Easy-to-find Objects in the 2015 Winter Sky

A Geminid meteor shoots past Orion (lower center) shortly before dawn at the peak of the 2013 shower. Similarly Moon-free Ò-conditions bode well for this year’s shower.

Tony Rowell

The nights may be cold at this time of year, but the stars seem to twinkle with added intensity. No other season boasts as many luminaries. Five of the sky’s ten brightest stars appear conspicuous on winter evenings, and two meteor showers add shooting stars to the mix. So bundle up, step outside, and prepare to be dazzled.