SUNSET: 
Finding the Missing Dwarf Galaxies
Minigalaxies of dark matter ought to be everywhere, says the best theory of how the universe came to be. Now they're finally being found.
Measuring Neutron Stars Exactly
Astronomers can measure a neutron star's diameter by effects of gas skimming around its surface at 40% of light speed.
Sky at a Glance | August 31st, 2007
Mars, brightening week by week, continues to dominate the eastern sky during the early-morning hours. Meanwhile Jupiter is sinking lower in the southwest during evening, and Venus is now leaping up to shine as the "Morning Star" low in the dawn.
Lunar Eclipse on August 28th
Catch the Moon in eclipse before sunrise on August 28th.
Sky at a Glance | August 17th, 2007
This week brings an eclipse of the Moon to North America early on Tuesday morning the 28th, and a possible outburst of the Aurigid meteors before dawn on the morning of September 1st. Westerners have the best seats for both.
Sky at a Glance | August 17th, 2007
This is a great week to watch Jupiter and the dance of its moons. And don't miss our own Moon passing by it through Scorpius and Sagittarius.
Sky at a Glance | August 10th, 2007
The Perseid meteor shower should peak late on the night of Sunday the 12th, but you're likely to see occasional Perseids all week if you watch the stars. Meanwhile, Jupiter shines in the south at dusk, and Mars rises after midnight.
The Most Puffed-Up Planet
Astronomers have discovered possibly the biggest exoplanet yet. TrES-4 is about 70% wider than Jupiter and has the average density of balsa wood.
Sky at a Glance | July 27th, 2007
Big Jupiter shines in early evening, little Mars shines in the small hours of the morning — and elusive Mercury is now displaying itself nicely low in the dawn.
Sky at a Glance | July 13th, 2007
Venus is sinking low, but it's got Saturn and Regulus to keep it company in its decline. For a couple days the Moon pays a visit too. (Think photo opportunity!) The Moon are sinking toward the horizon in the western twilight. But bright Jupiter, on the other side of the sky, comes into its own after dark.
Sky at a Glance | July 13th, 2007
Venus is sinking low, Saturn and Regulus are nearly out of sight, but busy Jupiter rules the sky after dark. And the Moon pays it a visit
Sky at a Glance | June 29th, 2007
Venus and Saturn begin the week having a beautiful, eyecatching conjunction in the western twilight. Watch them draw apart day by day thereafter. On the other side of the sky, Jupiter is shining brightly ever higher in the southeast — with Antares to its lower right.
Sky at a Glance | June 22nd, 2007
It's happening at last. The two planets of the western twilight, Venus and Saturn, close the gap between them and reach conjunction on June 30th. On the other side of the sky, Jupiter is shining ever higher in the southeast.
Sky at a Glance | June 15th, 2007
In the fading glow of sunset, Saturn is closing in on bright Venus, while for several evenings, the waxing crescent Moon marches by. On the other side of the sky, Jupiter is getting ever higher in the southeast.
Sky at a Glance | June 8th, 2007
Bright Venus in the western twilight is closing on in Saturn. Regulus makes it a three-point lineup. And late in the week, the waxing crescent Moon starts to march up toward them.
Sky at a Glance | June 1st, 2007
Bright Venus is sinking down a little in twilight, still near Castor and Pollux. Look for Mercury far to its lower right. Saturn shines high to Venus's upper left. And on the other side of the sky, Jupiter is at opposition.
Sky at a Glance | May 25th, 2007
Venus shines in the western twilight with Saturn preparing to dive down to it. Mercury is having a great evening showing far below. Jupiter and Antares form a striking pair in the southeast. And the brightest asteroid is the brightest it's been in 18 years.
Sky at a Glance | May 18th, 2007
Venus dazzles in the west at dusk. Saturn shines higher to Venus's upper left, closing in on it week by week. And as evening grows late, watch for turbulent Jupiter rising in the southeast.
Sky at a Glance | May 11th, 2007
Venus, shining high in the western twilight this spring, has a spectacular meetup with the crescent Moon on May 19th. Also check in on Saturn, even higher after dark. Jupiter glares in the south during the early-morning hours.
Sky at a Glance | May 4th, 2007
Watch Venus pass a star cluster in the feet of Gemini. Check in on Saturn even higher after dark. And if it's May, do you know where the Big Dipper is?
