SUNSET: 
Transits of Venus in History: 1761
Read the next chapter in the history of the transit of Venus, the fantastic voyages in 1761.
Tom Johnson, 1923–2012
The genius who designed the modern Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, and then shaped its role in changing the face of amateur astronomy, died on Tuesday.
In Memoriam, Star-style
Twenty-five years ago, a star exploded in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The first easily seen supernova since before astronomers turned telescopes to study the heavens, the explosion heralded a new age of astronomy.
Closure for Copernicus
More than 4½ centuries after his death in 1543, Nicholas Copernicus received a hero's acclaim as his remains were interred in Frombork, Poland.
December 21, 2012
In case you haven't heard, there's a rumor going around that the world will end on December 21, 2012. Did the Mayans really predict the world would end then? Is the astronomy for real? Do we have anything to worry about? Not surprisingly, the answers are "no," "no," and "of course not."
The Case of the Stolen Sundial
During his time at Caltech in the 1930s, Russell Porter cast this beautiful sundial to adorn the campus. But it was stolen sometime during the 1970s — do you know where it is?
Happy Birthday, Mr. Lincoln
On February 12th, the United States celebrates the 200th birthday of the country's 16th president. Discover how celestial events highlighted his life.
NASA Turns 50: Take a Photo!
The U.S. space agency was founded 50 years ago today. You can celebrate by finding your favorite NASA photograph.
New Date for Caesar's British Invasion
In 55 BC, when Julius Caesar and his fleet approached the white cliffs of Dover on the British coast, he faced unexpectedly strong tides. Researchers from Texas State University have used tidal measurements and other astronomical clues to revise the exact date of the historic landing.
More Google Sky Goodness
Google's interactive star map has a bunch of new features.
Martian Crater Named for “Chick” Capen
A crater on Mars has been officially named for the American scientist Charles F. Capen.
The Red Planet We Never Knew
A new DVD entertains with a 50-year-old look at Mars.
The Transit of Venus: Tales from the 18th and 19th Centuries
Observers and administrators gather at the US Naval Observatory in Washington, DC, in preparation for the American expeditions to the 1874 transit of Venus.Courtesy US Naval Observatory Library. A magnificent rendezvous between the planet of love and the bright orb of the Sun. One of the most celebrated phenomena in…
