For those who have recently received a telescope, the winter skies present an exciting opportunity to explore celestial wonders. Between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve 2025, a waxing crescent moon will grace the evening sky, accompanied by the bright planet Jupiter, often referred to as the “Christmas Star.” This period is ideal for beginners as it offers not just planetary views but also some of the best deep-sky objects, setting the stage for a rewarding astronomical experience.
Getting Started with Your Telescope
Before diving into stargazing, it’s essential to ensure your telescope is properly set up. Assemble it while it’s still light outside, following the instructions provided. Take your time to level the tripod, tighten all clamps, and familiarize yourself with the knobs and levers. A critical step is aligning the finder with a distant object, such as a tree. Once you have a clear view in both the finder and the eyepiece, your telescope will be ready for use. Setting up in daylight also allows the telescope to cool down, which enhances clarity during observations.
The first target for many new telescope owners is the moon, particularly during the last week of December 2025, when it is prominently visible. As the moon waxes from a thick crescent on Christmas Day to a first quarter on December 27, it provides an excellent opportunity for beginners to practice locating and focusing on bright objects.
Most beginner telescopes come equipped with two eyepieces: a 10mm and a 25mm. Starting with the lower power 25mm eyepiece is advisable. It offers a wider field of view, making it easier to locate the moon. Once centered, adjust the focus for clarity and observe the terminator—the line separating light and dark on the moon—where craters and mountains become visible. Switching to the 10mm eyepiece will enhance details, although it is best to view the moon before it reaches its first quarter phase, as shadows diminish after this point.
Navigating the Winter Sky
The winter night sky is rich with iconic constellations and deep-sky objects. While it may seem that telescopes ignore the patterns formed by stars, understanding constellations helps new owners navigate the night sky effectively. They serve as regions where various celestial objects can be found.
In late December 2025 and early January 2026, prominent constellations such as Orion, Taurus, Auriga, and Gemini will dominate the southeastern sky from the Northern Hemisphere. Jupiter will shine brightly within this area, acting as a guide. By locating Orion’s Belt and tracing upwards to bright Capella in Auriga, you can find the Pleiades open cluster (M45) in Taurus with ease. For those in the Southern Hemisphere, Orion appears rotated and is visible in the northeast, with Taurus nearby.
Once you become familiar with these constellations, pinpointing star clusters or nebulae becomes much simpler.
Observing planets can also be incredibly rewarding, particularly during this season with both Jupiter and Saturn visible. Jupiter will reach opposition on January 10, 2026, appearing at its brightest and largest. Look for the “star” that does not twinkle in the eastern sky, which is likely Jupiter. Utilizing the 25mm eyepiece first, then switching to the 10mm eyepiece, you may observe its cloud bands and up to four Galilean moons—Ganymede, Callisto, Europa, and Io—aligned near the planet.
Saturn, while lower in the southwestern sky shortly after sunset, is another highlight. Even a modest telescope will reveal its iconic rings. Begin with the low-power eyepiece to locate it, then switch to a higher magnification for a closer view.
For those new to astronomy, several notable deep-sky objects are ideal targets in the Northern Hemisphere during this season. The Orion Nebula (M42), Pleiades (M45), Double Cluster (NGC 869 and NGC 884), Beehive Cluster (M44), Crab Nebula (M1), and Andromeda Galaxy (M31) offer spectacular sights through a telescope.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the Orion Nebula and Pleiades also remain prominent, along with the Carina Nebula (NGC 3372), Southern Pleiades (IC 2602), the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, and Omega Centauri (NGC 5139).
As you continue to use your telescope, take your time to gradually build knowledge and experience. Clear, dark nights, particularly between the last quarter moon and the new moon, provide the best conditions for stargazing. Familiarity with the night sky transforms what once seemed like an overwhelming expanse of stars into a navigable map, enriching your experience as you explore the universe.
