SUNSET: 
Meet Alnilam, Orion’s Belt Buckle
Alnilam, the middle star of Orion's distinctive belt, is a distant supergiant that will (eventually) end its life in a supernova.
What — and Where — Is the North Polar Spur?
Astronomers make the case that a gigantic ridge of gas sticking out of the galactic plane was blown out by a cluster of nearby supernovae.
Astronomy in Space with David Dickinson
Perseverance's Fortnight of Firsts on Mars
NASA's Perseverance rover sends back postcards aplenty following its arrival on Mars as it prepares to explore Jezero Crater.
Asteroid Apophis Pays Earth a Visit This Week
When a potentially hazardous asteroid glides safely past Earth on March 6th, astronomers will conduct a dress rehearsal for a dramatic close-miss pass in 2029.
This Week's Sky At a Glance, March 5 – 13
Sirius shines high on the meridian right after dark, as Orion starts tilting westward. Mars keeps company with the Pleiades. And three planets help you greet the dawn.
March — A Good Time to Visit Vesta
Dip into this easy guide to seeing the brightest asteroid, Vesta, and understanding what makes it unique.
March: Find the Winter Hexagon
Our Sky Tour astronomy podcast provides an engaging guided tour of the planets, stars, and constellations overhead during March.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, February 26 – March 6
Mars is passing the Pleiades. Sirius and Canis Major take over the early-evening meridian from Orion. And low in the dawn, Jupiter closes in on Mercury.
60-second Astro News: Venus Close-up and Supernova 1987A
Now, there's more evidence that astronomers have found the pulsar at the heart of Supernova 1987A. Plus, a new stunning image of Venus.
A Map of a Stellar Explosion
Scientists may have discovered a clue to how massive stars form in the Orion Nebula and a stellar birthplace.
Amateur Astronomers Reveal Long-Ago Galaxy Mergers
The images from five Brazilian amateur astronomers have captured Hubble-level details in galaxies, laying the ground for future work in understanding their histories. Want to join the fun?
Star-shredding Black Hole Makes Ghostlike Particle
A single high-energy neutrino may shed light on a star being swallowed by a supermassive black hole some 690 million light-years away.
Astronomy in Space with David Dickinson
Watch NASA's Perseverance Land in Jezero Crater on Mars
NASA’s Perseverance rover is providing us with amazing views of its new home., including an amazing video of the sky-crane descent.
First-detected Black Hole is More Massive Than We Thought
A higher mass for Cygnus X-1, the first black hole to be discovered, challenges ideas about the evolution of massive stars.
New Map of Ice on Mars Will Aid Future Crewed Missions
Scientists have made a new and improved map of possible water-ice reservoirs on Mars.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, February 19 – 27
Sirius the Dog Star blazes high in the southeast after dinnertime, the brightest star of Canis Major. Spot it lower left of Orion. The stars of Canis Major can be connected to form a convincing dog profile.
Watch the Moon Journey Across the Winter Hexagon
About once a month this winter, we can watch the Moon take a four-day journey across a field of stars termed the "Winter Hexagon."
NASA’s Perseverance Arrives on Mars
NASA’s Perseverance rover, now safely on the floor of Jezero crater, will soon begin its search for evidence of past life on Mars.
Watch Online: NASA's Perseverance Landing on Mars
One week from today, NASA's Perseverance rover will land on Mars. Find resources here — including broadcast of the landing itself.
A Deep-sky Hippity-hop through Lepus, the Hare
Snare a dozen bright double stars and deep-sky objects in the celestial Hare the next clear night. We also provide details on how to watch the potentially hazardous asteroid Apophis occult a star the night of February 21st.
