SUNSET: 
Did a Passing Star Shower Us with Comets?
We might be living through a comet shower created by a star that millions of years ago jostled the Oort Cloud surrounding the solar system.
Hayabusa 2 Completes Flyby Past Asteroid Torifune
Japan’s Hayabusa 2 mission has revealed another "snowman" asteroid — a pair of asteroids attached with a narrow neck. The contact binary could help shed light on planet formation.
Making Peace with Terrible Astrophotography
We all might aspire to such a captivating image, but there's a real learning curve to astrophotography.
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.
Mission Launches to Rescue Swift Observatory
A daring mission will attempt to reach and save a key astrophysics observatory in low Earth orbit.
Cotton-Candy Exoplanets: Two for the Price of One!
NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite has found two “super-puff” planets in the same system, each one as light as cotton candy.
NASA Announces Four New Lunar Lander Missions for 2028
NASA has awarded contracts to three aerospace companies for four lunar landers to launch in 2028.
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.
