SUNSET: 
Will the Leonids Roar Again?
Anyone who remembers the spectacular displays of Leonid meteors in 1999–2002 would surely love to see them again. Good news! Theorists predict that the Leonids might be back for a modest encore in mid-November 2009.
Sky at a Glance | December 5th, 2008
Following their conjunction, Venus and Jupiter are now drawing apart in the southwest at dusk — still a striking sight. And Saturn, with its nearly edge-on rings, is a fine telescopic attraction if you can get yourself out before dawn.
Tour December's Sky! | November 30th, 2008
After listening to this podcast, you'll have no trouble spotting Venus, Jupiter, the Pleiades star cluster, and much more in the evening sky! Host: S&T's Kelly Beatty. (5MB MP3 download: running time: 5m 47s)
Sky at a Glance | November 28th, 2008
The Venus-and-Jupiter pairing is at its peak in the southwestern twilight on November 30th and December 1st, with the Moon joining in!
Sky at a Glance | November 21st, 2008
The Venus-and-Jupiter pairing is becoming ever more dramatic in the southwestern twilight, as these two brightest planets draw closer together toward their conjunction on November 30th and December 1st.
Sky at a Glance | November 14th, 2008
Every day Venus and Jupiter are drawing closer together in twilight. And on Monday the 17th, Venus scrapes by a 2nd-magnitude star.
Sky at a Glance | November 7th, 2008
Venus and Jupiter, the two brightest planets, shine in the southwestern twilight, drawing closer together every day. Later at night, watch for Taurid fireballs!
Tour November's Sky! | November 6th, 2008
With the return of standard time in the Northern Hemisphere, evenings arrive much sooner than they did just a few weeks ago. That makes it a snap to get in some quick stargazing before dinnertime.
S&T's Audio Sky Tour for November 2008
Download this podcast to take a guided tour of evening sky sights — find the Moon, Venus, Jupiter, and much more! Host: S&T's Kelly Beatty. (4MB MP3 download: running time: 4m 32s)
Sky at a Glance | October 31st, 2008
Venus and Jupiter shine in twilight. Watch them drawing closer together every day. At dawn, Saturn shines high and Mercury low.
Sky at a Glance | October 24th, 2008
Venus has become easy to spot at dusk. Orange Antares near it is less so. At dawn, Mercury is having its best morning showing of the year, while Saturn is tipping its rings very nearly edge-on to your telescope's line of sight.
Sky at a Glance | October 17th, 2008
Venus climbs higher in twilight, and Antares creeps toward it. Saturn shines ever higher at dawn, and Mercury has begun its best morning apparition of the year.
Sky at a Glance | October 10th, 2008
Venus climbs higher in twilight, and Jupiter creeps toward it. Saturn shines ever higher at dawn, and Mercury now begins appearing far below it.
Observing Forecasts for All!
No matter where you observe from, now you can get an astronomical weather forecast.
Sky at a Glance | October 3rd, 2008
Venus meets a double star in the sunset. Jupiter's shadow eclipses its moons several times. And before dawn, take a look at Saturn with its nearly edge-on rings!
Tour October's Sky! | October 1st, 2008
Halloween might be just around the corner, but there's nothing scary about heading outdoors tonight — as long as you've downloaded this podcast to find your way in the nighttime sky.
S&T's Audio Sky Tour for October 2008
Download this podcast to take a guided tour of evening sky sights — find the Moon, Venus, Jupiter, and much more! Host: S&T's Kelly Beatty. (5MB MP3 download: running time: 5m 05s)
Sky at a Glance | September 26th, 2008
Venus continues creeping up in the sunset, Jupiter is moving from south to southwest after dark, and Saturn now glows low in the dawn.
Sky at a Glance | September 19th, 2008
Venus is creeping slightly higher in the sunset, Jupiter is moving from south to southwest in the evening, and Saturn is emerging low in the dawn.
Sky at a Glance | September 12th, 2008
Venus, low in the sunset this week, has three faint companions hiding nearby: Mercury, Spica, and Mars. Use binoculars in bright twilight to follow their daily changes. After dark, Jupiter glares bright and obvious in the south to southwest.
