What direction is best

[Mr Q]

I work the SW-NW sky first before any objects there get too low to the hazy horizon. Then I work the zenith and down to the south, with east last. This way I get to observe the most objects on any given night starting just after dusk.

I often observe the winter constellations in the fall late at night while the temps are still fairly warm. Then I work the summer constellations late in the night during the spring for more transparent sky observing.