing your eyes need to adjust to the black skies so don’t use it too much, and try not to shine it in other people’s faces.