Sierra Vandervort Archives - ϳԹ Online /byline/sierra-vandervort/ Live Bravely Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:17:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://cdn.outsideonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/favicon-194x194-1.png Sierra Vandervort Archives - ϳԹ Online /byline/sierra-vandervort/ 32 32 8 Winter Yoga Escapes /outdoor-adventure/hiking-and-backpacking/winter-yoga-retreats/ Sun, 24 Nov 2024 10:00:01 +0000 /?p=2689837 8 Winter Yoga Escapes

Stop running from the cold and revel in it instead

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8 Winter Yoga Escapes

Most winter yoga retreats chase the sun. But what if you decided to revel in the cold rather than evade it? There’s something profoundly therapeutic about snow-covered lakes and icy wildernesses, whether you want to venture into winter’s more introspective side or explore your more adventuresome side. The following getaways—whether domestic or international, rustic or glamorous—entice you to do exactly that.

8 Winter Yoga Retreats

  1. , Alaska
  2. , Norway
  3. , Canada
  4. , Utah
  5. , Wyoming
  6. , Chile
  7. , France
  8. , Colorado
skier going down a snowy mountain
(Photo: Brandon Cole | Tordillo Mountain Lodge)

Tordrillo Mountain Lodge

Tordrillo Mountains, Alaska

Nothing says winter adventure quite like taking advantage of a comprising one million acres of rugged Alaskan backcountry. Accessible only by sea plane, the off-the-grid destination co-founded by Olympic downhill skiing legend Tommy Moe features expert guides and pilots on deck.

Back at the , which is within sight of Denali, you can cold plunge in Judd Lake or linger in the lakeside hot tub beneath a starlit sky in between yoga classes where you stretch out your aches. Depending on your definition of wilderness luxe, you can opt for a private cabin or a lodge suite. Did we mention it’s only a 40-minute flight from Anchorage?

a kayaker in a bay with snowy mountains in the background
(Photo: InRetreat)

Norway Wellness Retreat

Manshausen, Norway

Imagine staying in a sea cabin set above wintry ocean waters with the Northern Lights dancing beyond the floor-to-ceiling glass walls. This bespoke Scandinavian adventure from Norwegian wellness brand and travel outfitter is the first in a series of wellness retreats that immerse travelers in the local culture. The debut retreat, which takes place in late February 2025 on the secluded Nordic island of Manshausen, delivers twice-a-day yoga practices led by . The rest of the time, you can opt to kayak through local fjords, hike to a Norse cave, stare into a fire, or linger over local, seasonal meals, depending on your preferred definition of (Norway’s answer to hygge).

a skier in a yellow jacket in the French Alps
(Photo: Banff Lake Louise Tourism/Reuben Krabb)

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Canada

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Located in Banff National Park amid the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is designed in a style reminiscent of the grand European resorts. A seat on a ski lift is a 10-minute drive away (beginners are welcome) although there’s also ice skating, sleigh rides among snow-draped trees, guided forest meditations, sound baths, and yoga in studios with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the scene outside to tempt you. When it’s not covered by snow, the namesake lake is a startling turquoise hue due to mineral-rich runoff from Victoria Glacier. The Chateau offers bottle refill stations with purified water from the lake and engages in negative environmental impact practices as part of its lease with Parks Canada.

a lodge in a middle of a snowy valley
(Photo: Lodge At Blue Sky)

The Lodge at Blue Sky

Park City, Utah

Located just 35 minutes from the Salt Lake City Airport, the mountain resort comprises 3,500 acres of Utah’s stunning Wasatch Range. Named Travel + Leisure’s number-one destination in Utah, The Lodge at Blue Sky delivers rustic elegance, open spaces, and expansive views of snow-dusted mountains and serene valleys.

