Winter is one of the best seasons for stargazing in Australia. The cooler air often means clearer skies, with less atmospheric disturbance and humidity, making celestial objects appear sharper and more vibrant. Plus, with longer nights, you get even more time under the stars, perfect for deep-sky exploration or leisurely scanning the heavens. Whether you’re just starting out or have been exploring the night sky for years, winter brings with it a range of stunning sights, and with the right gear, you can see more than ever before.
Here’s a guide to what to look for this winter and the Celestron tools to bring it all into focus.
What you can see in the Winter Sky
Winter in Australia offers a rich mix of planets, deep-sky objects, and a few key astronomical events you won't want to miss.
The Milky Way Core (June to August)
From mid-June to August, the brilliant centre of the Milky Way rises high in the evening sky. Best viewed from dark-sky locations, this dense region of our galaxy stretches from the constellations Scorpius to Sagittarius. Use a wide-field telescope like the StarSense Explorer LT 127AZ or binoculars like the Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20x80 to scan for nebulae and star clusters.
Saturn at Opposition – 1 August 2025
Saturn reaches opposition on 1 August, making it the brightest and closest it will be all year. This is the perfect time to view its rings and moons using the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ or StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ. Don’t miss this classic winter planet shining in the east after sunset.
Jupiter Returns – Visible from late July
Jupiter reappears in the dawn sky in early winter and becomes an evening object by late July. Its four Galilean moons, cloud bands, and large disk are visible even in small telescopes.
Omega Centauri and the Southern Star Fields
Omega Centauri, the largest globular cluster in our sky, is best viewed in June and July when it’s high overhead in the early evening. Point your telescope just below the Southern Cross in the constellation Centaurus to find this densely packed ball of hundreds of thousands of stars.
The Southern Cross & Coalsack Nebula
Visible all winter long, the Southern Cross is surrounded by a rich tapestry of stars and dark nebulae. The Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20x80 binoculars give you an expansive view of the region, revealing the dark patch of the Coalsack Nebula nestled next to the Cross.
The Moon – Key Phases for Winter 2025
New Moons (best for deep sky observing)
- 28 May
- 27 June
- 26 July
- 25 August
Full Moons (great for lunar observation with a moon filter)
- 13 June
- 13 July
- 11 August
Pair a Celestron Moon Filter with the AstroMaster 70AZ or FirstScope for comfortable lunar viewing and stunning contrast on craters and mountain ranges.
Choosing the right Celestron gear for Winter Stargazing
With crisp skies and long nights, winter is the perfect season to upgrade your stargazing setup. Here's how each piece of Celestron gear shines during this season.
Celestron FirstScope Tabletop Telescope
This compact and affordable telescope is ideal for quick backyard sessions and young astronomers. Use it to explore the Moon during its key phases or take a peek at Saturn’s rings in early August. It's super portable, great for camping trips under the stars.
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ & LT 127AZ Reflector Telescopes
These app-guided telescopes make it easy to find objects like Omega Centauri, the Lagoon Nebula, or Jupiter without needing to learn star charts. Just dock your smartphone and let the StarSense Explorer app guide you. The 127AZ offers a wider aperture for better performance on deep-sky targets, while the 114AZ remains a compact, versatile option for planets and clusters.
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor with Phone Adapter & Moon Filter
This refractor is perfect for detailed lunar viewing during full Moon phases. The included phone adapter lets you snap photos of your favourite lunar craters or Saturn at opposition. It’s also lightweight and easy to set up, great for spontaneous sessions on chilly winter nights.
Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20x80 Binoculars
Big binoculars with a wide field of view are excellent for scanning the Milky Way and picking out star clusters and nebulae. Set these up on a tripod and sweep across the Sagittarius Star Cloud or track the Southern Cross. Their 20x magnification brings out fine detail, especially under dark skies.
Wrap up warm and look up: Winter nights were made for stargazing
There’s something magical about a clear winter night, when the stars shine sharp and steady, and the sky opens up to endless exploration. Whether you’re scanning the surface of the Moon or diving deep into the Milky Way, Celestron’s range of telescopes and binoculars makes every viewing more immersive. So grab a warm jacket, pick your perfect stargazing spot, and let the cosmos inspire you this winter.
Shop Stargazing Gear at Camera House
Seek advice from Camera House’s knowledgeable staff in-store and online to find the stargazing equipment that’s right for you! Check out our shipping information online and enjoy free standard shipping on orders over $99, or view our store locator to visit a Camera House store near you.
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