☐ Check the weather forecast and choose a clear evening
☐ Find a location away from bright street lights (park, balcony, countryside)
☐ Wear layers — it gets colder than you expect
☐ Bring a red flashlight or enable red screen mode on your phone
☐ Download a free astronomy app (Stellarium or similar)
☐ Allow 20–30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to darkness
☐ Start by identifying the brightest objects: the Moon or planets
☐ Look for the Big Dipper or Orion depending on the season
☐ Stay for at least 45 minutes — the sky keeps revealing more
☐ Record what you saw in a notebook or phone notes