SUNSET: 
Meet Callisto, Jupiter's Ancient Moon
Meet Callisto, the heavily cratered moon that's the most distant of the Galilean satellites from Jupiter.
Chance of Aurora Extends to Friday Night, June 5th
A geomagnetic storm expected June 4th arrived late. But there's still at chance of seeing auroras Friday night, June 5th.
June Podcast: Dance of the Planets
This month’s episode highlights the close pairing of Venus and Jupiter under way in the western sky after sunset. You'll also learn why astronomers are fixated on a star in Corona Borealis — and how to find a huge but dim constellation that will likely be new to you. So grab curiosity and come along on this month’s Sky Tour.
Lost in the Star Clouds — A Milky Way Odyssey
I share my "discovery" of a new Milky Way star cloud that's been staring at me for ages.
Meet the Constellations: Leo, the Lion
Leo, the Lion, is one of the most recognizable of the spring constellations, with its large size, distinctive shape, and plentiful bright stars.
May Podcast: The Delightful Dippers
This month’s episode showcases the Big and Little Dippers, now placed high in the northern evening sky. We'll also track down all five bright planets and watch for meteors from Halley's Comet. So grab your curiosity, and come along on this month’s Sky Tour.
Satellite or Meteor? Dissecting Light Trails in Your Sky Photos
Here's a quick guide to tell meteors from machines in your wide-field images of the night sky.
Dawn Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) May Hold a Surprise
If we're lucky, we'll soon have bright comets at both dawn and dusk.
April Podcast: Spotlight on Gemini
This month’s episode showcases the stars and planets visible on April evenings. We’ll explore full-Moon quirks; spot Venus and Jupiter after sunset; learn about Gemini, the celestial twins; and hunt for meteors toward month’s end. So grab your curiosity, and come along on this month’s Sky Tour.
Latest News on the Kreutz Sungrazing Comet C/2026 A1 MAPS
As the comet prepares for its perilous perihelion passage, we look at what to expect.
March Podcast: The Winter Triangle
This month’s episode showcases the stars and planets visible on March evenings. First up: March 3rd’s predawn a total lunar eclipse! Then track down three planets after sunset, and savor the easy-to-spot Winter Triangle of bright stars.
Comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann Bursts as "Ice Volcano" Erupts
After a recent explosive outburst, Comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann is bright enough to see in a medium-sized telescope.
February Podcast: Winter’s Milky Way
In this month’s episode, go on a tour of the stars and planets that you’ll see overhead during February. First we’ll keep tabs on the Moon; say good-bye to Saturn; trace out the Winter Milky Way; and explore some lesser-known constellations near Orion.
Nights with Mira, a Most Wonderful Star
Mira the Wonderful is back! Of course, it's always been there, but now it's near maximum brightness and easily visible with the unaided eye.
Big and Bright, Jupiter Beckons in January
Jupiter's having a special moment! Don't miss the giant planet at its best when it reaches opposition this week.
The Best Meteor Showers in 2026
The Quadrantids and Eta Aquariids will have Moon trouble in 2026, but the beloved Perseids and Geminids should be glorious.
January Podcast: Jupiter and Orion
In this month’s episode, start with one of the year’s best meteor showers, then spend some time with Jupiter, and check out a mythical queen and hunter who have ego problems. So bundle up, grab your curiosity, and come along on this month’s Sky Tour.
How To Start with Your New Telescope
How to start sky exploring with that new telescope. How to set it up right, other key things to know -- and great cosmic immensities to start finding tonight.
Explore Orion's Massive New Stars with Binoculars
Waves of recent star formation have made Orion winter's most scintillating constellation. You can see how it all came to be.
Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks December 13-14
Great news! We'll have dark skies for the year's richest meteor shower.
