Is it just me or do the stars look brighter and twinkle more in the winter sky?

Question

I love to stare at the stars, and in the winter they seem more brighter to me.

Answer 1

actually yesterday i was thinking the same thing! I think that they are brighter!

Answer 2

The stars do appear brighter to us in the winter because winter air is typically cold and dry. Cold air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air, like in the summer, therefore generating a more clearer sky.

Answer 3

I think they *are* brighter -- the cold clears out a lot of humidity in the air, maybe.

This article, though, seems to say the sky is brighter because we're facing the right way in winter time!

http://www.earthsky.org/skywatching/50825/2006-1219

Do you think that's the real reason, though? I wonder if Australians feel like they see brighter skies in summer?

Good question!

Answer 4

As a matter of fact I was just outside about thirty minutes ago, and it is so beautiful out right now... The sky is way clear and the stars do seem to be glistening rather bright .... I was just thinking how breathtaking it is even though it is so cold out... I was noticing the three in a row... I think it is the little dipper? UGH not sure but oh so pretty.... ♥

Answer 5

That's because there's less distortion from heat in the winter. Think of it like looking down a street in the summer and seeing a wavy mirage effect toward the end of the street. You don't see that in the winter for the same reason; the air above the street is cooler so there's no distortion. Same for the sky in the winter.

EDIT: Peanut Butter beat me to it. Damn Yahoo! for not posting my answer when I told it to...

Answer 6

Actually... they do!!! OK sci lesson here: during the winter months the part of the earth that is going through winter is actually further away from the sun because of the earth's tilt. So, in turn (no pun intended), we are closer to outer space I guess you could say. closer to the stars. plus the colder air IS thinner that warmer air so visibility is is higher. I'm sorry... I like to learn new stuff and I forget that other people may not.....But that's why.

Answer 7

I have sky maps on my phone and used my point to sky feature and now plants or stars are any where in that location what ever it is not a recognized object

Answer 8

I've noticed this too. even though we don't have winter season, when November-December-January comes the sky is really clear at night and the starts are really bright.

Answer 9

I was told once that when it's very cold out, very small ice crystals form in the air and that makes the bright twinkling effect you see.

Answer 10

I have noticed that as well. Great observation. I watch the night sky as well. : )