In winter, we draw inward as the frigid weather and short days beckon us away from the stars and towards the armchair. This is an unfortunate loss for northern hemisphere observers who forego the unparalleled richness and diversity of the sky at this time of year, a sky that dares us to defy the inside comforts and go outside and watch. This is a time of challenge.

With its stunning belt and sword regions, Orion is the first area we would look to for possible variables, and we will not be disappointed! Orion's Great Nebula harbors some of the most fascinating variables of the entire sky. Lurking within the nebula are some 50 variable stars, 10 of which are bright enough to be observed with a 15 cm (6-inch) telescope.

With a telescope, winter offers a host of unparalleled, delightful stars that are infrequently observed because of the clouds and the cold. U Geminorum, which can rocket from 14.2 to 8.8 in a few hours, is a highlight of winter observing.

Observing hints for cold weather

A winter night can be a devastating experience, which under no circumstances should be taken lightly. During his search for trans-Neptunian planets, one quiet, wind-free night, Pluto discoverer Clyde Tombaugh opened the shutter of the 13-inch telescopic camera and began an exposure. He had been out already for some time and looked forward to the chance to sit back and watch the telescope do his work for him.