Winter Celestial Calendar
Photo by Lucas Pezeta
The Haliburton Highlands’ natural darkness fosters an ideal setting for both seasoned astronomers and casual sky gazers. Amidst this tranquil landscape, the stars come alive, offering a profound connection to the vastness of the universe.
Whether seeking cosmic revelations or simply marveling at the celestial panorama, this dark sky area promises an unforgettable journey through the wonders of the night sky.
Did you know that New Moons provide the best time to view the stars and celestial objects.
Important Celestial Dates
Dec 22: December Solstice
The December solstice will take place at 03:27 UTC. Also known as the winter solstice, it is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the longest day of the year and is called the summer solstice.
Dec 22/23: Ursid Meteors
Catch the shooting stars of the last major meteor shower of the year, the Ursids, when it peaks in the night between December 22 and 23.
Dec 27: Cold Moon
One of the traditional names for the Full Moon in December is the Cold Moon.
How to take pictures of the Full Moon
Jan 3: Earth’s Perihelion
At 00:38 UTC, the Earth will reach perihelion—the point on its orbit closest to the Sun.
Jan 3/4: Quadrantids Meteors
The first major meteor shower of 2024, the Quadrantids, peaks on the night of January 3 and the early morning hours of January 4.
Jan 11: New Moon
A New Moon in the sky means no moonlight to hinder your view of stars and planets. Use our Interactive Night Sky Map to find out what planets are visible tonight and where.
Jan 12: Mercury at Greatest Elongation West
This might be a good time to try and spot Mercury: the planet appears at its farthest distance from the Sun in the morning sky.
Find Mercury with our Interactive Night Sky Map
Jan 25: Wolf Moon
The first Full Moon of the year is colloquially known as the Wolf Moon in many northern cultures.
Feb 9: Super New Moon
Take advantage of the New Moon to check out the skies with our Interactive Night Sky Map, weather permitting, of course. This month’s New Moon is a Supermoon.
Feb 24: Snow Micromoon
February’s Full Moon is also known as the Snow Moon in many Northern Hemisphere cultures. In 2024, this is a Micromoon.
Mar 10: Super New Moon
Dark nights a few days before and after the Moon reaches its New Moon phase at 09:00 UTC on March 10 are the best nights to do some night sky watching—see our map! Once again, this is a Super New Moon.
Mar 20: March Equinox
The March equinox is the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of fall in the Southern Hemisphere, by astronomical definitions.
Haliburton Forest’s Astronomy Program
Nestled within the Haliburton Highlands, the Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve stands as a beacon for stargazing aficionados. Here, far from the city lights, the pristine darkness creates an expansive canvas for celestial wonders.
Book spots for their Astronomy Program that runs July and August, or stay overnight on your own and be amazed of the unobstructed view of the night sky.
Viewing Conditions
If you wish to see what the viewing conditions will be for your visit, please click here.