Greetings to the Society,
Happy New Year, everyone! 🌟
I hope you all made it through the holidays with minimal cloud cover, functional eyepieces, and only a reasonable number of telescope accessories added to your wish list.
January and February are often thought of as the “quiet” months for astronomy — cold nights, early sunsets, and the temptation to stay indoors. But in reality, the winter sky is one of the most rewarding times to observe. Fewer insects, steadier air, and some of the most iconic constellations of the year make it well worth bundling up and heading outside.
Winter Skies: Bright, Bold, and Unmissable
Orion dominates the evening sky right now, and with it comes a whole supporting cast of celestial show-offs: Taurus, Gemini, Auriga, and Canis Major. This is prime season for bright star clusters and nebulae — objects that don’t require dark-sky perfection or heroic endurance to enjoy. Even a short session — perhaps between dinner and bedtime — between dinner and bedtime can be deeply satisfying.
If you’re new to observing, this is a fantastic time to learn the sky. If you’re experienced, it’s a great excuse to revisit familiar objects and notice details you may have missed before. (Ask yourself: Have I really looked at Orion lately, or have I just been nodding at it politely for years?)
January Highlights
Early January brings the Quadrantid meteor shower, one of the strongest showers of the year — though its peak is brief and often weather-dependent. Even if clouds interfere, the attempt itself counts. Astronomy is, after all, an exercise in optimism.
January is also a wonderful month for planetary observing. Jupiter remains a bright evening target, and Mars continues to improve in visibility as we move deeper into winter.
February: Short Nights, Big Payoff
February nights are still long, but the promise of spring begins to peek through. This is an excellent month for deep-sky observing, especially open clusters and winter nebulae. It’s also a great time to experiment with binocular astronomy — sometimes the simplest tools offer the most joy.
Don’t Forget the Holiday Party
Although there’s no meeting in January, don’t miss our Annual Holiday Party on January 31th, 2026! keep an eye out for an invite. It’s a chance to relax, connect with fellow members, and celebrate the start of another year of stargazing, outreach, and discovery. Whether you’re a longtime member or newer to the society, we hope you’ll join us.
Looking Ahead as a Society
As we move into 2026, I’m excited about what lies ahead for SMCAS. We’ll be continuing our public outreach, star parties, and educational events — all with the shared goal of keeping astronomy accessible, welcoming, and fun. Whether you’re a longtime member or brand new, your curiosity and enthusiasm are what keep this society vibrant.
So here’s my gentle winter challenge to you: pick one clear night over the next two months, step outside, and really look up — even if it’s just for ten minutes. The universe is still doing amazing things, whether or not we’re wearing three layers and gloves with the fingertips cut off.
Clear skies,
Michael Cooke
President, San Mateo County Astronomical Society