As Friday dawns at 4:27 AM, marking the astronomical onset of winter, celestial enthusiasts are in for a treat. Winter brings long nights and short days, perfect for observing the night sky. Seasons vary astronomically, by the calendar, and phenologically, reflecting nature’s cycles.
The Earth’s axial tilt and orbital movement around the Sun cause seasons. In the Northern Hemisphere, winter starts with the winter solstice on December 22 at 4:27 AM. Days shorten, nights lengthen, and the Sun appears low on the horizon.
Orion, a prominent winter constellation, boasts Betelgeza, recently involved in a rare astronomical event. The Orion’s Belt asterism aids in spotting Sirius, the brightest nighttime star. Notable star patterns include the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper.
Winter showcases most planets, with Saturn and Jupiter visible in the evening. Venus, the Morning Star, and Mercury grace the predawn sky. Mars, challenging to spot, aligns with Venus on February 22.
The Moon dances with planets throughout winter, forming stunning configurations on January 7-9, January 22, February 14-15, and March 13. Meteor enthusiasts can catch the Quadrantids meteor shower from December 28 to January 12.
Winter skies offer a celestial feast, from planetary alignments to meteor showers, promising awe-inspiring moments for stargazers.