The depths of winter

January brings up such complex feelings. On the one hand, the night skies are so clear, especially around the new moon (as occurs on Monday). On the other, even I recognise the challenges of stargazing in northern climes in January.

Wool cloaks and jumpers and good gloves are all well and good - and necessary, this time of year. But a good simple warming charm is even better. It's a wonder Muggle astronomers ever got anything done, really.

Regrettably, the first years are not all up to that level of charms work yet (and to be honest, neither are some of the older students without rather a lot of time-wasting fussing), so I am here at my desk trying to decide on how to balance their observation time this week against Poppy's insistence that I deplete her stock of Pepper-Up potion more than necessary. There are some particular observations I'd like them to make this week, after all, if it's clear enough.

We did have a good conversation in class about the Great White Spot on Saturn, however. At least, I thought so. We'll see how much they retain for exams in the spring.