Outdoor adventures let you commune with nature any way you like, whether horseback riding, snowmobiling, skiing, winter fishing, nordic skiing, even taking yoga in a yurt mid-snowshoe outing. There’s also the property’s Edge Spa, an aptly named cliffside facility perched on a precipice overlooking Alexander Creek. Locally inspired treatments and utilizes bloom-to-bottle ingredients sourced directly from the resort’s grounds or wild-harvested nearby. Its extensive schedule includes indoor and outdoor yoga classes, guided meditation, breathwork classes, and sessions at the Edge Sanctuary, dedicated to energetic and vibrational healing sessions.

Woman in an infinity pool overlooking snow-covered mountains
(Photo: Amangani)

Amangani, Wyoming

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Framed by panoramic views of the Snake River Valley, Amangani captures the spirit of the Old Wyoming West with its sandstone architecture and untamed winter adventures, including an array of skiing and snowboarding options, fat tire biking, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and guided snowshoe wildlife expeditions. There’s also ice skating and sleigh riding to round out the options.

From a more restorative perspective, the resort’s Wellness Centre offers the anticipated amenities including includes four redwood-paneled treatment rooms and eucalyptus steam rooms as well as a heated outdoor pool with views of the surrounding mountains. It’s truly a choose-your-own-adventure approach to finding your peace.

a group of people in a snowy hot tub
(Photo: Valle Nevado)

Valle Nevado, Chile

Andes Mountains, near Santiago, Chile

Located in Chile’s Andes Mountains, Valle Nevado averages 230 inches of snow during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter and delivers world-class slopes. Located an hour and a half from Santiago, the resort delivers a spa, yoga and stretching classes both before and after hitting the slopes, and a heated outdoor pool with an enviable view.

There are three properties that comprise Valle Nevado: Hotel Valle Nevado boasts ski-in/ski-out access directly from the lobby, Hotel Puerta Del Sol offers family-friendly accommodations and entertainment, and Hotel Tres Puntas offers friend-friendly lodging where you can bunk with up to three of your friends.

a snowy city at night in the French alps
(Photo: Six Senses)

Six Senses Courchevel

Courchevel 1850, French Alps

Experience the single , with ample uncrowded expert runs and terrain that accommodates every skill level for skiers and snowboarders alike at Six Senses Courchevel.Off the mountain and its renowned powder, Six Senses helps you relax via the unexpected, including an to create sensory-minded elixirs, a Kneipp foot bath therapy, and an outdoor hot tub. You can also receive a personalized yoga and pranayama (breathwork) program tailored to your personal schedule. The property also draws on to help ensure guests experience proper sleep and has rigorous in place. Plus, it being France, you can trust that there will be no need to complain about the food.

A log cabin covered in snow at Beyuls Retreats in Colorado
(Photo: Beyul)

Beyul Retreat

Meredith, Colorado

Tucked away on 23 acres of pristine wilderness, this backcountry lodge an hour from Aspen is a common destination for yoga retreats and invites guests to explore quiet, snowy landscapes through led excursions on snowshoe and cross-country ski and snowmobile. Recovery here can also include contrasts, such as alternating sessions of hot and cold therapy sessions, wood-fired saunas and invigorating cold plunges.

Beyond everyday yoga and physical rejuvenation, guests can engage in transformative cacao ceremonies, tap into creativity through art classes, and explore dream-focused workshops.With Wi-Fi-free cabins, the lodge offers a proper digital detox, giving guests a much-needed break from the demands of modern life.

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11 Yoga Festivals You Need to Know About /adventure-travel/news-analysis/best-yoga-festivals-2023/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 16:13:47 +0000 /?p=2634104 11 Yoga Festivals You Need to Know About

There’s learning, connecting with self and others, and did we mention dance parties?

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11 Yoga Festivals You Need to Know About

If you’ve been to a yoga festival, you know the hum that takes place. Everywhere you look, there’s activity. Attendees are unrolling their mats on the grass, lecturers are offering insights, vendors are sharing artisanal wares, and food trucks are dishing out their creations. As the sun goes down, the live music becomes louder and the learning shifts to dancing. It’s an unparalleled experience.

In recent years, yoga festivals have evolved to appeal to those of all experience levels and interests. Some focus on traditional practices while others are more new age-y and “glittery.” Whether you’re just starting yoga or are years into your practice, there is a festival that will vibe with you.

