SUNSET: 
Astronomy in Space with David Dickinson
Earth's New "Minimoon" May be a 1960s-Era Rocket Booster
An object set to pass near Earth next month may in fact be a relic of the early Space Age.
Leonid Meteor Shower to the Rescue
Modest but reliable, the annual Leonid meteor shower returns this week. Take an hour or two to relax and enjoy the show.
Behold Mars! The Best View Until 2035
After a two-years hiatus Mars returns big and bright at opposition on October 13th, its best apparition until September 2035.
October 2020: Mars is the Star!
October evenings offer many wonderful night-sky sights — including a dramatic appearance by Mars — and you can find them by listening to our guided audio tour of the star-filled sky.
International Observe the Moon Night Is Here
International Observe the Moon Night is here. Step outside Saturday evening and admire our closest celestial neighbor with your family.
Stormy Times on Jupiter, Comet Howell Steps Up, and More
Colder weather might be coming, but don't pack away that telescope! You'll miss a powerful storm that's remaking Jupiter's North Temperate Belt, a returning comet, Mira on the rise, and a bright supernova in the Great Bear.
Astronomy and Stargazing Projects
Take a Roller Coaster Ride on a Fast Eclipsing Binary
How would you like to see a star drop two magnitudes in the time it takes to eat dinner? Easy to do. Just check out one of these fast eclipsing binaries — they'll make your head spin.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Perseids Peak August 11–12 — Get Ready for the Show
The Perseid meteor shower is like no other. Every August it delivers up to 100 meteors an hour in pleasant weather conducive to getting outside and staying up late. What's more, most kids still aren't in school, making it possible for the entire family to enjoy the event.
Cool Off with Pluto This Summer
Pluto might be a challenging target but it's well worth the effort. Grab your telescope and see if you can spot this distant, chilly world.
500 Days Until the Total Solar Eclipse Over Antarctica
Travel to the ends of the Earth to experience a special — but risky — total solar eclipse in Antarctica.
Comet NEOWISE Dazzles at Dusk
Comet NEOWISE has captivated skywatchers with its stunning tail. Now that it's moved into the evening sky and climbing higher each night even more people will get a chance to see it.
Comet NEOWISE Delights at Dawn
Skywatchers are treated to a naked-eye comet as NEOWISE emerges into the the dawn sky.
Two Bright Supernovae Light Up Nearby Galaxies
Two bright new supernovae — 2020nlb in M85 and 2020nvb in NGC 4457 — are now within the range of amateur telescopes in the western sky at nightfall.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Anticipation Grows for Comets NEOWISE and Lemmon
Two comets spark excitement for the coming week — NEOWISE might reach naked-eye visibility at dawn, while Lemmon will be visible in binoculars at dusk.
Watch the Moon Pair Up with Venus on June 19th
Two crescents — the Moon and Venus — meet in the sky in the wee hours of June 19th.
Nights of Noctilucent Clouds
Noctilucent clouds shimmer high in the sky during summer twilight at northerly latitudes.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Comet SWAN's Final Song
Despite early expectations Comet SWAN appears to be fizzling, providing yet another opportunity to appreciate what makes these objects so unique.
Supernovae Light Up in M61 and NGC 3643
Two new supernovae for amateur telescopes are keeping things lively this month.
Comet SWAN Expected to Put on a Splendid Show
Comet SWAN will grace northern skies in the days to come.
Chase a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid As It Flies by Earth
Break out your binoculars or a small telescope, we've got a busy week ahead! Watch as a bright asteroid approaches Earth, the Moon steals a star, and Comet ATLAS's last hurrah.
