SUNSET: 
This Week's Sky at a Glance, April 10 – 19
A thin crescent Moon points the way to super-difficult Mercury and Mars low in the dawn, then the opposite crescent plays with bold Venus and the Pleiades in evening twilight.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, April 3 – 12
Arcturus, the Spring Star, is on its way up in the east. Vega, the Summer Star, rises later in the evening. Jupiter shines high toward the southwest.
Dawn Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) May Hold a Surprise
If we're lucky, we'll soon have bright comets at both dawn and dusk.
April Podcast: Spotlight on Gemini
This month’s episode showcases the stars and planets visible on April evenings. We’ll explore full-Moon quirks; spot Venus and Jupiter after sunset; learn about Gemini, the celestial twins; and hunt for meteors toward month’s end. So grab your curiosity, and come along on this month’s Sky Tour.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, March 27 – April 5
Winter's gone, but the Winter Hexagon remains (for now). Trace out this gigantic asterism right after dark before it sinks. Jupiter glares inside its top.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, March 20 – 29
The waxing Moon grows along the horns of Taurus, then passes first quarter as it bunches up with Jupiter and the heads of the Gemini twins.
Latest News on the Kreutz Sungrazing Comet C/2026 A1 MAPS
As the comet prepares for its perilous perihelion passage, we look at what to expect.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, March 13 – 22
A rare, near perfect young-Moon challenge awaits North Americans after sunset on March 19th. Jupiter rules the evening from on high in central Gemini.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, March 6 – 15
Bright Jupiter highlights the Gemini stick-figure twins standing on either side of it. Down below, the Winter Triangle balances on its Sirius point.
Dawn Delight: Total Lunar Eclipse on March 3rd
March opens with a spectacular total lunar eclipse. Our guide will help you make the most of it.
March Podcast: The Winter Triangle
This month’s episode showcases the stars and planets visible on March evenings. First up: March 3rd’s predawn a total lunar eclipse! Then track down three planets after sunset, and savor the easy-to-spot Winter Triangle of bright stars.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, February 27 – March 8
Jupiter forms a T with the Moon, Pollux, and Castor on Friday February 27th. Low in the western twilight, Saturn and Venus close in on each other. And can you catch the total lunar eclipse on the morning of March 3rd?
This Week's Sky at a Glance, February 20 – March 1
Three of the five naked-eye planets emerge in the fading afterglow of sunset. The first-quarter Moon Tuesday passes as close to straight up as you may ever see it. And can you try for Sirius B?
Watch the Young Moon Greet Mercury at Sunset
On February 18th, the willowy crescent has a close shave with Mercury, so close that it occults the planet from some U.S. cities.
Astronomy and Stargazing Projects
Gauge the Darkness and Color of the March 2026 Total Lunar Eclipse
Here’s all you need to know to help measure the size of Earth’s shadow during the next lunar eclipse.
Comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann Bursts as "Ice Volcano" Erupts
After a recent explosive outburst, Comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann is bright enough to see in a medium-sized telescope.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, February 13 – 22
Three planets await you in the western twilight, though low Venus is a toughie. The crescent Moon passes them and, for the lucky, occults Mercury. Dog and Hare accompany Orion. And can you find Kemble's Cascade?
Photograph the Solar Eclipse: Interacting with Totality
Here's how you can add a personal element to your solar eclipse photography.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, February 6 – 15
The Winter Hexagon encompasses the brightest winter stars. Near Orion, the Big Dog prances and the Hare crouches. And the moonless dark this week opens telescopic deep-sky depths.
New Kreutz Comet C/2026 A1 May Dazzle
A distant Kreutz comet heading our way may grow a glorious tail in April.
