There’s some serious sparkle out there. And we’ve got a whole year to celebrate it.

The International Astronomical Union and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization have declared 2009 the International Year of Astronomy. It’s meant to be a global celebration of astronomy’s contributions to society, and also highlights the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei, according to www.astronomy2009.org.

Local astrophotographer Bob Fera said there are many reasons to appreciate the art and science of astronomy.

“Besides just enjoying the night sky and thinking that it’s beautiful, part of it is trying to wrap your brain around what you’re actually looking at, because the scale is so huge and so far away,” he said. “It really puts things into perspective.”

While stargazing this time of year might require some bundling up, winter nights are as good a time as any to get outside and look up at the sky.

“To me, the winter sky with the naked eye is just so pretty,” Fera said. “You’ve got eight, 10 really bright stars just twinkling at you. This is just a really good time to be sitting out and looking at the sky.”

While spring and fall tend to have faint galaxies, things you need stronger equipment to view, the naked eye is all it takes during winter and summer months. Binoculars or a small telescope can bring you even closer to the constellations.

“As far as the appearance of the sky, it’s winter and summer that have the prettiest sky,” Fera said. “Winter has the biggest collection of bright stars and recognizable constellations.”

Dave Kenyon, chairman of Sierra College’s astronomy department, said longer nights are just one reason why winter is a great time for viewing the night sky.

“You have a very early sunset and a late sunrise,” he said.

You also don’t have to stay up all night in order to see the good stuff during winter months.

“From 6-8 p.m., you’re going to see a really nice example of the winter sky,” Kenyon said.

For example, Kenyon advises looking for Venus earlier, say around 6 p.m. A little later, around 8 or 9 p.m., those looking to the southeast can see Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, Kenyon said.

Look north this time of year and you’ll see the Big Dipper, and to the northwest, Cassiopeia, Kenyon said. Due north is Polaris, also known as the North Star, which is also the tip of the Little Dipper’s handle.

“It’s a really nice time to be looking at the sky,” he said.

While it’s not always easy to stargaze in the winter months because of weather and cloudy, rainy skies, the chilly weather also has its advantages, Kenyon said.

“The cold weather condenses the moisture, and you have very transparent skies,” Kenyon said.

And, think about it — there are no problems with smoke from wildfires that tend to plague summer months, Kenyon said. The dust of warmer, drier seasons is kept down because of rain.

“A really good time to go is a couple days after we get a storm — the sky’s transparent,” he said.

Pleiades, also referred to as the “Seven Sisters” is one of the winter sky’s highlights.

“It’s a real bright cluster you can see with the naked eye, and it’s really pretty with binoculars,” Fera said.

Orion is one of the best to spot this time of year, Fera said. Follow the three stars of Orion’s belt to find the aforementioned Sirius. Taurus, near Orion, is also quite bright in the sky.

Fera recommends visiting astronomy.com or skyandtelescope.com to learn more about what’s currently visible in the sky.

See example of Bob and Janice Fera’s astrophotography on display at Latitudes Restaurant, 130 Maple St., Auburn. An artists’ reception will be held 3:30-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18. Learn more about the Feras at feraphotography.com.

The Journal’s Loryll Nicolaisen can be reached at lorylln@goldcountrymedia.com, or comment online at Auburnjournal.com.

Eyes on the sky: Local astronomy happenings

-- Lights in the Sky: Rainbows, Halos and UFOs, featuring Dr. Paul Doherty from the San Francisco Exploratorium. 7-9:30 p.m. Feb. 27. 1212 High St., Auburn. Members get in for $8, students for $5 and general public for $10.

-- Stargazing for Families, featuring Colfax astronomer Don Machholz. 7:30-9:30 p.m. March 7 and May 16. Placer Nature Center, 3700 Christian Valley Road, Auburn. Cost: $6 per person.

-- Telescope Workshop: How to use, tune and buy with Don Machholz. 6-9 p.m. May 2. Telescopes will be available or bring your own. Placer Nature Center, 3700 Christian Valley Road, Auburn. Cost: $15 per person.

Call (530) 878-6053 or visit www.placernaturecenter.org for information for information on these events.