SUNSET: 
How to Estimate a Comet's Brightness
Comets are notorious for not following predictions, but even judging the magnitude of a bright comet that's right in front of you is not straightforward.
Secrets of High-Power Comet Observing
Although large, bright comets are infrequent visitors to our skies, faint comets appear on a regular basis. Here are some observing hints that will make your comet-watching more enjoyable.
An Aurora Watcher's Guide
Want to see an aurora? In this introduction to auroral phenomena, an expert explains what to look for, when, and how.
Astronomy and Stargazing Projects
Seeking Thin Crescent Moons
Here are some tips for hunting one of nature's most captivating sights.
Mercury in the Morning
Amateurs are observing this elusive planet more successfully than ever before; try spotting it yourself.
Asteroid Flyby Caught!
On July 3, 2006, an 800-meter (half-mile) asteroid called 2004 XP14 flew past Earth at a distance a little greater than that of the Moon.
Eta Aquariids: Halley's Comet Crumbs
Flecks of dust shed long ago by Edmond Halley’s famous namesake arrive like clockwork each year, creating a minor meteor shower in early May.
The April 1st Pleiades Occultation
The waxing crescent Moon made quite a spectacle crossing the Pleiades on April Fool's Day 2006.
RS Ophiuchi Finally Blows its Stack
This famous recurrent nova has just erupted for the first time in 21 years, reaching magnitude 4.8 on February 13th.
History of the Quadrantid Meteors
Read about the history and source of the Quadrantid meteor stream, which provides one of the most intense annual meteor displays. Its brief, sharp maximum lasts only a few hours in early January.
A Mars Record for the Ages
On August 27, 2003, at 9:51 Universal Time, the centers of Earth and Mars will be only 34,646,418 miles apart. Has Mars ever been this close before?
A Rare Glimpse of Mare Orientale
On five consecutive mornings beginning January 29th, early morning risers have an opportunity to glimpse the Moon’s most spectacular "hidden" landform.
Mars at Its All-Time Finest
Never before in human history has such a golden opportunity to observe the red planet presented itself, so make the most of it with our Mars observing guide for 2003.
Celestial Highlights for 2005
Eclipses, conjunctions, and occultations will keep observers worldwide busy during the upcoming year. Here's a summary of what's in store.
The Comet After Deep Impact
Follow Comet Tempel 1 with your telescope using our charts — and read what others have been seeing.
Lunar Occultation Highlights for 2005
No matter where you live in the world, you can see the Moon hide stars and planets in its path. Here's when and where you can watch dozens of these events this year.
The Moon Occults Fiery Antares
Set your alarm clock to watch the last-quarter Moon cross a first-magnitude star on the morning of March 3rd.
The Martian Moons in 2007–08
If you've never spied Mars's two satellites, Phobos and Deimos, the end of 2007 is your best chance for a long time. You'll need a big telescope — and you'll need to know exactly where to look.
Uranus and Neptune in 2005
From now to year's end, our finder charts will help you locate Uranus (in Aquarius), Neptune (in Capricornus), and Pluto (in Ophiuchus).
Three Planets Bunch Up in Twilight
Venus, Mercury, and Saturn are performing a slow dance low in the western sky at dusk.
