Wonders of the Winter sky

Presentation by Robert Fealey

This presentation invites audiences to explore the crisp, brilliant spectacle of the winter night sky, renowned for harboring some of the brightest stars and most iconic constellations of the year. Guided by the unmistakable figure of Orion the Hunter, attendees will discover how to navigate the heavens using the Winter Hexagon—an expansive asterism linking stellar powerhouses like Sirius, Betelgeuse, and Rigel—while unveiling deep-sky wonders such as the glowing Orion Nebula and the Pleiades star cluster. The session also addresses the unique advantages of winter stargazing, from longer, darker nights to unusually clear atmospheric conditions, while offering essential tips on equipment and cold-weather preparation. Designed for stargazers of all skill levels, this talk equips viewers with the knowledge to step outside and confidently decipher the season’s magnificent celestial canvas.

Observing:

Public Sky Observing of the young Moon – 2.3 days after New Moon, planets Saturn Neptune Uranus bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club.

What to expect at Public Sky Observing – click here.

Reload this page before you leave for the event. Event can be cancelled in case of cloudy weather or another reason.

Moon on Friday December 11 evening

Credit: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

Resources: In the Sky December/2026, Phases of the Moon 2026, Planets rise and set 12/11, Sun and Moon 12/11, Sun today, Holidays 2026
Moon Features You Can See From Earth,
Messier list, Caldwell list, Double stars list, Carbon stars list

☿ – Mercury, ♀ – Venus, ♂ – Mars, ♃ – Jupiter, ♄ – Saturn, ⛢ – Uranus, ♆ – Neptune

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