Mercury, Messenger, and Observers
As the first images are released from Messenger's flyby of the innermost planet, previous ground-based observations are proving to be surprisingly accurate.
Nova in Puppis
On Nov. 14, 2007, a star in the constellation Puppis suddenly became visible in binoculars.
Comet Holmes Undergoes Huge Outburst
On Wednesday, October 24, 2007, this faint comet between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter suddenly became a naked-eye "star."
Amateurs Spot Transiting Exoplanet
Using modest gear and a lot of skill, amateur astronomers catch a record-breaking planet crossing the face of its star 250 light-years away.
An Occultation by Pluto's Moon Charon?
New calculations indicate that Charon may actually occult an 8.7-magnitude star on Sept. 27, 2007.
Occultations by Possible Rings of Pluto This Week
Pluto will pass extremely close to an 8.7-magnitude star on September 27, 2007; observers should monitor the star's brightness electronically.
Nominations Sought for Amateur Award
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) is now accepting nominations for the Chambliss Amateur Achievement Award.
New Chance To Confirm Asteroid Lucina's Moon
Late Wednesday night, September 19–20, 2007, observers across much of North America should watch for a possible occultation by asteroid 146 Lucina's satellite.
Help Prepare for Hubble Study of PQ And
Amateur observations of variable star PQ Andromedae are needed on September 11-12, 2007, to ensure a successful Hubble campaign.
Surprise Outburst of a New Dwarf Nova
A suspected dwarf nova is undergoing its first observed outburst and had reached 9th magnitude as of September 5, 2007. More observations are needed.
Map the Moon During Tomorrow's Lunar Eclipse
Please help us accurately map the edge of the Moon by timing occultations of stars during the August 28, 2007, total lunar eclipse.
Opportunity to Confirm an Asteroid's Moon
On Tuesday morning, August 21, 2007, observers across much of North America should watch for a possible occultation by asteroid 146 Lucina's satellite.
"New Star" in Vulpecula
On August 8, 2007, variable-star observer Hiroshi Abe discovered a 9th-magnitude nova in Vulpecula. The AAVSO seeks your observations.
Comet Discoverers Awarded
This year's Edgar Wilson Award went to three unique amateur comet discoverers.
A Ringside View of Uranus
Astronomers have assembled an armada of telescopes to observe Uranus in a way that hasn't been possible since the 1960s.
Spectacular Occultation and Graze of Regulus
The year's best grazing occultation in North America occurs on June 19-20, 2007, when the waxing crescent Moon covers Regulus (Alpha Leonis).
Occultations by Possible Rings of Pluto
Photometric recordings of Pluto passing near stars, as on the night of May 11-12, 2007, could reveal if it has a ring system.
Outburst of the Eta Aquarids?
A very old dust trail from Halley's Comet could enhance this meteor shower on May 6, 2007.
A Bright Naked-Eye Asteroid Occultation
On Tuesday evening, April 17, 2007, observers in Georgia and Florida will get a chance to watch asteroid 411 Xanthe cover the 4.2-magnitude star Iota Cancri.
Call for Observations of X-ray Binaries and CVs
From late April through mid-May 2007, professionals are seeking amateur observations of four X-ray binaries and a cataclysmic variable star.
