I notice in this article a couple of really interesting views in the night sky on the last night of the year. Also watch for Mercury

On December 31, Jupiter will be about a degree from Mercury. Check out the smallest and largest planets of our solar system through a telescope. How do they compare in size when viewed from Earth?

Also on New Year's Eve, Mercury is near another celestial sight, just 16 arcminutes to the upper left of M75. M75 is an 8th-magnitude globular cluster that lies 67,500 light-years away and can be seen with optical aid. Test out your new Christmas telescope on this deep-sky wonder.

The last feature in the night sky on the evening that 2008 draws to a close is Venus paired with a crescent moon. For those who are out late enjoying the revelry of New Year's, Saturn will be rising in the east after midnight.