This Week's Sky at a Glance, September 6 – 15
The Moon starts the week low in twilight with Venus and Spica, then steps eastward past Antares and the Sagittarius Teapot. Meanwhile, the recurrent nova in Corona Borealis is still keeping us waiting.
September Podcast: Exploring Vega’s Neighborhood
Use this month’s Sky Tour podcast to check out a very special Harvest Moon, track down all five bright planets, explore some lesser-known constellations, and bounce around the Summer Triangle. It’s a great introduction to the late-summer sky, all in a friendly, informative narration that’s suitable for the whole family.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, August 30 – September 8
Low in twilight, climbing Venus and descending Spica prepare to pass each other. After dark Vega crosses the zenith, and Scorpius beds down. Mercury shines at dawn.
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.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, August 23 – September 1
We're in peak Milky Way season, and the evenings have become dark and moonless. Andromegasus is up. So is Saturn. Before dawn, the late-risen Moon passes over Jupiter and Mars.
Visit Ara, the Celestial Altar
This far-southern constellation contains some delightful sights for small telescopes.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, August 16 – 25
Vega shines overhead as the zenith star at dusk. Jupiter and Mars are separating. When the Moon is just past full it poses next to Saturn — which, by no coincidence, is less than a month from opposition.
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.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, August 9 – 18
The Perseid meteor shower peaks late Sunday night August 11th and maybe Monday night too. Jupiter and Mars have a close conjunction on the morning of the 14th, looking radically different in the same telescopic view.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, August 2 – 11
The Perseid meteors ramp up this week to their peak. Saturn is nicely up in the east by late evening. Jupiter and Mars near their conjunction in the morning sky. And there's a story behind Poniatowski's Bull.
August Podcast: Nova Watch in the Northern Crown
Let’s go on a night-sky tour of the stars and planets that you’ll see overhead during August. Find a good seat for some great “shooting stars,” watch Saturn climb in the eastern sky in early evening, check out the summer's brightest stars, and start looking for a once-in-your-lifetime star blast.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, July 26 – August 4
Very low in the west in bright twilight, have you picked up Venus yet? Binoculars help. Much tougher will be Mercury and Regulus. Their arrangement changes all week.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, July 19 – 28
Scorpius poses at center stage in the south. The Sagittarius Teapot follows behind it. And Rasalhague, the head star of Ophiuchus. turns the Summer Triangle into a big, upright diamond.
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.
Southern Stargazing with Jonathan Nally
Explore Norma: The right (angle) constellation for July
Little-known Norma, a small constellation in the southern sky, contains several stellar and deep-sky delights.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, July 12 – 21
Mercury lurks in the sunset. The July Moon rides low across the sky this week as it waxes from first quarter to full. It occults springlike Spica, then passes summery Antares to hang with the Teapot.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, July 4 – 14
The waxing Moon passes Regulus on its way to occulting Spica July 13th. The Kite of Boötes tilts toward the Dipper. And the largest asteroid is at opposition.
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.