SUNSET: 
This Week's Sky at a Glance, December 27 – January 5
Jupiter, high in the east these evenings, highlights the Aldebaran region of Taurus. The crescent Moon pairs with Venus, then Saturn. Mercury is having its best dawn apparition of 2024.
How To Get Started with that New Telescope
How to start successfully with your new telescope — a guide to what you need to know, how to set it up, and things you can start finding with it in tonight’s sky.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, December 20 – 29
Orion now rises in twilight, seemingly enlarged by the Moon illusion. Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars span the evening sky. And here comes another weird pattern of Jupiter's moons.
Comet ATLAS (C/2024 G3) Kicks off the New Year — What to Expect
The Southern Hemisphere should get a good show of Comet ATLAS (C/2024 G3). Mid-northern latitude observers not so much.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, December 13 – 22
The full Moon will line up with Jupiter and Aldebaran . . . but how well for you? Saturn gets right (angled) with Fomalhaut and Venus. Saturn's two largest moons will form a double star, and three of Jupiter's moons will triangulate.
You're Invited to Jupiter's Big, Bright Opposition Bash
Don't let the cold keep you inside — Jupiter beckons with a brand new storm!
This Week's Sky at a Glance, December 6 – 15
The Moon this week shines with Saturn at first quarter, then with Jupiter when full. No surprise; the two giant planets are almost exactly 90° apart. Jupiter is at opposition, and Saturn is at quadrature.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, November 29 – December 8
This Wednesday evening, the crescent Moon will beautifully partner with Venus. And, for these next two weeks we get the earliest sunsets of the year.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, November 22 – December 1
Last call for Mercury! On the opposite side of the sky, Jupiter and Mars climb up ever earlier. And the waning crescent Moon occults Spica for eastern and central North America.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, November 15 – 24
Venus and Mercury continue as a duo in the western twilight this week. The Moon visits Jupiter, then Mars. Saturn shines lonely below the Great Square.
Watch the Moon Occult the Pleiades, Spica too!
The Moon crosses the Pleiades this week, then heads east for the year's most dramatic Spica occultation.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, November 8 – 17
The stars betray that we've tipped from the season of warm evenings to the cold (or at least crisp). And the Moon this week skims Saturn, then the Pleiades.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, November 1 – 10
The thin crescent Moon pairs beautifully with Venus low in Monday's twilight. And be on the lookout for any Taurid fireballs this week!
There Won't Be a Second Bright Comet This Month (Update)
Newfound Comet ATLAS (C/2024 S1) could dazzle – or fizzle.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, October 25 – November 3
Fading Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS poses high in a moonless sky for its fans with binoculars and telescopes, even as we wave farewell for at least a hundred thousand years, maybe forever. Meanwhile four brighter, more permanent members of the solar system await attention.
Grab Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS by the Tail
We check in with the brightest comet of the year and see what's next, plus an update on Comet ATLAS (C/2024 S1), which still shows signs of life.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, October 18 – 27
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS fades and shrinks as it rises high into a darker sky. Venus passes Antares. The waning Moon passes the Pleiades, Jupiter, and Mars. Arcturus becomes the Ghost of Summer Suns.
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Climbs, Brightens and Delights!
Treat yourself to a comet bright enough to see plainly even in moonlight. Tsuchinshan-ATLAS beckons at dusk!
Get Ready for Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS — The Best Is Yet to Come!
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has delighted observers already, but its morning run was only a warm-up — wait till you see what's coming.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, October 11 – 20
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS enters its week of glory for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. Don't let any clear twilight slip by!
