SUNSET: 
Sky at a Glance | January 4th, 2008
Mars is getting higher in the east these evenings even as it shrinks into the distance. Mercury is just emerging from the glow of sunset, and Venus shines at dawn.
Sky at a Glance | January 18th, 2008
Mercury is putting on a fine evening appearance, Mars is still close enough to show detail in a telescope, and Comet Holmes is crossing Algol in the moonlight. Meanwhile, early risers can watch Jupiter closing in on Venus at dawn.
Sky at a Glance | January 11th, 2008
Mercury emerges from the glow of sunset, Jupiter emerges from the glow of sunrise, Venus blazes, Mars fades, and Algol dips.
Your Audio Sky Tour: January 2008
Here's an introduction to the wonders of January evening sky — the impressive Quadrantid meteors, the gleaming planet Mars, and the glittering stars of Orion and Taurus. Host: S&T's Kelly Beatty. (5MB MP3 download: running time: 5m55s)
Sky at a Glance | December 28th, 2007
Mars outshines everything else high in the east these evenings, stealing the limelight from the bright winter constellations around it. Meanwhile, Comet Holmes just keeps growing — and Comet Tuttle is nearest and brightest this week.
Sky Highlights of 2008
Eclipses, occultations, conjunctions, and meteor showers — there's no shortage of celestial action in 2008.
Sky at a Glance | December 14th, 2007
This week Mars is at its closest to Earth; get out the telescope! And Comet Holmes just keeps growing, though it's dimmed by the increasing moonlight.
Your Audio Sky Tour: December 2007
Download this podcast to guide you to the wonders of December's evening sky — like Orion leaping up over the eastern horizon with gleaming Mars by his side. Host: S&T's Kelly Beatty. (7MB MP3 download: running time: 7m20s)
December's Audio Guide to the Heavens
You'll have an easy time spotting Orion leaping up into the sky — with dazzling Mars at his side — if you download this podcast to your MP3 player and head outdoors after dark.
Sky at a Glance | November 30th, 2007
Comet Holmes just keeps growing, as shown in this comparison with the size of the Moon. But Mars is now the real "star" of the night. It's about as big and close as it will get this year. And don't miss this week's Geminid meteors!
Sky at a Glance | November 30th, 2007
Comet Holmes, dimming but growing ever larger, is one again easy to spot in a moonless evening sky. The Moon itself has gone off to consort with Regulus, Saturn, Venus, and Spica in the dawn.
Saturn in the Morning
The ringed planet is at its highest in the sky shortly before dawn in December. And the early-morning sky is full of other marvels, too.
Catching the Messenger of the Gods
Mercury is a rewarding challenge for planetary astrophotographers, as this amazing image by Massachusetts amateur John Boudreau demonstrates.
Sky at a Glance | November 21st, 2007
Comet Holmes, fading as it enlarges, is moving away from the star Mirfak this week. And the bright Moon passes among bright stars and a planet.
Sky at a Glance | November 16th, 2007
Comet Holmes is passing very close by Mirfak this week — and fading as it enlarges. Mars and Orion rise together, Vega and Capella balance out, and Venus guides the way to Mercury at dawn.
Sky at a Glance | November 9th, 2007
Comet Holmes remains big, bright, and puffy high in the evening sky — but moonlight will soon be back. Before dawn, dazzling Venus marks the route to other sky sights in the east.
Sky at a Glance | November 2nd, 2007
Comet Holmes has turned big and puffy — and the Moon is now gone from the evening, leaving a dark sky behind. Early risers will find that the Moon is off pairing up with Regulus, Saturn, Venus, and Mercury in the dawn.
November's Audio Guide to the Heavens
Finding Comet Holmes — and other great sky sights — is a snap if you download this podcast to your MP3 player and head outdoors after dark.
Your Audio Sky Tour: November 2007
Finding Comet Holmes — and other great sky sights — is a snap if you download this podcast to your MP3 player and head outdoors after dark. Host: S&T's Kelly Beatty. (5MB MP3 download: running time: 5m32s)
Comet Holmes: A Halloween Treat!
Greet your trick-or-treaters with two Halloween treats: a bit of candy and a view of Comet Holmes.
