SUNSET: 
ASTRONOMY & OBSERVING NEWS
How Often Do Chicxulub-level Asteroids Hit Earth?
Asteroids of different sizes crashing on Earth originated from different parts of the main asteroid belt, researchers say; the finding has implications for how often such collisions happen.
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observing guides
Where to Look Tonight
This Week's Sky at a Glance, July 23 – 31
This Week's Sky at a Glance, July 23 – 31
Saturn and Jupiter shine in the southeast by late evening. The bright Moon passes them on the 24th through 26th. Venus continues to sit patiently, changelessly, low in the west in twilight. Bootes and the Big Dipper mark the western sky after dark; the Summer Triangle emblazons the east.
where to lookJuly: Inner Planets Rule!
Sky Tour Podcast
True darkness is fleeting in July, especially at higher latitudes. So make the most of the darkness you have, by downloading our narrated Sky Tour podcast to "what's up" in the night sky.
Subscribe NowWhat are the Phases of the Moon?
What are the Phases of the Moon?
The phases of the Moon are determined by the relative positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun.
Read moreEditor's PICKS
Photographer: Chirag Bachani
Photographer: Giancarlo Melis
A Squid within a Bat in Cepheus
Photographer: Jonathan-Talbot
Photographer: Emmanuel Astronomono
Photographer: Fabrizio Antonucci
The Elephant Trunk Nebula (IC 1396)
Photographer: Jeffreyhorne
Photographer: Radiodeneta
Photographer: Michael Teoh
Photographer: Michael Teoh
The North America and Pelican Nebula
Photographer: benjaminlaw
Photographer: KuriousGeorge
Devil's Horns Power Sun Pillar
Photographer: Greg-Redfern
Photographer: Greg-Redfern
Chinese and International Space Station
Photographer: Philip Smith
Photographer: benjaminlaw
Photographer: Chirag Bachani
Solar Eclipse Over the Chesapeake Bay
Photographer: awhipple
Comet C/2020 T2 (Palomar) and M 3
Photographer: Pepe Chambó
Photographer: Mohammad Ranjbaran
Eta Carinae taken with a smart telescope
Photographer: dhein
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Sky & Telescope Magazine
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Issue Highlights
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How Old Are Saturn’s Moons?
Monica Young
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The First 10 Seconds
David Garrison
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The Five Veils of the Cygnus Loop
Howard Banich