SUNSET: 
Meet Procyon, Orion’s Littler Dog
Meet Procyon, the brightest of the few stars in Canis Minor, the Lesser Dog. On its way to becoming a giant, this star is part of the Winter Triangle and Wniter Hexagon asterisms.
The History of Venus in Air, Rock, and Water
Forty years ago, NASA's Magellan mission “closed the book” on Venus. Now, a new generation of astronomers think the planet next door deserves a second chance.
Is “Slow Science” the Answer to Astronomy's Carbon Footprint?
The first quantitative assessment of professional telescopes’ carbon footprint finds that these facilities contribute more emissions than all other astronomy research activities combined.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, March 18 – 26
Sirius sparkles on the corner of the Meat Cleaver, two open clusters hide under the Cleaver's handle, Orion's Belt levels out for the turning of spring, and Venus, Mars and Saturn slow-dance at dawn.
Pulsar Shoots 7-light-year-long Phaser Blast
Nature proves truth is still stranger than fiction: A pulsar has shot energetic particles in a thin, straight line that extends for light-years into space. The discovery might explain how antimatter makes its way to Earth.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Will Saturn Sprout Spots this Observing Season?
As Saturn returns to the morning sky, will this otherwise serene-looking planet experience another bout of severe weather? Keep your eyes peeled for white spots!
Russia-Ukraine War: Impacts on Space (Updates)
Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine has far-reaching consequences for spaceflight and the international space community.
First Look at an Unusual Exoplanet’s Atmosphere
AAS Nova reports on a "super-puff" exoplanet that's nearly 15 times less dense than Jupiter.
Mission Update: Mars and the Moon
Mission teams presenting at this week's Lunar and Planetary Science Conference provided updates on the Perseverance and Zhurong rovers at Mars, Chang'e 5's lunar sample return, and more.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, March 11 – 19
Sirius, bright dogtag of Canis Major, offers observing challenges day and night. The Big Dipper balances Cassiopeia, and the nearly full Moon occults a Leo star.
How Apollo 17 Is Preparing Artemis for a Return to the Moon
Researchers gear up for Artemis and a new generation of lunar exploration, with a look at samples from the final crewed mission to the Moon.
Largest Molecule Yet Found in Planet-forming Disk
The detection of a complex organic molecule in the disk around an infant star suggests prebiotic chemistry starts in the space between stars.
How Many Moons Can an Asteroid Have?
The discovery of the first quadruple asteroid system raises the question: Is there a limit to how many moons an asteroid can have?
Astronomy in Space with David Dickinson
Update from the Hope Probe at Mars
The United Arab Emirates' Hope Probe, on a wide orbit around Mars, provides views of the dynamic Red Planet.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, March 4 – 12
Evenings see the crescent Moon return, Sirius at its peak in the south, and the Dipper and Cassiopeia in balance toward the north. For planets, look to the dawn.
“Closest Black Hole” Doesn’t Exist, After All
Astronomers combined forces to confirm that a black hole proposed to lie a mere 1,000 light-years away isn’t really there.
Meet Shackleton Crater: Future Moon Landing Site
Shackleton Crater at the lunar south pole is a site of future exploration — and you can even see it through your telescope during favorable librations.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Uncovering Secrets of Earth's Shadow
The daily rising and setting of Earth's shadow is a beautiful sight anyone on the planet can view. It's also an opportunity to witness the rapid changes that accompany sunset or sunrise, but at the opposite end of the sky.
Magnetic "Spoon" Feeds Supermassive Black Hole
Astronomers have imaged the magnetic field along which gas flows to a galaxy's central black hole.
March: Sirius in the Spotlight
Whether you’re just getting started in astronomy or simply looking to do some casual sky-watching, our monthly Sky Tour astronomy podcast provides an informative and entertaining 12-minute guided tour of the nighttime sky. Download the March episode to find and learn about Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky.
