Ready to be charmed by the cosmos? The sky is putting on a smile this Sunday, December 28th, and you won’t want to miss it! Nestled in the constellation Auriga, the whimsical Happy Face asterism is waiting to brighten your night. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this delightful arrangement of stars isn’t just a standalone wonder—it’s flanked by two breathtaking open clusters, M38 and M36, each with its own story to tell. And this is the part most people miss: M38, with its magnitude of 7.4 and angular size of 20 arcminutes, forms what many observers liken to the Greek letter pi (π), serving as the ‘dimple’ in the Happy Face’s broad smile. Meanwhile, M36, just a short hop away, dazzles with its magnitude 6.3 and a cluster of young stars that’s sure to captivate.
To find this celestial grin, start your journey with Capella, Auriga’s brightest star at magnitude 0.1, already high in the eastern sky after sunset. From there, travel south-southeast to Sigma (σ) Aurigae, then a quick 1.7° southeast to M38. But here’s the controversial part: while some see the Happy Face as a charming pattern, others argue it’s a stretch of the imagination. What do you see? Let us know in the comments!
Don’t forget to explore M36, just under 2° southeast of the Happy Face, and marvel at its youthful stellar members. For those craving more cosmic action, mark your calendars for December 27th, when Io and its shadow will dramatically cross Jupiter’s disk—a sight you won’t want to miss.
For the nitty-gritty details, here’s your ephemeris for the day (40° N 90° W):
- Sunrise: 7:21 A.M.
- Sunset: 4:42 P.M.
- Moonrise: 12:02 P.M.
- Moonset: 12:40 A.M.
- Moon Phase: Waxing gibbous (65%)
Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a curious beginner, this week’s sky promises something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your binoculars, head outside, and let the stars put a smile on your face!
For a full rundown of this week’s celestial highlights, check out our Sky This Week column here. And don’t forget to share your thoughts—is the Happy Face asterism a cosmic masterpiece or just a playful illusion? The debate is open!
