SUNSET: 
Cosmic Perspectives
Here's some data to give you perspective on your favorite deep-sky targets.
Morning and Evening Crescent Moons
On Thursday and Friday, June 14 and 15, North American skywatchers have a rare chance to catch sight of "opposing crescent" Moons.
Venus's Daytime Vanishing Act on Monday
Brilliant Venus will disappear behind the dark limb of the crescent Moon on Monday, June 18th, for observers in the Middle East and India — and in daytime for Europe and the northeastern tip of North America.
Crescent Moon to Occult Regulus Tuesday
When a star or planet ducks behind the Moon, it's a dramatic celestial sight. This month many lucky viewers will have the chance to see either a planet (Venus) or a bright star (Regulus) play peekaboo.
Sky at a Glance | June 8th, 2007
Bright Venus in the western twilight is closing on in Saturn. Regulus makes it a three-point lineup. And late in the week, the waxing crescent Moon starts to march up toward them.
Sky at a Glance | June 1st, 2007
Bright Venus is sinking down a little in twilight, still near Castor and Pollux. Look for Mercury far to its lower right. Saturn shines high to Venus's upper left. And on the other side of the sky, Jupiter is at opposition.
Your Audio Sky Tour: June 2007
If you head out after dark in early June, you have a chance to see four planets at once. Find out how to spot them when you listen to this month's audio tour of the evening sky. Host: S&T's Kelly Beatty. (6MB MP3 download: running time: 6m23s)
Sky at a Glance | May 25th, 2007
Venus shines in the western twilight with Saturn preparing to dive down to it. Mercury is having a great evening showing far below. Jupiter and Antares form a striking pair in the southeast. And the brightest asteroid is the brightest it's been in 18 years.
Saturn Plays Hide and Seek
Planetary occultations are among nature's most majestic celestial scenes. One look at an image like this and it's easy to see why.
Sky at a Glance | May 18th, 2007
Venus dazzles in the west at dusk. Saturn shines higher to Venus's upper left, closing in on it week by week. And as evening grows late, watch for turbulent Jupiter rising in the southeast.
Buzz About the "Blue Moon"
About seven times each 19 years, we have two full Moons in a month — and it's happening again now. Not so long ago, nobody would've called the second of these Moons "blue."
Sky at a Glance | May 11th, 2007
Venus, shining high in the western twilight this spring, has a spectacular meetup with the crescent Moon on May 19th. Also check in on Saturn, even higher after dark. Jupiter glares in the south during the early-morning hours.
Red Planet Rising
Now that mornings are getting warmer, it's far less daunting to get out of your warm bed and do some early-morning stargazing. But if you need some added motivation to set that alarm, look no further than Mars.
In Caroline Herschel's Footsteps
This is the only known portrait of Caroline Herschel as a young woman.Museum of the History of Science, OxfordCaroline Herschel (1750–1848) was the first famous female astronomer. Though celebrated in her day for discovering eight comets, she started as a deep-sky observer. In fact, it was Caroline's initial deep-sky discoveries…
Sky at a Glance | May 4th, 2007
Watch Venus pass a star cluster in the feet of Gemini. Check in on Saturn even higher after dark. And if it's May, do you know where the Big Dipper is?
Your Audio Sky Tour: May 2007
Why is the Big Dipper, now seen high overhead after sunset, considered the "Swiss army knife" of the sky? You'll find out when you listen to this month's audio tour of the evening sky. Host: S&T's Kelly Beatty. (6MB MP3 download: running time: 6m22s)
Your Audio Sky Tour: April 2007
Some celestial carnivores are on the prowl in the eastern sky after sunset. Learn how to find them — and about a worldwide celebration called Astronomy Day — in this month's audio tour of the evening sky. Host: S&T's Kelly Beatty. (5MB MP3 download: running time: 5m40s)
Tour March 2007's Evening Sky
Winter's majectic constellations make a last stand before giving way to spring. Hear all about them — and about the lunar eclipse on March 3rd — in this month's audio tour of the evening sky. Host: S&T's Kelly Beatty. (5MB MP3 download: running time: 5m25s)
Tour February 2007's Evening Sky
After being absent from evening view for awhile, three planets can now be seen soon after sunset. Download this MP3 file to your iPod or other handheld device to learn how to find them and other celestial delights in the midwinter sky. Hosted by Kelly Beatty, editor of Night Sky…
Tour January 2007's Evening Sky
Ring in the New Year with a little stargazing! Download this MP3 file to your iPod or other handheld device to learn how to view the stars of Orion, the Hyades and Pleiades star clusters, and more! (5.6 MB file; hosted by Kelly Beatty, editor of Night Sky magazine.)
