With clear night skies and stargazing being back in the public eye with the Live events taking place across the country here are a few thoughts on how to avoid shivering too much and having the best outdoor clothing when enjoying the night sky whether it’s looking at the Moon, the stars or satellites orbiting the Earth.

Simply put we want to stay warm and like most outdoor activities the first principle to follow is layering, so that you are trapping layers of air which then warm up. Various studies have taken place on this, but one by the U.S. Army found that “dead air space” held in place by tiny fibres was the most effective way to insulate the body. In the daytime hikers and skiers recognize this and need light, flexible materials that can wick perspiration away from the body so it can evaporate without the wearer becoming clammy and cold. Even through stargazing isn’t exactly athletic the same principles can be followed

More thin layers are often a better approach than less thick ones, as you will trap more layers of air, and then top it all off with a good outer layer that is windproof and maybe offers options to close off the waist, sleeves and hood areas by using ties or studs.

Remember to cover your body evenly; you won’t feel warm even with three or four layers on top if all you are wearing below the waist is a pair of jeans and thin cotton socks and trainers. Lined trousers or even long underwear may be par for the course, depending on the location you are going to be in for the night.

Don’t forget to protect all your extremities, (no sniggering at the back), as fingers, ears, toes and nose will freeze first. Boots if possible should be well insulated, but since you won’t be doing any climbing up hill and down dale they do not have to be as rugged. Many participants find that ‘Moon Boots’ are ideal, as they often have insulated soles as well, but if not spend that little bit of extra cash on some good socks. After all it is surprising how much heat is lost through the feet into the ground by conduction through the soles of your shoes. I know that one myself after years of standing on football terraces across the country.

Protecting the fingers and hands can be an issue because they are required to alter eyepieces, make notes and so on. My favourite is to wear a pair of thinner gloves inside a pair of bigger mittens. These than can be removed as and when required but don’t leave my fingers exposed to the elements.

Obvious areas to cover up are the head and neck, so a good scarf and woolly hat are essential, even if you have a big parka hood as this can get in the way.

Remember that circulation is important, especially to hands and feet, and that anything that feels too tight when worn could lead to you feeling frozen very quickly, so whatever you need to enjoy the night skies, here at Outdoor Look we have a range of the best outdoor clothing at the best prices between here and Orion.