Although each yoga festival has its own distinct personality, they all share the common threads of connection, presence, and celebration. The following list explores 11 annual yoga festivals along with some of the history and highlights of each.

11 Yoga Festivals You Need to Know About

 

An Instagram post from the Bend Yoga Festival 2023

1. Bend Yoga Festival

Bend, Oregon | June 8-11, 2023

Explore the majesty of the Cascade Mountains at . Situated in the beautiful mountain town of Bend, Oregon, this festival features a focused mix of world-class presenters, wellness sessions, and outdoor adventures.

This year, the Bend Yoga Festival moves to Riverbend Park, offering direct access to the flowing Deschutes River, stunning mountain views, and more than 15,000 square feet of lawn. During the festival, attendees can explore nearby natural attractions, such as the lava caves and . Join a guided hike to the top of Smith Rock, followed by a yoga practice and local brew tasting, or take to the river in an open paddle class.

Throughout the weekend, you can join international and locally loved presenters including and for afternoon yoga sessions at participating local yoga studios, all within walking distance of the main venue. You can also schedule your own yoga photo shoot with acclaimed photographer . Lodging isn’t included, so you’ll want to find a stay at a local Airbnb, campsite, or hotel.

2. Telluride Yoga Fest

Telluride, Colorado | June 22-25, 2023

For a fully immersive yoga experience, the is not to be missed. The four-day event offers more than 100 classes, including yoga, meditation, music, hiking, wellness talks, and social gatherings. The event takes place amid the intimate setting of a small village nestled at the base of the Telluride Mountains, surrounded by rugged peaks, mountain air, and crisp blue skies.

Start your day with a mountain-top meditation, hike the fan-favorite Jud Wiebe memorial trail, practice standup paddleboard (SUP) yoga on Elk Lake, or simply sleep-in. With its new campus in Mountain Village, connected to the historic Town of Telluride via a free gondola, the festival provides a unique gathering that’s entirely removed from the hubbub of everyday life. The festival has hosted some of the most well-seasoned yoga teachers, including , , , , and .

Telluride offers a selection of hotels, condos, and private residences that cater to every budget.

 

3. LoveShinePlay

Asheville, North Carolina | July 20-23, 2023

The , formerly known as the Asheville Yoga Festival, is a four-day event held in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. The festival offers an expansive schedule that includes more than 70 styles of offerings, including Bhakti and anatomy, Kundalini and Yin, and everything in between.

Asheville is considered the wellness capital of the South, and the festival takes advantage of its surroundings, allowing attendees to expand their knowledge and practice in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Throughout the weekend, attendees can experience lectures on practical astrology, Ayurvedic yoga classes, “yin yoga and story time,” plus classes and concerts from and .

Classes are dispersed around Asheville in hotels, community centers, and outdoor stages, all walkable from the marketplace. The central hub for the festival, the marketplace features 60-plus hand-selected vendors offering high-quality wellness products. You’ll also find food trucks, free community events, and outdoor spaces to rest.

LoveShinePlay started in 2016 as the Asheville Yoga Festival and has since grown to include partnerships with Lululemon and Yoloha. In 2024, the festival will expand and offer a similar incarnation in Charleston.

 

4. OM Festival

Manchester, Vermont | July 26-30, 2023

Dance, flow, and play your way to wellness at the annual , a summerfest held on 150-plus mountainside acres overlooking the Battenkill River. Also known as the Vermont Yoga Festival, it offers five days of yoga, meditation, dance, and flow arts classes where festival-goers can flow, play, and groove.

The OM Festival combines natural beauty and historic charm. Classes take place in a 200-year-old barn on the expansive private grounds and in the perfectly coiffed meditation garden. At night, the festival comes alive with music and embodiment celebrations, including kirtan, bhakti yoga, and ecstatic dance DJs.

Most guests stay on-site, either at , the hub of the festival, or camp in a private field or alongside the river (river camp sites are limited and sell out quickly). Those staying at the inn can expect romantic, antique-y rooms, mountain views, and farm-fresh dining.

