SUNSET: 
Catching the Messenger of the Gods
Mercury is a rewarding challenge for planetary astrophotographers, as this amazing image by Massachusetts amateur John Boudreau demonstrates.
Chi Cygni's Record-Breaking Maximum
The red, Mira-type variable star Chi Cygni has had a very unusual maximum. It's one of the brightest such variables to begin with (typically peaking at about magnitude 5.2), but in late July and early August 2006, it peaked at about magnitude 3.8.
How to Catch an Iridium Flare
These communications satellites can briefly outshine Venus as they spray the ground with reflected sunlight.
Chi Cygni: A Wide-Ranging Variable
This red long-period variable is sometimes visible to the unaided eye — and sometimes invisible even in a 4-inch telescope.
How to Get Aurora Predictions
Although forecasting an aurora remains an inexact science, here are several Web sites that go out on a limb and predict when an aurora might be imminent.
111 Deep Sky Wonders for Light-Polluted Skies
Bright skies aren't empty skies. See for yourself how many treasures lie hidden in the glow of a city sky.
How to Safely See a Partial Solar Eclipse
Looking at the Sun is harmful to your eyes at any time, partial solar eclipse or no. Fortunately, there are many easy ways to watch the show safely.
Observing Galaxies: Spiral, Elliptical, and Irregular
Trained eyes and clear, dark skies can open up a new dimension in deep-sky observing.
Iceland: Fire, Ice, and the Aurora
Iceland is a destination with explosive geysers, majestic waterfalls, towering glaciers, steaming thermal baths — and magnificent northern lights.
An Occultation Primer
The Moon frequently passes in front of stars. In rare cases, planets and asteroids will also obscure starlight for a short time. Here are some basic definitions that will help you understand what occultations are about.
Observing the Perseids - A Perennial Guide
The Perseids meteor shower is one of the year's top astronomical highlights. Learn how best to see the meteors.
Fuzzies in Your Future:
An Introduction to Deep-Sky Objects
Ready to voyage beyond the Solar System? Here's what you can see.
Tycho: The Metropolitan Crater of the Moon
Tycho is the most conspicuous crater visible near full Moon, shining brilliantly and radiating great long rays. But the rays from Tycho that partially encircle the full Moon are not distributed equally in all directions.
The Mysteries of Plato
The crater Plato is one of the superstars for observers of the Moon. It's big, conspicuous with its dark floor ringed by a bright rim, and long a subject of speculation, and controversy.
Messier on the Moon
Oblique impact resolves the mystery of one of the most bizarre crater pairs on the Moon: Messier and Messier A. Previous explanations for this crater pair ranged from imaginative to fantastical. All were wrong.
Rings and Things
Mare Nectaris is the smallest of the circular maria on the Moon; lavas extend only 350 kilometers from shore to shore. But the Nectaris basin is beautifully defined by the spectacular Altai Scarp, which forms the southwestern rim of the basin.
Mining Hipparcos's Buried Treasure
The satellite caught tantalizing pieces of light curves for many new variable stars. Now it's time to fill in the details.
Solar Filters for Safe Sun Observing
Before an eclipse occurs the media often provides information on how to watch the event safely. Unfortunately, despite the best intentions, inaccurate or confusing information on safe observing techniques is often provided. Here are the facts.
How to Sketch Sunspots Using Projection
Looking for a daytime astronomy project to pursue? Why not set your sights on our nearest star?
