You may have participated in one of Brendan Bronzan’s Sidewalk Astronomy events throughout the summer, but the 33-year-old Cornwallite, astronomy buff, and founder of Speaking of Space would like you to know that winter is the best time for stargazing. Check out his suggestions for winter sky sightings.
Start by following these steps: First, find the Big Dipper and face it. Then, turn 180 degrees, lay down and look up. This map (below) is what you should see. Finally, follow the map and enjoy the night sky!
Orion Constellation
This is one of the most recognizable constellations ever and it’s only out in the winter months. The top star, called Betelgeuse, is a massive red supergiant. It could supernova (blow up) at any point. I’m just waiting for it.
Orion Nebulla
The Orion Nebulla is made up of a huge collection of gas and dust. It’s like a stellar buffet. There’s so much stellar material—hydrogen gas specifically—that it is the perfect environment for new stars to form.
Taurus Constellation
This constellation makes a “V” in the sky. The brightest star in Taurus is Alderbaran, which is the 14th brightest star in the sky. It’s red and it’s the eye of Taurus, the bull. I think it’s just kind of neat.
Pleides Constellation
The Pleides, also known as the Seven Sisters are seven very bright stars packed into a very small area. And they’re so close that some of the stellar gas surrounding them is illuminated by the stars.
Sirius A Star
I picked this one because it’s the brightest star in the sky. It looks like it’s flickering because the atmosphere distorts it. Fun fact: the Sirius System is gradually moving closer to Earth which means it’s getting brighter all the time.
