SUNSET: 
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.
February Podcast: Winter’s Milky Way
In this month’s episode, go on a tour of the stars and planets that you’ll see overhead during February. First we’ll keep tabs on the Moon; say good-bye to Saturn; trace out the Winter Milky Way; and explore some lesser-known constellations near Orion.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, January 30 – February 8
The dazzling Moon occults Regulus Monday night while Regulus is busy announcing February. Betelgeuse turns the Winter Hexagon into the Heavenly G.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, January 23 - February 1
The waxing Moon marches east across the evening sky. It says hello to binary Gamma Arietis on Saturday, then occults some of the Pleiades for Europe on Tuesday. But it's past them by nightfall in North America.
Nights with Mira, a Most Wonderful Star
Mira the Wonderful is back! Of course, it's always been there, but now it's near maximum brightness and easily visible with the unaided eye.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, January 16 – 25
This winter the biggest planet is the brightest. The brightest star pins the Winter Triangle. And did you know Capella and Rigel march in step?
Solar and Lunar Eclipses in 2026
This year offers an interesting mix of celestial coverups: a total solar eclipse viewable from Spain and two deep lunar eclipses (one total, one not quite) visible across North America. The fourth, an annular solar eclipse, will be confined to the bottom of the world.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, January 9 – 18
Jupiter is at opposition. Evenings are moonless, and the winter Milky Way arches high over the world. Betelgeuse stands over Sirius.
Big and Bright, Jupiter Beckons in January
Jupiter's having a special moment! Don't miss the giant planet at its best when it reaches opposition this week.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, January 2 – 11
The bright Moon shines over Jupiter, Pollux and Castor on Friday evening the 2nd, then groups right up among them on Saturday the 3rd.
The Best Meteor Showers in 2026
The Quadrantids and Eta Aquariids will have Moon trouble in 2026, but the beloved Perseids and Geminids should be glorious.
January Podcast: Jupiter and Orion
In this month’s episode, start with one of the year’s best meteor showers, then spend some time with Jupiter, and check out a mythical queen and hunter who have ego problems. So bundle up, grab your curiosity, and come along on this month’s Sky Tour.
Tour 15 of the Brightest Stars on New Year's Eve (VIDEO)
Tour 15 of the sky's brightest stars all in one night on this New Year's Eve! This interactive Worldwide Telescope video will show you the way.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, December 26 – January 4
Jupiter nears opposition. The waxing Moon pairs with Saturn, then guides the way to the fine telescopic double star Gamma Arietis. Later it passes the Pleiades.
