SUNSET: 
The Orionids: Steady but Unspectacular
With a fat crescent Moon high in the sky during the predawn hours of the 21st, this is a so-so year for observing the annual Orionid meteor shower.
Eclipse 2002: Africa or Australia?
In December the Dark Continent offers a longer duration of totality than the Australian Outback, but the latter site presents much better weather prospects. The choice is yours.
The Dark of an Eclipsed Moon
Most observers who witnessed the lunar eclipse of May 15th described totality as being darker than usual.
May's Unusual Solar Eclipse
On May 31st the Sun was a "ring of fire" over parts of Scotland, Iceland, and Greenland, while observers in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia enjoyed a partial solar eclipse.
Jupiter Visits the Beehive
During March and April, the open cluster M44 in Cancer is easy to find — just look for it beside brilliant Jupiter.
Solar Activity Continues
A large spot is now visible on the Sun's surface. It's big enough to be seen without optical aid, but always use a safe solar filter when viewing the Sun.
An Annular Eclipse in May
At the end of May, observers in several fairly remote locations will see the Moon nearly hide the Sun.
May's Total Lunar Eclipse
For almost an hour in mid-May, the Moon will turn dim and fiery orange.
Comet Juels-Holvorcem Visible at Dawn
The comet has brightened considerably since its discovery in late 2002 and is now an easy binocular object in the constellation Andromeda.
Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in 2003
With our detailed charts, you'll be able to locate the outer planets Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto the rest of the year.
Large Sunspot Visible
After being nearly featureless for several weeks, the solar face now sports a large sunspot.
Comet Kudo-Fujikawa Rounds the Sun
The comet has entered the field of view of the Solar and
Heliospheric Observatory's LASCO C3 coronagraph.
Crescent Moon Joins Three Planets at Dawn
The waning crescent Moon helps point the way to Mars, Venus, and Mercury before sunrise on Monday through Wednesday mornings.
Comet NEAT Outward Bound
Comet NEAT put on a fine show as it rounded the Sun. Now Southern Hemisphere observers wait for it to reappear in the west after sunset.
Comet Kudo-Fujikawa Near the Sun
The comet passes through perihelion on January 29th. Although it will be impossible to observe, there's another way to follow its progress.
Observing the Leonids
Here are some tips to help you observe the Leonid meteor shower.
The Return of Comet Brewington
A comet discovered in 1992 will make its first predicted reappearance in late 2002.
Eclipse Down Under
Observers in most parts of Australia and Africa are poised for December's partial eclipse of the Sun.
The Sun Remains Active
A large sunspot group has returned to the Earth-facing side of the Sun.
Giant Sunspot Group Still Visible
A large sunspot complex will remain visible for several more days before disappearing around the Sun's limb.
