SUNSET: 
Comets to Catch in 2020
Here's the lowdown on which comets will brighten our skies in 2020.
Solar and Lunar Eclipses in 2020
Six eclipses occur in 2020, with one total and one annular solar eclipse in the mix. But the four lunar eclipses will be disappointing brushes through the fringe of Earth's shadow.
Betelgeuse is Dimming . . . Why?
The bright star Betelgeuse has faded to a historic low as astronomers try to figure out why.
The Best Meteor Showers in 2020
Sky & Telescope predicts that the three best meteor showers — the Quadrantids (peaking on January 4th!), Perseids and Geminids — will all have strong showings this year.
Deep-sky Dive Into the Great Square of Pegasus
We return to Pegasus, but this time with a telescope to find a grab-bag of overlooked deep-sky treasures.
Meet Altair, the Eagle’s Eye
Altair, centerpiece of Aqulia, the Eagle, is the twelfth-brightest star in the night sky and one of the closest stars to Earth.
"Potentially Hazardous" Asteroid Is Headed For Your Telescope
A potentially hazardous asteroid makes a flyby of Earth this Friday, offering amateurs with modest telescopes a chance to ride along.
Crack Your Crescent Moon Record
Calling all crescent lovers! Here's a chance to set a new personal record by seeing one of the oldest moons ever.
International Observe the Moon Night 2019
Observe the first-quarter Moon on October 5 for International Observe the Moon Night. Here's a guide to tell you what to look for.
Treasure Hunting in the Hall of the Deep-Sky King
Cepheus, the King, has hidden his treasure well but not so much that curious amateurs can't find more than enough to stuff their pockets.
Will Amateurs Be Able to See the New Interstellar Comet?
Only the second object thus far to visit the solar system from interstellar space, Comet Borisov is expected to reach perihelion in December. What can we see now?
Meet Barnard’s Star, Our Red Dwarf Neighbor
This faint red dwarf star is famous not because it's bright but because it's fast-moving — you can actually see it moving across the sky if you track it over several years.
Volcanoes Turn Twilights Purple
A rash of unusually colorful sunsets follows in the wake of two major volcanic eruptions.
Be a Warrior — Tackle a Trojan Asteroid
You've seen Jupiter and its four brightest moons. Now meet the rest of the family — the Trojan asteroids.
Get to Know the Ghostly Galaxies of Sagittarius
We often think of Sagittarius as home to one galaxy only — the Milky Way. But two members of the Local Group and a smattering of fainter galaxies reside here, too.
Astronomy and Stargazing Projects
Wallow a While in the Lagoon Nebula
We take a dip in one of summer's finest nebulae and explore everything from spooky Bok globules to the tornadic Hourglass Nebula. Don't forget your snorkel, er, telescope! Sometimes a single deep-sky object becomes your whole universe. So it was for me when I took several deep wades in the…
August Will Have Two New Moons! What’s the Big Deal?
First there were "blue Moons;" now there are "black Moons." What do these terms mean . . . and do they matter?
Lonely Pluto Is More than a Speck
With Saturn pointing the way, it's easy to venture into the Kuiper Belt this summer and pay a visit to Pluto.
Celebrate Apollo 11 with a Visit to Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins Craters
Find the craters named for the three astronauts who flew the first manned mission to land on the Moon.
Meet Canopus, the Second Brightest Star
The second-brightest star after Sirius, Canopus is visible in southern skies, shining out of the constellation Carina.