 

5. Soul Circus

Elmore, UK | August 17-20, 2023

somehow manages to be both healthy and hedonistic. And somehow it works. Spearheaded by the charismatic founders, Roman and Ella Wroath, Soul Circus is a holistic yoga, arts, and music festival set in the rural countryside of Cotswold, United Kingdom. The combination of yoga asana, wellness workshops, and live music is undeniably more glittery wellness rave than traditional yoga festival. With its world-renowned DJs and afterparties that last until 2 am, Soul Circus wants to help you tune in and let loose.

By day, stretch out in yoga tents dotted along the countryside or join sought-after yoga instructors and wellness practitioners in any of the 300-plus wellness sessions, including cacao ceremonies, astral projection, lucid dreaming, and ecstatic dance. It’s a chance to indulge your woo-woo side.

As the light fades, the festival takes on an entirely different vibe. DJs set the skies alight with exhilarating music and dance. Those who need a reset after a marathon dance session can settle into a wood-fired hot tub or sauna at the on-site Soul Spa, which also offers daytime holistic therapy sessions.

Soul Circus is an undoubtedly energetic and unique yoga experience.

6. Dirty South Yoga Festival

Atlanta, Georgia | August 25-27, 2023

The , held at the end of August, is a homegrown celebration that’s all about promoting community and mindfulness in a way that embraces the “rough around the edges” energy of the South.

Founded in 2013 by a group of Atlanta-based yoga teachers, Dirty South Yoga arose from a need for authentic connection in the wellness community. The group cites the Zen Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh and his famous saying “No mud, no lotus” as a foundational inspiration and will be the first to admit they’re not prim and proper. They regularly practice falling and try to show up to themselves, their practice, and each other as best they can.

The festival takes place at The Loudermilk Conference Center in downtown Atlanta, where participants can revel in an entire weekend of workshops, classes, and activities. Founder has said she knows what it’s like to long for connection in the yoga world, and with Dirty South Yoga, she hopes to provide a place of support, guidance, and friendship. It’s yoga, real and raw.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CoYRp9NPMgR/

7. Mammoth Yoga Festival

Mammoth Lakes, California | September 14-17, 2023

is a getaway for those seeking adventure, growth, and connection in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Every September, it offers “yoga and meditation for every body, every age, and every ability,” making it accessible to all who wish to make the pilgrimage.

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a yoga teacher seeking to expand your understanding of how to share the practice, Mammoth Festival shares an array of classes to help you develop your practice. Anyone can attend early morning sessions on creative yoga sequencing, the power of cueing, and decolonizing yoga. And every night, the Vendor Village Market lights up with performances from mystically-minded musicians, which included , , and in recent years.

Weekend asana and meditation classes from teachers such as and will help you settle a restless spirit and immerse yourself in the present. Also, presentations from yoga and health institutions such as Mammoth Hospital and the work trade and job opportunity website, , allow instructors to diversify their teaching tools beyond advanced asana. The festival is recognized as an approved Continuing Education Provider by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, making it an excellent opportunity for yoga and fitness professionals to gain needed continuing education credits.

8. Lamu Yoga Festival

Lamu Island, Kenya | October 25-29, 2023

From sunrise yoga sessions on pristine beaches to moonlit meditations beneath the stars, emphasizes total, undisturbed bliss. This celebration of yoga, culture, and tranquility happens in the coastal region of Kenya and immerses in a world of serenity, culture, and mindful exploration.

Yoga, breathwork, and meditation are taught at a dozen unique venues and studios. Discover the allure of Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its charming architecture and captivating history. With no cars in sight and donkeys and boats instead dotting the landscape, the scene creates a true escape from the everyday. Experience the local culture and traditions through an awe-inspiring opening ceremony on the beach, a traditional Kenyan dinner, a scenic sailing trip, and a mesmerizing bonfire to close your journey.

