SUNSET: 
Observing the Full Moon
The full Moon is very bright, but there are still many fascinating features to observe during this or any phase when you look far from the terminator.
Seeking Summer's Dark Nebulae
Amateur skygazers can spend hours roaming ghostly clouds of interstellar dust. You just need to know where to look.
Nebulae of the Deep South
On a long-awaited tour of the southern Milky Way, Alan Whitman discovers many splendid sights in far-southern skies.
How to Estimate a Comet's Brightness
Comets are notorious for not following predictions, but even judging the magnitude of a bright comet that's right in front of you is not straightforward.
How to Report a Comet Discovery
So you think you’ve found a comet? Here are some steps to follow in verifying your find.
Secrets of High-Power Comet Observing
Although large, bright comets are infrequent visitors to our skies, faint comets appear on a regular basis. Here are some observing hints that will make your comet-watching more enjoyable.
An Aurora Watcher's Guide
Want to see an aurora? In this introduction to auroral phenomena, an expert explains what to look for, when, and how.
Observing Secrets of Deep-Sky Objects Revealed
Here's how to hone your galaxy-hunting skills — and what to expect at the eyepiece.
Seeking Thin Crescent Moons
Here are some tips for hunting one of nature's most captivating sights.
Eta Aquariids: Halley's Comet Crumbs
Flecks of dust shed long ago by Edmond Halley’s famous namesake arrive like clockwork each year, creating a minor meteor shower in early May.
RS Ophiuchi Finally Blows its Stack
This famous recurrent nova has just erupted for the first time in 21 years, reaching magnitude 4.8 on February 13th.
History of the Quadrantid Meteors
Read about the history and source of the Quadrantid meteor stream, which provides one of the most intense annual meteor displays. Its brief, sharp maximum lasts only a few hours in early January.
A Rare Glimpse of Mare Orientale
On five consecutive mornings beginning January 29th, early morning risers have an opportunity to glimpse the Moon’s most spectacular "hidden" landform.
Lunar Occultation Highlights for 2005
No matter where you live in the world, you can see the Moon hide stars and planets in its path. Here's when and where you can watch dozens of these events this year.
The Moon Occults Fiery Antares
Set your alarm clock to watch the last-quarter Moon cross a first-magnitude star on the morning of March 3rd.
Asteroid Occultations: March–July 2005
Mobile observers with video cameras, capable of filling gaps between those at fixed sites, are especially needed to observe asteroid occultations.
Pallas in the Realm of the Galaxies
Catch Pallas, the year's brightest asteroid, as it traverses the Virgo Galaxy Cluster.
The Discovery of the Perseid Meteors
It took the mindset of a detective to discover the truth behind the meteors of mid-August.
Delta Scorpii Still Showing Off
For the fourth summer in a row, the head of the bright constellation Scorpius looks a little unusual.
When Will RS Ophiuchi Next Blow Its Stack?
This recurrent nova last went off in 1985. It could do so again almost any night. By catching this nova on the rise, you’ll help professional astronomers turn their “big guns” on it.
