SUNSET: 
Steamy Nights at the Galactic Equator
Here's an observing guide to both familiar and lesser-known deep-sky objects that inhabit our galaxy's equatorial zone.
Meet the Cygnus, the High-Flying Swan
Meet Cygnus, the Swan, a high-flying constellation that looks like its namesake and has a rich mythological history.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, July 3 – 12
Regulus creeps up to Venus in twilight this week. Vega and Arcturus balance across the zenith. And this being July, Scorpius decorates the south.
July Podcast: Spotlight on Spica
This month’s episode highlights the bright star Spica, now prominent high in the southwest after evening twilight. It’s leading the parade of constellations, along with the brilliant planet Venus, that will grace the Northern Hemisphere’s summer skies. You'll also get to know other brights stars in Spica’s vicinity, along with excellent tips on how to be a better stargazer. So grab curiosity and come along on this month’s Sky Tour.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, June 26 – July 5
The almost-full Moon steps past orange Antares between Friday and Saturday evenings, June 26th and 27th.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, June 19 – 28
The Moon as it will appear in an amateur telescope at 10 p.m. EDT Friday the 19th. This week Venus and Jupiter continue moving apart low in the western twilight. Vega and Arcturus shine equally high after dark. And watch Beta Lyrae self-eclipse.
See Venus Disappear in Broad Daylight on June 17th
On June 17th, much of North America can watch the Moon occult Venus in the daytime sky. All you need are binoculars.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, June 12 – 21
The three planets in the western twilight are pulling away from each other now. On Wednesday, the Moon will occult Venus in daylight.
Meet Callisto, Jupiter's Ancient Moon
Meet Callisto, the heavily cratered moon that's the most distant of the Galilean satellites from Jupiter.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, June 5 – 14
Bright Venus and Jupiter pass through conjunction in twilight this week, while Mercury, Pollux, and Castor watch them from nearby.
Chance of Aurora Extends to Friday Night, June 5th
A geomagnetic storm expected June 4th arrived late. But there's still at chance of seeing auroras Friday night, June 5th.
Venus, Jupiter Converge in Stunning June 9th Dusk Conjunction
A beautiful conjunction is coming, and all you need are your eyes to enjoy it.
June Podcast: Dance of the Planets
This month’s episode highlights the close pairing of Venus and Jupiter under way in the western sky after sunset. You'll also learn why astronomers are fixated on a star in Corona Borealis — and how to find a huge but dim constellation that will likely be new to you. So grab curiosity and come along on this month’s Sky Tour.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, May 29 – June 7
Venus and Jupiter grab your eyes in the west in late twilight. The Summer Triangle marks the dark in the east. So will the subtler Milky Way once the glary Moon is gone.
Lost in the Star Clouds — A Milky Way Odyssey
I share my "discovery" of a new Milky Way star cloud that's been staring at me for ages.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, May 22 – 31
Venus and Jupiter — the Evening Star and the False Evening Star — draw closer together in the western twilight and point down to Mercury. The waxing Moon shows off its rich telescopic detail.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, May 15 – 24
The Moon, Venus, and Jupiter — the three brightest celestial objects after the Sun — will form up beautifully in twilight this Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Moon and Planets to Gather in Twilight Spectacle on May 18–20
Watch the crescent Moon dance with the planets when it returns next week.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, May 8 – 17
Jupiter, shining high the western dusk, inches down day toward brighter Venus. Venus, meanwhile, creeps toward the horntip stars of Taurus and stands between them on May 13th.
Meet the Constellations: Leo, the Lion
Leo, the Lion, is one of the most recognizable of the spring constellations, with its large size, distinctive shape, and plentiful bright stars.
