January Night Sky

Once you wrap your arms around this piece of advice you may likely conclude I am nuts.

GET YOURSELF OUTSIDE AT NIGHT!

Yes, that's right; remove yourself from the cozy confines of a warm house replete with a fire in the hearth, a glass of Merlot and a classic movie on Netflix.  This is because cold temperatures create conditions for optimal sky watching and star gazing.  Cold air traps less moisture than warmer air resulting a clearer skies.  Combine this with longer evenings you can get outside long before your bedtime. 

There is a new moon on Saturday the 21st and without competition from light reflected by the moon there is less light pollution to interfere with your astronomical endeavors.

If you can find yourself outside of the city that's a bonus.  A rural location has less light pollution as a consequence of less competition from artificial light production.

Raising a toast to cold, clear winter skies identifying constellations and planets.  And put your comet-spotting to the test!

And remember there are no mosquitoes.....