As the holiday season approaches, many enthusiasts will unwrap new telescopes, eager to explore the cosmos. From Christmas Day to New Year’s Eve in 2025, stargazers will enjoy prime viewing conditions, including a waxing crescent moon and the bright spectacle of Jupiter, often referred to as the “Christmas Star.” Additionally, the Wolf Supermoon will appear in the first week of January 2026, offering yet another opportunity for spectacular observations.
Setting up a telescope for the first time can be daunting, but taking it step by step can enhance the experience. Before diving into celestial wonders, ensure your telescope is properly assembled in daylight. Follow the instructions included in the box, making sure to level the tripod and familiarize yourself with the knobs and levers. A crucial step is aligning the finder with a distant object, such as a tree, ensuring what you see in both the finder and eyepiece match. This practice will facilitate a smoother stargazing experience later on.
Starting with the Moon
The moon serves as an excellent first target for novice astronomers. During the last week of December 2025, the crescent moon will be prominently visible in the evening sky, making it a perfect subject for practice. On Christmas Day, the moon will shine as a thick crescent in the southwest, gradually transitioning to first quarter on December 27, when it appears half-lit in the southern sky after dark.
Begin with the low-power 25mm eyepiece, which offers a wide field of view, making it easier to locate objects. If equipped with a red dot finder, direct it at the moon to see its bright reflection, then adjust the focus for clarity. Observing the terminator—the line between light and dark on the moon—will reveal shadowed craters and mountains. Transition to the medium-power 10mm eyepiece for a closer look, but aim to observe before the moon reaches full phase, as shadows diminish, making details harder to see.
Exploring the Winter Night Sky
The winter sky is rich with iconic constellations and deep-sky objects. Understanding the constellations is essential for navigating the night sky effectively. They act as regions where fascinating celestial bodies can be found. In late December and January, prominent constellations such as Orion, Taurus, Auriga, and Gemini dominate the southeastern sky, with Jupiter shining brightly within this region.
For Northern Hemisphere observers, locating Orion’s Belt can serve as a starting point. From there, trace a path to bright Capella in Auriga and continue to the Pleiades cluster. Observers in the Southern Hemisphere will see Orion in a different orientation, with Taurus nearby, and bright stars like Sirius and Canopus prominently displayed.
Once familiar with these constellations, using a telescope to explore star clusters or nebulae within them becomes significantly easier.
Observing Planets
Planets, unlike stars, do not twinkle, which can help in distinguishing them in the night sky. Jupiter and Saturn are particularly rewarding targets for new telescope owners during this season. Jupiter will be especially prominent, reaching opposition on January 10, 2026, when Earth is positioned between Jupiter and the sun. This alignment makes it appear closest, largest, and brightest.
To locate Jupiter, look east in the early evening for the brightest “star” near the twins of Gemini, Castor and Pollux. Center it in the finder, switch to the 25mm eyepiece, and focus until you see a clear disk. With the 10mm eyepiece, you may observe dark cloud bands and up to four of Jupiter’s moons—Ganymede, Callisto, Europa, and Io. Jupiter will be visible throughout the night in January, making it a prime target.
Saturn, while lower and fainter than Jupiter, will also be visible shortly after sunset in the southwestern sky. Use similar techniques to locate it, and enjoy the view of its iconic rings, which will appear edge-on during this time. Observers may also spot Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, nearby.
Key Observational Targets
For those exploring the Northern Hemisphere, the winter sky hosts numerous classic sights ideal for beginners. Notable targets include:
– Orion Nebula (M42) in Orion
– The Pleiades (M45) open cluster in Taurus
– Double Cluster (NGC 869 and NGC 884) in Perseus
– Beehive Cluster (M44) in Cancer
– Crab Nebula (M1) in Taurus
– Andromeda Galaxy (M31) in Andromeda
In the Southern Hemisphere, this period also features spectacular sights, including:
– Orion Nebula (M42) in Orion
– The Pleiades (M45) open cluster in Taurus
– Carina Nebula (NGC 3372)
– Southern Pleiades (IC 2602)
– Large and Small Magellanic Clouds
– Omega Centauri (NGC 5139)
After successfully using a telescope for the first time and witnessing the moon, Jupiter, and a few star clusters, it is essential to continue exploring gradually. Take advantage of clear nights, particularly those that occur between the last quarter moon and the new moon. As you become more familiar with the night sky, what initially appears as an overwhelming expanse of stars will transform into a well-charted landscape, enhancing your appreciation for the universe’s wonders.
