After such a mild winter it seemed too true to expect things to continue, and sure enough wev'e seen some pretty harsh weather these last few days. Suddenly the garden was blanketed in snow over ten centimetres deep. As well as the usual regulars visiting the bird feeders we were delighted to spot a gorgeous grey wagtail fidgiting away in the snow. It's bright yellow underparts were a beautiful sight in binoculars.
In the clarity of the winter sky at night both Jupiter and Venus are easy to spot now with the naked eye. Unlike stars the brighter planets don't twinkle but shine with a steady, unwavouring light. In a small telescope you can even make out four of Jupiter's moons. I have a tiny birdwatching scope I've had for about twenty years. The drawing below depicts the view I saw on the 3rd February.
In the clarity of the winter sky at night both Jupiter and Venus are easy to spot now with the naked eye. Unlike stars the brighter planets don't twinkle but shine with a steady, unwavouring light. In a small telescope you can even make out four of Jupiter's moons. I have a tiny birdwatching scope I've had for about twenty years. The drawing below depicts the view I saw on the 3rd February.