Nature is magnificent, isn’t it? The skies hold so much wonder. Being beneath the stars has always been a romantic setting, but what are some other ways to enjoy the fullness of the universe together?

On Your Own

Midnight Picnic
Grab something warm to drink and put out a blanket so you can look at the stars, taking a flashlight and a star chart. Keep on eye on the moon cycles and go out on a picnic under a full moon. Make wishes on stars. See who can find the most shooting stars. Try to find planets and satellites with the naked eye.

Telescope
If you have the resources to pick up a telescope, don’t be afraid to try it. (Or just borrow somebody else’s if you can.) Look on astronomy websites for things to look at through the telescope, including specific stars, planets, or the surface of the moon. If you can’t get your hands on a telescope, binoculars are a close second and can be just as entertaining.

Study the Mythology of the Stars
Each constellation has a story to tell. Find a few of these stories together and try to find the constellations. Speculate on the chores of Hercules or the accuracy of the astrological signs. Make up your own silly or romantic mythologies for one another. If your date received their own constellation, what would it be and how did they earn it?

Guided Help

Museums
If there’s anything museums love, it’s space. Find a space exhibit or a science center focusing on the universe. Spend time taking tours, taking part in events and even crafts, and exploring exhibits.

Observatories
If you have an observatory nearby, it is worth checking out. Observatories allow you to take a look at nature using high-tech equipment. Find a local observatory and schedule a viewing. (Be aware that some observatories are seasonal.)

Planetarium
If you don’t feel like going through the trouble of researching the skies, have someone teach it to you. Planetariums give you a history of the skies, getting in-depth about the solar system. It’s a fun way to get educated about the universe and how it’s affected cultures and science alike.

Night Hikes
Some nature parks offer guided walks at night specifically for star-gazing. If you can’t find a park that does this, there is bound to be a hiking club in your area that does. If you can find a group that hikes at night, join them!

Special Gatherings
Some locations will hold gatherings for astronomical events such as eclipses, meteor showers, or things called star parties. These are usually ran by local astronomy groups that you can contact and take part in.

Other Fun Things Related to Space

Use an Astronomy Program
Star computer programs are chock-full of information and history. With a computer program, you can look up everything from different galaxies to what the skies looked like in 100 AD.

Sci-fi Themed Date
Just about any guy will appreciate this type of date. Make a date centered around his favorite sci-fi series, or watch old sci-fi films, or take part in sci-fi events. If you don’t like sci-fi but your date does, find an angle of sci-fi that you can enjoy together, such as video games or creating your own sci-fi universe.

Spell Out Messages With Glue-On Stars
Sneak into the bedroom and glue stars to the ceiling that spells a message. When your love turns out the light to go to bed, they are sure to have sweet dreams!

Name a Star
Forget sending in money just to get back a certificate that doesn’t really prove whether or not you got what you paid for. If you want to name a star after your love, a better way to do it is to pick a constellation that has beautiful mythology behind it, pick one of the stars in the constellation, and simply tell your love that the star is theirs. Explain in an elegant letter the story behind the constellation and why it reminds you of them.

Do Something Cosmic
Try an event that involves glowing in the dark, such as cosmic bowling or roller blading. You can also go online and buy glow in the dark sports equipment such as Frisbees, ping pong balls, golf balls, or even volleyballs. Wear glow bracelets and necklaces, or even pick up a strobe light.

People have enjoyed studying the skies for centuries, so be inspired to enjoy them with the one you care about.