 

9. International Yoga Festival

Banks of Ganges River, India | March 2024

A week-long celebration of yoga and meditation, the in Rishikesh, India, attracts thousands of people from around the world to the birthplace of yoga. Nestled among the Himalayas on the banks of the holy River Ganga, the festival takes place at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, one of the largest interfaith yoga institutions in India. It’s a tranquil environment where participants can connect with themselves and their spiritual practice.

The aim of the International Yoga Festival is to “expand global consciousness and bring healing back to the planet, one person at a time.” In support of that, it hosts some of the greatest teachers from both eastern and western lineages of yoga, making it an ideal pilgrimage for dedicated students looking to connect with the origins of the practice.

The extensive schedule includes a mind-boggling array of activities, from early morning kundalini sadhana to evening kirtan and everything in between, including asana classes and talks. It regularly draws more than 2000 participants from 80 countries, offering a unique opportunity to come together and share in the transformative power of yoga. The festival’s emphasis on the origins of the practice is a testament to yoga’s enduring spirit, influence, and ability to unite people in the pursuit of growth and well-being.

10. Sedona Yoga Festival

Sedona, Arizona | April 2024

Many believe that certain locations on the planet experience a higher vibrational energy than others. With its seven vortices, or energy centers, Sedona is one of those places. The , now in its tenth year, draws on this enigmatic energy to foster community and spiritual growth.

Billed as a “consciousness evolution conference,” the festival boasts an impressive roster of speakers and rich coursework and continues to be a pioneer of large-scale mindful events in the United States. Workshops and immersions take place amid Sedona’s mystical landscape and world-class performing arts facilities and offer opportunities to explore all eight limbs of yoga.

Attendees can gather in the mornings for a communal ceremony before dispersing into lectures or desert excursions. There are more than 100 sessions to choose from, including yoga practices amid the red rocks. Evenings feature keynote addresses from top-tier spiritual minds, lectures, sacred chanting sessions, and live entertainment.

11. BaliSpirit

Ubud, Bali | May 2024

If practicing yoga in Bali is your dream, the in Ubud may be the ultimate destination. Held annually at the , this three-day “spirit festival” encompasses yoga, dance, martial arts, breathwork, personal development, and more, making it a catalyst for transformation.

A magnet for conscious travelers and spiritual seekers, BaliSpirit has grown considerably since it was founded in 2008, bringing economic growth and evolution to the town of Ubud. Held in a traditional Balinese open-air venue surrounded by wildlife and flanked by a sacred river, the fest offers a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with themselves, others, and the surroundings.

The holistic approach of the festival is reflected in its more than 150 workshops representing different styles of yoga (including Hatha, Yin, Anusara, and Ashtanga) as well as other types of movement (Capoeira, Qi Gong, Silat, Poi, Laughter, and hula hooping). Each night ends with a musical lineup of global performers, creating an intimate concert experience leading to deeper connections and sacred celebration.

About Our Contributor

Sierra is a writer, yogi, and music lover living in the Pacific Northwest. She’s been practicing yoga for nearly a decade & got certified to teach in 2018. She writes and teaches all about connection: connection to the body, to nature, and to the universal love that holds us together. She’s also the author of , a moon magic journal and witchy workbook.

For free yoga and witchy wisdom, find Sierra at , on Instagram , and on .

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The 6 Best Stargazing Apps /health/wellness/best-stargazing-apps/ Sun, 30 Apr 2023 10:00:31 +0000 /?p=2628442 The 6 Best Stargazing Apps

How to satiate your curiosity about the cosmos

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The 6 Best Stargazing Apps

For millennia, humans have peered into the night sky in an attempt to understand—or maybe just marvel at—the cosmos. Although there’s a simple beauty in experiencing stars and planets with the naked eye, we’ve devised enhancements along the way, whether polished crystals in ancient times or telescopes during the Renaissance. But these approaches have got nothing on stargazing apps.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced stargazer, you can immerse yourself in the mythology of constellations, experience the swirling gas and dust of a nebula, even catch a close-up of a satellite in space with stargazing apps. The ones that follow offer otherworldly opportunities to explore—and understand—objects in the night sky. Most apps offer a free version.

