SUNSET: 
Introducing Sky & Telescope’s Celestial Globe
Our state-of-the-art representation of the entire celestial sphere lets you explore the stars above as never before.
How to Spot Mercury in the Evening Sky
If you've never seen the fleet-footed planet Mercury, now is a great time to look for it in the evening sky after sunset.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, April 15 – 23
Comet 252P/LINEAR is crossing Ophiuchus very high before the first light of dawn. The Moon Friday evening forms a gently curving row with Regulus and Jupiter.
Get Ready for May 9th's Transit of Mercury
It doesn't happen often, but soon you'll be able to "spot the spot" — Mercury's silhouette — as the innermost planet crosses the Sun's disk.
Are You Game for April's Lunar Observing Challenge?
With astronomy being celebrated around the globe this month, join the fun by participating in a unique lunar observing challenge: track down 20 features once thought to show evidence of change from weather, geology, and even life.
Astronomy and Stargazing Projects
Celebrate Global Astronomy Month
Join the world’s largest celebration of astronomy — in person or via online webcasts of events — throughout April.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, April 8 – 16
Looking west in twilight, use the thin crescent Moon as your guidepost to Mercury. And have you tried yet for Comet 252P/LINEAR?
Up, Up, and Away with Comet 252P
With the Moon finally put to bed and Comet 252P still bright, there's no better time than now to see it. Nearby Mars and Saturn only sweeten the deal.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, April 1 – 9
Spring is here! Which means Arcturus shines brightly in the east. The Big Dipper, high in the northeast, points its handle toward it.
Tour April's Sky: Morning & Evening Planets
This month's astronomy podcast takes you on a guided tour of the night sky. You'll find Mars and Saturn near each other before dawn, while Jupiter and Mercury join the fading constellations of winter in the evening sky after sunset.
Spectral Types For Spring Nights
Hidden within the subtle hues of the stars are the keys to their temperatures and compositions. Get acquainted with the classic OBAFGKM spectral sequence through real stars you can see on a spring night.
Another Impact on Jupiter?
Two amateur videos shot early on March 17th show a brief but bright flash on the edge of Jupiter's disk. Did the King of Planets get whacked again?
This Week's Sky at a Glance, March 25 – April 2
By 11 p.m., the bowl of the Big Dipper stands upside down over the bowl of the dim Little Dipper, as if dumping water into it.
Comet 252P Zooms North, BA14 Grows Tail
Splintered comet duo 252P/LINEAR and P/2016 BA14 liven up both dusk and dawn this week. Naked-eye 252P finally debuts in northern skies, while BA14 makes a beeline through the Big Dipper.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, March 18 – 26
As winter turns to spring, Orion declines in the southwest after dark with his Belt roughly horizontal. Equinox on Saturday.
Comet PanSTARRS 2016's Historic Flyby of Earth
Not one, but two, possibly related comets will make exceptionally close flybys of Earth on March 21–22. Here's what we know and a guide on how to see them.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, March 11 – 19
Just after dark Friday, look for the waxing crescent Moon low in the west. Upper right of the Moon by about 14° are the leading stars of Aries.
March 23rd's "Barely There" Lunar Eclipse
After a string of four consecutive total lunar eclipses, West Coast residents get to see one that requires careful attention to appreciate.
Expert Tips for Basic Lunar Imaging
It's easy to take high-quality images of the lunar disk.
Total Solar Eclipse Reports from Indonesia
Skygazers thronged to Indonesia hoping to see a total solar eclipse — and most were rewarded with breathtaking views of the event.
