Long crisp nights are the perfect time for stargazing. Go ahead, put yourself in your place, we’re but tiny specks in the universe after all. It’s good for us to feel small sometimes. Better yet, long winter nights are great for seeing winter’s natural fireworks – the aurora . . . if you are lucky.  Here is a neat free app that helps aurora lovers improve their luck (iOS / Android). It will alert you to when aurora conditions are better than usual near you. 

Of course, we humans make mistakes in our haste for progress, and one of them was covering up the night sky with blinding lights. Owls and all kinds of nocturnal animals don’t like that either. If you want to learn more about what you can do for light pollution, check out some tips from the International Dark Sky Association. 

Below are some handy maps for anyone seeking solace in the stars.