
About Meteors
Meteors, meteoroids, meteorites, and fireballs — keep all these look-alike terms straight.
Predicting a Stellar Catastrophe
Observations made by professional and amateur astronomers during the upcoming, once-in-a-generation eclipse of Epsilon Aurigae may reveal whether or not the star is heading for extinction.
Black Holes Shape Spiral Galaxy Arms
In recent years astronomers have found that the more massive a galaxy's central black hole, the more massive the galaxy's central bulge of stars seems to be. Now it turns out that for some galaxies, this isn't true. Is there a better way to judge the mass of a galaxy's black hole just by looking?

Eclipses in 2008
Don't miss February's total lunar eclipse (the last one anywhere until late 2010) — and look ahead to a total solar eclipse in exotic settings in August.

Meteor Showers in 2008
With minimal moonlight to interfere, the best meteor showers of 2008 should be the Quadrantids, the Aquarids, and the Perseids.

Sky Highlights of 2008
Eclipses, occultations, conjunctions, and meteor showers — there's no shortage of celestial action in 2008.
Dunlap Observatory, RIP
The University of Toronto has announced that the David Dunlap Observatory, situated north of Toronto, Ontario, and the home of Canada's largest optical telescope, is to be closed and sold.

Crescent Moon to Occult Regulus Tuesday
When a star or planet ducks behind the Moon, it's a dramatic celestial sight. This month many lucky viewers will have the chance to see either a planet (Venus) or a bright star (Regulus) play peekaboo.
OGLEing a MACHO
By using an observing method that mimics human depth perception, astronomers have found a potential dark-matter object.
Danger Signals From the Sun
Scientists have found a new way to detect harmful radiation explosions from the Sun.

Dwarfs, Dwarfs Everywhere
Using the infrared Spitzer Space Telescope, astronomers have found thousands of previously unknown dwarf galaxies.

Planets of Massive A Stars
Stars more massive than the Sun have planets too. But they don't fit the familiar pattern.

Vanishing Acts
One of the most dramatic sights in the nighttime sky occurs when the Moon briefly hides a planet or star — an event called an occultation. On April 25th and 26th, many observers in northwestern North America will be treated to an unusual occultation double-header as the Moon conceals Saturn on one morning and Regulus the next. Both events should be visible without optical aid if the sky conditions are good.

Iceland: Fire, Ice, and the Aurora
Iceland is a destination with explosive geysers, majestic waterfalls, towering glaciers, steaming thermal baths — and magnificent northern lights.
Some Special Events in 2006
It's going to be an active year for stargazers. Here's where you can find some of the highlights of 2006, including a list of upcoming lunar occultations.
Meteor Showers in 2006
Here are the dates and estimated hourly rates of some of the better showers in 2005 and 2006.

History of the Quadrantid Meteors
Read about the history and source of the Quadrantid meteor stream, which provides one of the most intense annual meteor displays. Its brief, sharp maximum lasts only a few hours in early January.
Celestial Highlights for 2005
Eclipses, conjunctions, and occultations will keep observers worldwide busy during the upcoming year. Here's a summary of what's in store.
Three "Down Under" Occultations of Jupiter
The southwestern corner of Australia catches three occultations of Jupiter during the first three months of 2005.
Celestial Highlights for 2004
Eclipses, occultations, comets, and a transit of Venus — it’s going to be an exciting year for observers.