Stargazing Live with CBeebies: A Dad's story

If you're a fan of Stargazing Live, you're probably as excited as we are about our brand new series CBeebies Stargazing, which will be on CBeebies from 6th-10th January, alongside the 'grown-up' version on BBC Two!

CBeebies dad Dave and his daughter Tiger, 7, were inspired by last year's Stargazing Live and have been watching the night skies ever since - here's Dave's blog about their stargazing experiences...

We live in Manchester, and went along to one of the BBC Stargazing Live events last year - we chatted to the experts and sat in the star tent looking at constellations - and from then on we were hooked! Since then, we've got some stargazing apps on our tablet and regularly scan the sky at night with our small telescope. On clear nights we'll often pop into the garden and see what we can see using a combination of the apps, telescope and binoculars.

It was my idea to try stargazing at first, but it just so happens that Tiger and I both enjoyed the thrill of it - being outdoors at night wrapped up warm and toasty. It's a completely different sensory experience at night, and whether you're in a local park or your own backyard, there's always the chance of catching a glimpse of a fox, or hearing the hoot of an owl so it's a great way to experience your local patch a bit differently. It also allows you to completely switch off and just gaze at the sky, which is quite relaxing!

I'd advise anyone to give it a go with their little ones. You don't need anything really in terms of equipment, the CBeebies Stargazing maps will start you off, or you can get some good books or apps that help to bring the night sky to life. The other thing you can do is to check out local events - Stargazing Live events are fabulous, and there are usually local clubs that will welcome you with open arms. BBC Things To Do also has listings for related events. Now's a great time to start, because of the bright, clear winter skies.

I think my interest in stars came from an early trip up to Scotland as a young lad - living in Manchester we get a lot of light pollution and the skies aren't as vivid, but going to Scotland and seeing the sheer vastness, blackness and brilliance of the stars - wow! It was a whole new world! Tiger's always had a love of stars - I'm very proud of the fact that I still, after seven years, have to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to her every night before she drops off, just as I've done since she was born. It may be an excuse to stay up a few minutes more now that she's older, but that doesn't bother me.

Our favourite stars have to be the constellation of Orion. Whenever we go out, it's the one we're always scanning for - I can navigate the whole sky from that belt!

Read more about the series and stargazing with your child on CBeebies Grown-ups.

Get your own CBeebies star charts and watch Stargazing tips from CBeebies favourites on the CBeebies Stargazing webpage.