WWW.ASTRONOMY.COM 49As for boots, go for the best
you can get that will let you
drive your vehicle. I usually
wait until I reach my observ-
ing site to change into my
cold-weather boots, but you
never can tell if an emergency
might require you to make a
quick exit. My boots are com-
fortable, light, and have a
thick insulated lining in the
sole to prevent heat transfer
downward. I also recommend
pairing them with warm socks
of wool or a wool-like syn-
thetic material.
You’ll also want to bringhand-warmers, and lots
of them. They’re great
when they work but are noto-
rious for not lasting as long as
the package says they will.
Keep an active one in each of
your jacket pockets and slip
them into and out of your
gloves or mittens to quickly
warm up your hands. If you’re
wearing gloves, pulling your
fingers out of the finger slots
can warm them up a lot faster.
If your feet get cold, toe warm-
ers are also available, although
with the right boots and socks,
you shouldn’t need them.Anyone
who has lived
in a cold envi-
ronment knows
it’s best to dress in
layers. The method that
has worked for me starts with
light f leece long underwear
and pants. (I always opt for
pants with lots of pockets to
store all my gear close at
hand.) To keep my torso
warm, I wear a T-shirt under-
neath a thin, long-sleeved
f lannel shirt and a f leece zip-
up jacket. I top it all off with
a down jacket. The last item
isn’t cheap, but if you can
afford one with true goose
down, it’s worth the extra cost.If you’re particularly sensi-
tive to low temperatures, con-
sider a ski rescue suit as your
outer layer. My wife, who feels
the cold more acutely than I
do, wears one and says it does
a great job at keeping the wind
and cold from reaching her.
If you’ll be spending the
night, pick a sleeping bag with
the appropriate temperature
range for your area. The better
ones are a bit expensive, but
get a good one and you’ll be
happy you spent the extra
money. Here in the desert
southwest, we have different
requirements than observers
in Wisconsin or Norway.
Note, though, that most bagsER OBSERVING
The winter sky offers a plethora of targets for the well-prepared
observer. Dressing for the weather and bringing the right equipment
is the best way to ensure a safe and enjoyable observing session
when the temperature drops. ALAN DYER