SUNSET: 
Flares from the Milky Way’s Supermassive Black Hole
The supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way released an unusual number of strong flares in 2019. Now, astronomers are trying to figure out why.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, April 9 – 17
Arcturus ascends in the east as Sirius sinks in the southwest. Orion tilts further as the Dipper rides high. And this week Mars threads the horntips of Taurus, closely followed by the crescent Moon.
T–3 Years Until the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
The countdown has begun to a special total solar eclipse that will cross Mexico, the U.S. and Canada on April 8, 2024.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Make the Most of Comet ATLAS
Bright comets will be scarce this year, but you can see one of the better ones this month as it races from Aquila to Canes Venatici. In other news, a new, bright nova has flared in Sagittarius.
Seeking the Origins of Galactic Stellar Streams
A recent study has identified the origins of many of the long streams of stars that encircle the Milky Way. These streams may contain hints about our galaxy's past.
Discover the Night: International Dark Sky Week is Here!
Light pollution is insidious in today’s world. This International Dark Sky Week, become inspired to see what you can do to raise awareness.
Tibet Observatory Confirms Existence of Galactic PeVatrons
A Tibetan cosmic-ray observatory has discovered high-energy particle accelerators within our galaxy.
First Look at 2021’s First Solar Eclipse
June 10th's annular eclipse of the Sun has a path that crosses southern Canada and the North Pole but will be a challenge to see.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, April 2 – 10
Winter stars in the west are giving way to spring stars in the east, while little Mars shines on. Meanwhile, the waning Moon passes under Jupiter and Saturn at dawn.
Cakes, Cats, and Stars — Astro April Fools
Astronomers turn their attention to the true puzzles of the universe: cats, Jaffa Cakes, and the coming planet–black hole apocalypse.
April: Follow the Moon
To learn “what’s up” at night during April, download Sky Tour — an engaging narrated guide to the planets, stars, and constellations now visible.
Mutual Event Season Heats Up at Jupiter
Jupiter is usually the one occulting and eclipsing the Galilean moons, but this observing season the moons also eclipse and occult one another.
Astronomy in Space with David Dickinson
Bits of Theia Might Be in Earth's Mantle
A "smoking gun" for the ancient calamity that formed Earth’s large Moon may still exist deep in the mantle of our planet.
Interstellar Comet Was Pristine Sample of Planet Formation
New analysis shows that Comet 2I/Borisov, which zipped nearest the Sun in late 2019, was unlike any comet we’ve seen before.
Spotting a Faint Escaping Atmosphere
Low-density exoplanets orbiting close to their host stars tend to lose their atmosphere. Now, astronomers can measure how fast it disappears.
Asteroid Apophis Will Miss Earth in 2068
Radar measurements taken early this month rule out any chance of a collision with Apophis over the next 100 years.
Jupiter's Great Red Spot Gets Smaller — But Stronger
"Flakes" coming off the Great Red Spot have had some wondering if this epic storm is coming to an end. But observations and computer modeling show it's only getting stronger.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, March 26 – April 3
Fading Mars glows above orange Aldebaran high in the west after dark. Orion tilts into his spring posture, with his belt horizontal. Arcturus climbs up in the east.
Join Us in Planning for the Next "Great American Eclipse"
Are you a solar eclipse enthusiast with an organizational bent? An upcoming virtual workshop geared toward planning for the 2023 and 2024 events could be just the thing for you.
The Black Hole Files with Camille Carlisle
Astronomers Detect Strong Magnetic Fields Around M87’s Black Hole
Event Horizon Telescope data support the idea that magnetic fields control how black holes feed and grow.
