What is the Black-Drop Effect?
The famous (or infamous) black-drop effect earned its place in history long before astronomers knew what caused it.
Afghans Reach for the Stars
Reach for the Stars aims to bring astronomy back into Afghanistan’s elementary school curriculum in a way that resonates with the region’s culture and history.
Where to See the Annular Solar Eclipse Online
If you're not in the path of this weekend's “ring of fire” eclipse, find out where you can view it online.

Where to See the Transit of Venus Online
Find out where you can view June 5th or 6th's transit of Venus online.
Superflares from Sun-like Stars
NASA's Kepler mission is finding solar-type stars that emit jaw-dropping explosions of high-energy particles and radiation. Now astronomers are looking into why some solar-type stars emit superflares — and why the Sun never will.
IBEX's Slower Sun — and No Bow Shock
NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer has discovered that the Sun has no bow shock, overturning the basis for decades of scientific research.
X-ray Outburst in Spiral Galaxy M83
Astronomers have spotted an unusual "ultraluminous" burst of X-rays coming from the otherwise barren region between the grand spiral arms of Messier 83.
S&T’s NEAF Round-Up
Sky & Telescope editors just returned from our annual pilgrimage to the Northeast Astronomy Forum, where we scoped out new products and talked with our readers.
Venus Befriends Crescent Moon
The crescent Moon lies close to crescent Venus just after twilight tonight, a great target for a good pair of binoculars.
“Coronal Cells” in Sun’s Atmosphere
Astronomers have discovered an unexpected new feature on the Sun, leading to further insights about the solar magnetic field.
Watch April 16th's Solar Flare!
The Sun erupted yesterday in a magnificent display, and more might be on its way.

International Dark Sky Week
Light pollution affects more than just astronomy. Learn what you can do to save energy and baby sea turtles — and keep our skies dark.

Dark Energy BOSSes Around the Universe
Astronomers are honing in on the nature of dark energy, a mysterious, repulsive energy that pervades all of space. Among the questions they're trying to answer: does dark energy exist?
Hubble Images Stir Up Dark Matter Debate
Dark matter in the "Train Wreck" galaxy cluster (Abell 520) appears to behave in unusual ways. Now, new Hubble images are heating up the debate.

An Emerald-Cut Diamond in the Rough
Astronomers have discovered a rare, rectangular galaxy 70 million light-years away. The dwarf galaxy's unique history presents a challenge for current theories of galaxy evolution.
The Ultimate Mobile Guide to Saturn
Our new SaturnMoons app guides you around the ringed planet as it brightens in the night sky in advance of an April 28th opposition. Learn about Saturn's bizarre satellite family, then find the moons in your own scope.
New Fuel for Type Ia Supernova Debate
The origin of the stellar explosions known as Type Ia supernovae has been a topic of hot debate for decades. A new study adds fuel to the fire.
May 20th's Solar Eclipse — S&T Reports
Two editors headed to California, and a third to New Mexico, for May 20th's solar eclipse. Read their reports, along with those from S&T readers and featured pictures from our online photo gallery. We want to hear from you too!
How Many Rogue Planets Are There in the Milky Way?
A new analysis suggests that "nomad" planets, ejected from their home stellar systems and now adrift in the icy dark of interstellar space., could outnumber stars by as many as 100,000 to 1.