The 6 Best Stargazing Apps

Constellations drawing on purple sky
(Photo: Courtesy of Nightsky)

1. Night Sky, $5.99 (premium version)

Lauded as the “overall most popular stargazing app on iOS,” Night Sky provides a truly humbling experience of the cosmos. The free app includes a real-time sky map that updates as you move your device, as well as a virtual reality feature that lets you explore nebulas, constellations, and planets in 3D. One of the few apps fitted for macOS, Night Sky also allows you the profound experience of your personal planetarium on the big screen. And it’s available in 68 languages.

If you’re interested in humankind’s contribution to the cosmos, Night Sky enables you to zoom in on various spacecraft, such as Sputnik 1 and The Space Shuttle, and Explorer 1.

Ranked an “Editors’ Choice” on the app store, Night Sky has drawn more than 1,300 reviews since it was launched in 2000. “​​I’ve been using Night Sky for a long little while now,” says one user. “I’ve gone through 5-6 apps before I was happy with my choice. Overall it’s the best app to use for everyone who likes astronomy.”

Skyview stargazing app

2. SkyView, $2.99

Since it launched in 2011, 3.2 million users have downloaded the SkyView stargazing app. It allows you to point your device at the sky and instantly identify stars, galaxies, satellites, and other celestial objects.

The app uses your device’s camera and augmented reality technology to overlay images and annotations on your camera screen in plainspoken terms. Click on a star or constellation and you’ll learn the object’s name, a few facts, and specifics about its position in the sky. Hitting the info button will deliver even more information on the celestial body’s history, mythology, and And it requires no data signal, which means it remains functional when you’re camping in remote locations.

SkyView includes a version suitable for Apple Watch, plus a handy “today” widget that alerts you of this evening’s biggest and brightest objects. The app is available only in English.

One reviewer raved, “This is one of the most incredible and incredibly simple pieces of technology I’ve ever found!! Entertain friends or yourself, this tool will keep you busy all night.”

Shot of Starwalk app: abstract sun and moon on dark sky

3. Star Walk 2, $2.99 (premium version)

If you’ve ever wanted to time travel, you can do exactly that with Star Walk 2’s feature that allows you to voyage forward or backward in time and explore the cosmos on any given date. You can also zoom in from different angles to experience vivid high-definition details.

There’s also no shortage of background information on the phases of the moon, meteor showers, and other astronomical events. The free version offers the same functionality plus the occasional ad.

One reviewer recounts his decades-long crush on the app: “As a kid, I loved opening up the original Star Walk app on my grandparents’ iPad. It filled me with wonder and stirred my imagination.”

Stellarium stargazing app screenshot

4. Stellarium Mobile, $18.99 (plus version)

The Stellarium Mobile has a minimalist interface that helps you identify celestial objects in seconds, making it particularly user-friendly for kids. The curious-minded can rely on the search function to explore the app’s catalog of more than 600,000 stars, planets, constellations, satellites, and other deep-sky objects. Prepare to lose yourself in the zoom function on the Milky Way.

The app can also readily switch between northern and southern hemispheres, making it ideal for travelers. The paid version allows you more access to deep space as well as a zoom function that delivers atmospheric conditions and planetary details such as the shadows of Saturn’s rings. The app was conceived by the creator of Stellarium, the open-source planetarium.

One reviewer attests, “Stellarium is by far the best general-purpose astronomy application for iPhone.” Another adds, “In this app I finally found the pocket star atlas I’ve been looking for. Not too heavy on eye candy, and instead full of features I need for observation sessions, well thought-out right at your fingertips.”

View of mars position and constellation drawing
(Photo: Courtesy of GoSky Watch)

5. GoSkyWatch Planetarium, $3.99

For those who prefer an unadulterated night sky experience, GoSkyWatch Planetarium offers a minimum of text overlay. It also includes an array of features that allow you to set your view for various cities and set reminders for upcoming astronomical events, such as meteor showers and eclipses.

Its touch-free indication means all of the information populates while you move the screen—great for cooler nights when your other hand is in your pocket or when you have a beverage in hand.

