Winter: Orion & nearby markers
Use Orion’s Belt as your anchor, then trace to Sirius low in the southeast and Aldebaran above for quick winter orientation.
Start with one constellation at a time.
Our guides trace simple star paths so beginners can learn the sky calmly, season by season.
- Start Here · Autumn Sky
- Cassiopeia
- Pegasus
- Andromeda
Constellation guides
Explore the sky by season
Six focused guides to help you locate key constellations, orient your view, and build confidence under the night sky.
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Spring: Leo’s sickle pattern
Find the backwards question-mark shape first; Regulus at its base makes Leo easy to confirm in clear spring evenings.
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Summer: Cygnus in the Milky Way
Start at Deneb, then follow the long cross shape through darker skies where the Milky Way band is most visible.
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Autumn: Pegasus Great Square
Look high after dusk for the broad square; it is a reliable frame for hopping to Andromeda and nearby stars.
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Circumpolar finder basics
Use Polaris as a fixed north reference to track Ursa Major and Cassiopeia through every season and time of night.
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Moon phase observation cues
Plan constellation sessions near first quarter or new moon for darker contrast, and record how moonlight changes star visibility.