Explore the Night with Bob King
Flight into Darkness — Observe the International Space Station in Earth's Shadow
Did you know you can see the International Space Station even when it's in Earth's shadow? We explore possible reasons why.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Status Report and Expectations for Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS
Is Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS falling apart? How bright will it likely get? We try to answer those questions and more.
Tonight's Perseid Meteor Shower May Be Dipped in Aurora Sauce
The Perseids peak on Sunday night, August 11-12 and just might be joined by a colorful display of northern lights.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Woo-hoo — The Perseid Meteor Shower Is Coming!
It's time again for the annual August meteor-shower fest, the Perseids. This year's display should be a beauty with only minor moonlight and a special surprise at dawn.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Visual Observing vs. Smart Telescopes — Finding Harmony
The latest smartscope astrophotography craze opens the door to some incredible opportunities for both beginners and seasoned observers.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Catch an Exciting Spica Occultation on July 13th
Don't miss Spica's dramatic disappearance at the Moon's dark limb. We also check in on the status of current bright comets.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Is the "Blaze Star" About to Blow? You May Be the First to Know
T Coronae Borealis is a nova star that's due to suddenly — and briefly — brighten. Here's how to see this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Explore the Night with Bob King
See the Real Planet Parade
Maximize your planetary pleasure and get re-acquainted with Earth's siblings during the June 29th dawn planet parade.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Comet 13P/Olbers Juices Up June Skies
June brings heat and bugs but also a moderately bright, early-evening comet that returns every 69 years.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Why Did Galileo Get Such a Puny Crater?
Galileo was one of the first people to study the Moon through a telescope. You'd think he'd get more than 10-mile-wide crater for his efforts. But of course, there's more to the story.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Severe Geogmagnetic Storm Has Arrived! Auroral Blast Expected Friday Night
A severe geomagnetic storm has just hit Earth — which means we could see auroras tonight! Here's what you'll need to know.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Brightens, Grows a Tail
Are you excited about Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS's prospects for a bright appearance this autumn? Guess what? It's already gorgeous.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Ready the Hot Cocoa and Recliner — Here Comes the Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower!
You might be tempted to sleep through this annual shower but then you'd miss seeing some of the fastest meteors around. Not to mention their parent is the most famous comet of all.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Jupiter Meets Uranus in Twilight; Supernova Erupts in Nearby Spiral Galaxy
Jupiter aligns with distant Uranus before it exits the evening sky as a bright supernova flares in the southern galaxy NGC 3621.
Explore the Night with Bob King
What Will We See in the Sky During Totality?
Most of our time will be focused on Sun during the minutes of totality on April 8th, but consider tearing yourself away for a few seconds to put it all in context.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Is Betelgeuse Fading Again?
Betelgeuse has dipped nearly half a magnitude since late January. Could it be headed for another Great Dimming Event? We also take a look at this spring's "other" eclipse.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Fuzzy Glows: See Zodiacal Light, Gegenschein, Airglow, and Aurorae
Find time this season to set aside your telescope and seek the night sky's ghostly glows.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Winter's Finest Triple Stars
Double stars are wonderful, but triples are terrific! Here are 16 trios to enjoy the next clear night.
Explore the Night with Bob King
The Best Comets to Look for in 2024
If you like chasing comets, here's a guide to the year's best and brightest.
Asteroid 2024 BX1: From a Light in the Sky to Rocks on the Ground
The asteroid 2024 BX1 went from a moving dot of light to rocks on the ground in mere hours — and amateur astronomers were critical to both discovery and recovery.