by wildcherry on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 | Dating, Love, Relationship | 1 Comment

On dark, clear nights an amazing world awaits even the casual observer. Telescopes and binoculars are optional and the viewing is best on nights when the moon is not full. So here are five great ways to enjoy a clear night with the your love ones:

Look for satellites

Our skies are filled with all kinds of spacecraft from weather satellites to communications satellites to the space station. On clear nights, they are easy to spot. Just look for what appears to be a slow moving star. Unlike an airplane, these objects do not have blinking lights and are usually white in appearance as they reflect the Sun’s light.

Generally speaking, the slower the satellite appears to be moving across the sky, the higher its orbit. And satellites will tend to disappear, reappear, brighten and dim depending on the object’s rotation and how well sunlight is reflected.

Watch for shooting stars

Certain times of the year, the Earth enters into debris trails left behind by fleeing comets. One such period usually falls in mid-August and another occurs around the second week of November. These meteor showers are the best times to observe shooting stars, sometimes as many as 50 or 60 per hour.

Caused by dust and small particles burning up as they enter the Earth’s dense atmosphere, shooting stars can be seen any time of the year in less frequent patterns.

Since the middle of the night provides the best viewing opportunities during meteor showers, it can be a special treat to wake the kids up and go outside during what would normally be their bed time. Local weather stations and the Internet are the best sources of information for when meteor showers will occur in your area.

Find some constellations

Constellations are star groupings that the ancients thought looked like people, animals and creatures they were familiar with. Today, people still navigate by how the constellations appear to be aligned.

Armed with a book about the night stars or some information gleaned from the Internet, many of the constellations are easy to spot. Orion and the Big Dipper are just a couple of the easier to recognize systems.

Look for the Big Dipper

The Big Dipper, also called Ursa Major or “Big Bear,” is an important constellation for navigation purposes because connecting two of the stars in the system will always lead to Polaris, the North Star. Knowing that means one can always find north on a clear night.

The Big Dipper looks like a huge ladle with a curved handle and four stars that appear in a cup-like fashion. From our point of view on this planet, the constellation rotates around Polaris throughout the night.

To find Polaris, just connect the two stars furthest from the handle and draw an imaginary line from the bottom of the cup to the top. The next star you should see is Polaris, the North Star. Contrary to some perceptions, it does not shine brightly. But it is very consistent in its location.

Discover the Milky Way

Especially on summer nights, the Milky Way, our own galaxy, seems to stretch out across the night sky like a milky cloud. But this cloud is made up of millions of stars.

To view the Milky Way, it is almost better to look close to but not in the exact direction of the galaxy. Then, your eyes will be better able to pick up the contrast between the darkness of space and the soft glow of that sea of stars.

Tags: Activities, Astronomy, Bonding, Constellations, dating ideas, Midwest, Nature, Night Sky, Outdoor Recreation, Outdoors, Satellite, Shooting Star, Togetherness, watch meteor shower

by dcdatingdiva on Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 | Dating, Love | 5 Comments

I decided to come up with a funny, yet entertaining list of my “Top 10 First Dates Besides Dinner & a Movie”!!! Whether you choose one or all 10, make sure to make the most of your first date, relax, have fun, and meet in a public place! Happy Dating!!!

10. Ice Skating, roller skating or bicycling. - Even if you have never done any of these, it’s a great way to break the ice, get exercise, and to see if your date doesn’t take himself- or herself too seriously. We know most of us are bound to fall a few times, but can you laugh at yourself afterwards!!!

9. The Park - When it’s nice outside, and you have so many beautiful places to go in DC, the park can be a wonderful place. Take a blanket, some snacks, and enjoy. If you and your date aren’t making a connection, say something like ” I heard it’s going to storm today, maybe we should leave…and beat the storm.”

8. A Sporting Event - You have a ton to choose from, especially if you are a die-hard Wizards or Redskins fan. Sporting events are a great way to see if you are compatible, especially if you’re a sports freak…you can weed out the non-sports freaks with one date. Just don’t take your date to a baseball or hockey game. I’ve seen too many people get hit with flying pucks and baseballs…you wouldn’t want your date to end up with a black eye would you? or would you???

7. Dessert - I said besides dinner and a movie!!! Dessert can be fun with the right person. You can even make it sexy and feed each other. Just don’t get whipped cream topping items… or if you do, use them at your own discretion!

6. Museum - There are a ton of FREE museums in DC. You can look like you’re trying to be intellectual when you are really being cheap or are just broke. Your date will either think you are extremely progressive and smart or boring….either way you can’t lose because it’s FREE!!!

5. Happy Hour - If you are really trying to be cheap, there are a ton of free happy hours that offer free wine and snacks, as a ploy to get you in and spend more money. Just stick to the free stuff unless you are trying to impress your date!!!

4. Shooting Pool or Bowling - The good thing about Pool halls, is you can talk, drink, and watch your date bend over the table (that’s if you are really into him or her). If not, then maybe you should bowl. Either way, it’s a fun way to get your juices flowing and to have a little friendly competition. (i.e. if I make this shot you have to give me a kiss or buy me a shot)

3. Amusement Park - Although the really good one’s are far away, it’s a great way to scream, and act scared, and say stupid stuff like “no, that wasn’t me, it was the kid behind me, I swear!!!” I’m a big fan of Roller Coasters & bad Fair food.

2. A Walk - Walks can be cute and romantic. You can window-shop, stop & get food, and talk and learn a lot about each other. Just make sure you aren’t wearing 4inch stiletto’s (this goes for the guys too!)

1. Your Favorite Thing - Whatever it is that you like to do, do it. You may have more fun doing what you enjoy on a date, which may cause you to loosen up & relax. Whatever you do or wherever you go be safe and have fun!!!!

Tags: Dating, dating ideas, dating tips, first date, first dates