SUNSET: 
An Observer's Guide to Mars
In 2001 the red planet swung closer to Earth than it had since 1988. It'll be even better in 2003. Here's an observer's guide from the 2001 opposition to whet your appetite for 2003.
Mercury Transit Tales
Mostly clear skies in Europe, the Far East, and Australia meant that many amateurs were able to view this rare event.
Viewing Mercury at Its Best
Fast-moving Mercury can be elusive. But spotting this sparkling little planet is easy if you know where and when to look.
Mars Glides Between Two Nebulae
During the predawn hours of March 5th and 6th, watch as Mars glides between a close pair of nebulae — the Lagoon (M8) and the Trifid (M20).
A Star Prepares to Blow Its Top
Easily found with the naked eye, 4th-magnitude Rho Cassiopeiae may be getting ready for an enormous mass ejection in the next few months.
Saturn Transits the Crab
During the night of January 4–5, North American observers are well positioned to watch Saturn transit the face of M1, the Crab Nebula. But will the glare from the planet obscure the nebula?
Ceres and Melpomene in Binoculars
With paths that crisscross in Cetus, the Whale, these two asteroids make fine observing targets for the rest of 2002.
Asteroid Flyby Seen Worldwide
Last weekend's close encounter between Earth and asteroid 2002 NY40 was seen by amateur astronomers worldwide.
Asteroid Hunters Receive Grants
Five amateur astronomers specializing in the observation and early detection of Earth-crossing asteroids and comets were each awarded Shoemaker Near-Earth Object Grants from the Planetary Society.
A Close Encounter with an Asteroid
Over four weeks, the brightness of asteroid 2002 NY40 will brighten by more than 3,000 times. It will peak at magnitude 9.3 (bright enough to be seen through a small telescope or large binoculars) as it drifts rapidly through the northern Milky Way on the night of August 17–18. This…
Australe: A Mare on the Edge
This mare is a challenging sight; view it July 16th to 19th and August 12th to 15th.
A Saturn Occultation for Europeans
On the evening of the 16th, skywatchers across northern Europe will see the Moon occult Saturn. The occultation takes place at midday in northwestern North America.
Asteroid Occultations in April 2002
North American observers can see a 7th- and a 10th-magnitude star occulted by asteroids this month. Here's when and where to look.
Chi Cygni to Brighten in Early March
The long-period variable Chi Cygni peaks in March. Here's where to find it and what to expect.
Local Times for the Occultation of Saturn
For more than 300 cities throughout North America, the following table tells when the planet Saturn will be covered by the Moon. This event takes place in the afternoon or evening hours of Wednesday, February 20th. Cities are grouped by state or province. First click on the abbreviation of your…
Asteroid Occultations in March 2002
North American observers can see two 10th-magnitude stars occulted by asteroids this March. Here's where to look.
Planetary Occultation Highlights for 2002
Five dozen of these spellbinding events, impossible to predict well until recently, are listed for observers worldwide.
A Saturn-Moon Spectacle
There will be other occultations of Saturn this year — but none with February's prime-time appeal for North American observers.
Close-Up of an Alien World
The lunar surface consists of more than just craters and mare. Here's a guide to some of the other lunar features.
