Solo Naturalist – Stars Around us

Introduction

On this solo journey, we will try to make a few quiet companions along the way.
For our first week, we turn our gaze upward — to the night sky — and begin building a friendship with the stars.

The night sky has always fascinated humanity. For our ancestors, the stars were not just beautiful — they were essential. The rising and setting of certain stars marked the beginning of seasons and guided travel, agriculture, and survival. Even today, if you explore local weather traditions in Qatar, you will find that seasonal changes are still associated with the appearance of specific stars.

In our modern world of GPS and digital clocks, we no longer depend on the stars in the same way. Yet, they continue to hold a deeper, more poetic meaning.

When you look up at the Moon tonight, remember this: someone you care about, somewhere far away, may be looking at the very same Moon.

Though you cannot see each other, your gazes meet there — quietly, across distance.
There is something profoundly beautiful about that.

Initial Program

1. What You Need
– A sketchbook and pencil
– Stellarium Web or Stellarium Mobile

2. A Lazy Friday
Option 1 (Recommended)
Watch Episode 1 of Cosmos: A Personal Voyage by Carl Sagan

This is one of the most iconic astronomy series ever created. Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything — just experience the wonder.
Option 2 (For younger members or light viewing)
Kainaat Kids (Universe Kids). Most episodes have English subtitles. Start with season 01. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EljKU_fi8Ok
Option 3
A Traveler’s Guide to the Planets (National Geographic)

3. Observe Venus in the Evening Sky
When: Just after sunset (~6:00 PM)
Where: Look toward the western horizon
How to find it:
– Choose a location with a clear view to the west (no buildings/trees blocking)
– As the sky darkens, the first bright “star” you see is Venus
Figure 1 Venus at 18:10, 27th March 2026

4. Viola!
If you spot Venus — congratulations!
If not:
– Try again the next day
– Move to a more open location (park/open ground)
– Check for clouds or haze

5. Make a Sketch
Once you find Venus:
– Take out your sketchbook
– Draw the scene around you
– Mark the position of Venus clearly

Don’t worry about artistic skill — this is about observation, not perfection

6. Neighbors of Venus
As the sky gets darker:
– Look carefully around Venus
– Identify bright nearby stars
Your task:
– Add these stars to your sketch
– Pay attention to:
– Relative distance
– Relative position

7. Celebrate & Compare
Head back home and enjoy a quiet moment.
– Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee
– Open Stellarium
Now compare:
– Does your sketch match the sky in the app?
– Can you identify the stars near Venus?
Tap/click stars in the app to find their names
Label them on your sketch
Final step:
– Write your name and time of observation
– Take a photo of your sketch
– Share it in the group

8. Contemplate
– Was it easy to find Venus? Why?
– Did your sketch match the Stellarium view?
– What surprised you the most?
– Share your thoughts and feelings!
Helpful Links
a. Glenn Chapel’s Observing Basics: Sketching 101 –
https://www.astronomy.com/observing/glenn-chaples-observing-basics-sketching-
101/
b. Astronomy Sketching Stars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i3yvVW_38Q