Christmas is a magical time, especially after dinner when the gifts are unwrapped. One last gift to enjoy is the beauty of the winter night sky. Why not gather with friends and family for a Christmas stargazing adventure? The night sky has plenty to offer, from twinkling constellations to bright planets and the moon.
If you received a telescope, binoculars, or a camera this Christmas, you’re in luck! These tools can help you explore the stars and planets. Check out this expert guide for beginners in astronomy. It includes tips on how to take stunning night sky photos and even apps to help you find specific stars and planets.
What to See in the Sky on Christmas Night
After sunset on December 25, the night sky transforms into a dazzling display, especially from a dark location. Look to the southwest shortly after dusk. A beautiful crescent moon, lit up at 35%, will be visible in the winter sky. Nearby, you’ll find Saturn, shining brightly as the evening star. For reference, the width of your fist at arm’s length represents about 10 degrees of the sky, while three fingers give you around 5 degrees. This will help you locate these celestial bodies.
If you have a telescope, you might catch sight of Saturn’s largest moons, like Rhea, Titan, Tethys, and Dione. Unfortunately, Saturn’s famous rings will appear as a thin line due to their current edge-on view from Earth.
The crescent moon will look stunning to the naked eye and even more remarkable through a telescope. You can explore the vast lava plains on the moon, like Mare Crisium and Mare Fecunditatis, which are visible from Earth.
From the U.S., Saturn and the moon will set around 11 p.m. Next, turn your gaze eastward to spot Jupiter, which will shine brightly in the constellation Gemini, near the stars Castor and Pollux. Jupiter will be the second brightest object in the night sky, following the moon. Throughout the night, you can also find Orion twinkling nearby with the Hyades and Pleiades clusters visible in the Taurus constellation.
Now, let’s look north for Polaris, the North Star. It’s roughly at the altitude equal to your latitude, so it will appear higher or lower in the sky based on your location. You can easily locate Polaris using the Big Dipper, one of the most recognizable asterisms in the night sky. Draw a line from the outer edge of the Big Dipper’s “pan” through its pouring lip star, leading you to Polaris.
As the night progresses, you’ll notice the entire sky seems to revolve around this point of light, offering a breathtaking view akin to a time-lapse star trail portrait.
So, grab a blanket, some hot cocoa, and enjoy the stunning beauty of the Christmas sky! It’s a perfect way to end the holiday celebration.
