Palling Around With Palomar Globular Clusters
The intriguing Palomar globular clusters will challenge observers with modest to large telescopes, while providing a satisfying ramble around the galactic halo.
Comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 Blows Its Top . . . Again!
An otherwise faint and distant periodic comet underwent a bright outburst at the end of last month. Now it's visible in amateur telescopes at nightfall.
How to Photograph a Meteor Shower: Capturing the Perseids
Learn how to photograph a meteor shower with these step-by-step instructions, as well as advice for the advanced imager.
See Two Tricky Occultations — Neptune and Lambda (λ) Aqr
Now you see 'em, now you don't. Watch the Moon occult Neptune and nearby Lambda Aquarii on the same night.
Paddle the Milky Way's Dark River
Take an imaginary journey in a boat down the Milky Way's Great Rift, exploring rich star clouds and dark nebulae along the way.
What are the Phases of the Moon?
The phases of the Moon are determined by the relative positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun.
Aurora at Your Fingertips
A survey of free services and apps that let you keep tabs on space weather so you can anticipate the next great aurora.
Hunting White Dwarfs, the Night's Stellar Peewees
Take a trip down the rabbit hole to the weird and weighty world of planet-sized white dwarf stars.
Saturn's Splendid Summer Show
It's showtime for the King of the Rings! Time to get your telescope out to see and share Saturn, which comes to opposition this week.
See Comet PanSTARRS (C/2013 X1) in Binoculars at Dawn
An old friend from winter returns for an encore in the morning sky. Already visible in binoculars, Comet PanSTARRS (C/2013 X1) may reach naked-eye visibility in June.
Hunting Giant Planetary Nebulae
Mind your elders the next clear night and pay a visit to some of Spring's biggest and most ancient planetary nebulae.
Is T CrB About to Blow its Top?
The recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis last made a splash just after World War II. Does its current restive state hint at an imminent outburst?
Are You Game for April's Lunar Observing Challenge?
With astronomy being celebrated around the globe this month, join the fun by participating in a unique lunar observing challenge: track down 20 features once thought to show evidence of change from weather, geology, and even life.
Up, Up, and Away with Comet 252P
With the Moon finally put to bed and Comet 252P still bright, there's no better time than now to see it. Nearby Mars and Saturn only sweeten the deal.
Comet 252P Zooms North, BA14 Grows Tail
Splintered comet duo 252P/LINEAR and P/2016 BA14 liven up both dusk and dawn this week. Naked-eye 252P finally debuts in northern skies, while BA14 makes a beeline through the Big Dipper.
Comet PanSTARRS 2016's Historic Flyby of Earth
Not one, but two, possibly related comets will make exceptionally close flybys of Earth on March 21–22. Here's what we know and a guide on how to see them.
How To Get a Glimpse of Omega Centauri
Among globular clusters, the immense Omega Centauri is widely regarded as the most impressive in the sky. Its deep southern location makes this object challenging to spot — but it can be done, as Italian observer Giuseppe Pappa explains.
How Astronomers Count Sunspots
A multi-year investigation revealed errors in our understanding of the Sun.
It's Not Over Till The Fast Planet Sinks
This week and early next will be your last chance to see five planets — six if you count Earth — at dawn.
