For professional astronomers, the bigger the telescope the better. Large telescopes collect more light, so researchers can probe farther and discern finer detail.

But bigger is not always better for backyard observers. Small optics have a number of advantages. Binoculars and small telescopes are easier to transport and set up, and large deep-sky objects are often best appreciated in their relatively wide fields of view. Today's vast array of such small instruments attests to their increasing popularity.

While some celestial wonders are more impressive in larger telescopes, small instruments — and even your unaided eyes — can show more than they are given credit for, particularly when viewing clusters of stars. Here are a few seasonal highlights for Northern Hemisphere observers (though skygazers below the equator will also be able to find many of these objects).