SUNSET: 
Solar Activity Continues
A large spot is now visible on the Sun's surface. It's big enough to be seen without optical aid, but always use a safe solar filter when viewing the Sun.
Astro News Briefs: June 2–June 8
Jupiter's moon count hits 61 and finding "rural galaxies.
Celestial Sleuths Reveal Exact Date van Gogh Painted Moonrise
On July 13, 2003, a nearly full Moon will appear over the French landscape, identical to one that Vincent van Gogh captured on canvas 114 years ago.
Astro News Briefs: May 5–11
New Mars and Moon Rocks Found May 6, 2003 | This week scientists announced the discovery and identification of eight new lunar meteorites and four more from Mars — the largest of the Martians weighing nearly a half kilogram. To date collectors have snatched up 27 distinct meteorites from the…
Mercury Transit Tales
Mostly clear skies in Europe, the Far East, and Australia meant that many amateurs were able to view this rare event.
Astro News Briefs: April 21–27
Meade Instruments Chairman and Founder to Retire April 24, 2003 | On Monday Meade Instruments announced that John C. Diebel, the company's chairman, chief executive officer, and founder, will retire on May 31st. Assuming the role of CEO will be Steven Murdock, Meade's current president and chief operating officer. Harry…
Red Moon Rising: May 15th's Total Lunar Eclipse
For the first time in three years, North Americans will be able to watch the Moon's dramatic disappearing act.
May Brings an Astronomical Bonanza
April 29, 2003 Contacts: Alan MacRobert, Senior Editor 855-638-5388 x151, [email protected] Roger W. Sinnott, Senior Editor 855-638-5388 x146, [email protected] Note to Editors/Producers: This release is accompanied by high-quality animations and illustrations; see details below. Keep your eyes on the heavens throughout this coming month. Astronomically speaking, May is bustin'…
Astro News Briefs: April 14–20
Two More Moons for Jupiter Make 60 April 14, 2003 | With Jupiter high in the sky, astronomers are taking advantage. In past few weeks nearly a dozen new planetary moons have been discovered — two of which were certified by the International Astronomical Union on April 12th and 14th.…
Astro News Briefs: April 7–13
Jupiter Gains Six in "Moon Race"... April 9, 2003 | The surge of satellite discoveries around giant Jupiter continues, with six new ones chalked up in February and announced late last week. Each mountain-size moonlet, roughly 2 kilometers across, is traveling in a distant, "irregular" orbit having a large eccentricity…
Astro Image in the News:
Interstellar Ripples
This Hubble Space Telescope view of the Egg Nebula looks as if someone tossed a pebble into a celestial pond.
Thermonuclear Blast
The Chandra X-ray Observatory reveals the aftermath of supernova.
Astro News Briefs: March 10–16
Yet More Moons for Jupiter March 11, 2003 | Hot on the heels of last week's announcement, Scott Sheppard (University of Hawaii) has added to Jupiter's satellite tally yet again, having found four more, bringing the planet's moon count to 52. These latest moonlets were announced by the International Astronomical…
Spring Begins on March 20th...But Why?
March 12, 2003 Contact: Alan MacRobert, Senior Editor 855-638-5388 x151, [email protected] Note to Editors/Producers: This release is accompanied by a high-quality animation and illustration; see details below. The long, cold, snow-laden winter of 2002-03 officially comes to its much-deserved end at exactly 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday,…
Astro News Briefs: March 3–9
An earthquake rattles Bib Bear's solar scopes.
Large Sunspot Visible
After being nearly featureless for several weeks, the solar face now sports a large sunspot.
Mars Glides Between Two Nebulae
During the predawn hours of March 5th and 6th, watch as Mars glides between a close pair of nebulae — the Lagoon (M8) and the Trifid (M20).
Astro News Briefs: February 24–March 2
ALMA radio telescope gets green light, and a Mars rover "lands" in Florida.