One reviewer explains, “Fantastic!!! Best program of its kind that I have found. The more I use it the more I discover things that it is capable of doing. I input my own location with a high degree of accuracy and find extremely good accuracy in everything else that it calculates. The display is very realistic as to the relative brightness of the stars and constellations, just the way you see them. Being able to choose between ordinary time, the mean solar day or sidereal days is very useful.”

Screenshot of Photopills
(Photo: Courtesy of PhotoPills)

6. PhotoPills $10.99

If catching the perfect pic of a starry night sky is your M.O., is your ideal companion. The comprehensive photography app has become incredibly popular among night sky photographers and astro-enthusiasts for its ability to assist with planning photo shoots. The app provides detailed information on the position of your target, as well as its movement throughout the day. It also includes a planner that enables you to schedule your shots in advance. With its 3D augmented reality tool, you can preview whether the Sun, Moon, and Milky Way will align with your desired position long before taking the shot.

One reviewer touts it as “the best astrophotography app ever.” Another hails it as “a ‘must have’ if you want to capture a gorgeous sunset, a oon shot, and/or the Milky Way in any location.”

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How to Watch the Lyrid Meteor Shower in Late April /health/wellness/lyrid-meteor-shower-april-2023/ Sun, 16 Apr 2023 10:00:03 +0000 /?p=2626754 How to Watch the Lyrid Meteor Shower in Late April

Chances are you can catch the nighttime spectacle from your backyard

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How to Watch the Lyrid Meteor Shower in Late April

You already know how essential it is to immerse yourself in the quiet and spacious plane of nature, away from the hyper-stimulation of contemporary life. When you stand at the threshold of something vast and untamed, you can’t help but see beyond yourself and experience a certain sense of awe.

One inexpensive and accessible way to experience that marvel is witnessing the upcoming Lyrid meteor shower, whichcan be seen from almost anywhere on the planet. Visible to the naked eye, the annual show usually occurs between April 16 and 25. This year’s shower is expected to peak between April 21 and 22 and occurs just after the , the lunar phase when the moon appears hidden. This means conditions will be especially dark and favorable to sighting meteors. Observers can typically catch an average of ten or more “shooting stars” per hour during this peak time.

What is a Meteor Shower?

A short science lesson may come in handy. A meteor shower occurs when the Earth passes through a stream of rocky debris left behind by a comet on its orbit around the Sun. These debris trails, known as meteoroid streams, are composed of tiny comet crumbs that can range from the size of a grain of sand to a small boulder. When these particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere, friction from the air generates heat and the particles combust, creating a shimmering display of “shooting stars.”

Because the Earth intersects the comet’s path, meteor showers are cyclical and occur at fairly regular intervals. They typically take the name of the constellation from which they originate. The Lyrids’ namesake constellation is Lyra, which is a small collection of stars that resembles a lyre, or an ancient musical instrument similar to a harp. (Although some would say the constellation more closely mimics a necktie made from a parallelogram attached to a triangle.)

Where to Watch the Lyrid Meteor Shower?

The only prerequisites for witnessing the Lyrid meteor shower are a cloudless night sky and minimal light pollution. Stargazers can expect to see meteors from nightfall through just before dawn. Allow about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark before you face east and take in as wide an expanse of sky as possible. Gaze in the direction of Vega, the brightest star in the constellation Lyra. In northern latitudes, Lyra appears almost directly overhead around midnight this time of year. In the southern hemisphere, it appears lower in the northern sky.

Then simply look for a flash or a streak in the night sky.

Chances are you’ll be able to experience the Lyrids from your backyard, although you can increase the likelihood of sightings by distancing yourself from city lights and seeking out a , known for the protected nocturnal environment. The International Dark Sky Association provides for locating parks closest to you.

The following dark sky parks are among those that provide optimal viewing conditions:

  • : Chihuahuan Desert, Texas
  • Monroe County, Florida
  • Moab, Utah
  • Lone Pine, California
  • : Alamosa County, Colorado

RELATED: How to Photograph Meteor Showers

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