
Explore the Night with Bob King
All About the Dust — Orionids and Zodiacal Light
It doesn't take much to create a spectacle when it comes to astronomical observation. Just a pinch or two of dust.

U.S. Space Force Releases Data on Bright Fireballs
The U.S. Department of Defense has released data on some 1,000 bright fireballs. Scientists are still debating if the data confirm an interstellar meteor.

Explore the Night with Bob King
Fantastic Year for Geminid Meteor Shower
Mark the date: December 13th. That's the night the Geminid meteor shower peaks. Highlighted by the return of its parent asteroid 3200 Phaethon, this year's show promises to be one of the best ever.

Ultimate Guide to Meteor Showers in 2017
Everyone enjoys the brief and sometimes dazzling streaks of light from meteors, sometimes called "shooting stars." Sky & Telescope predicts that the two best meteor showers in 2017 will be the Quadrantids in early January and the Geminids in mid-December.

Astrophotography: Tips & Techniques
How to Photograph a Meteor Shower: Capturing the Perseids
Learn how to photograph a meteor shower with these step-by-step instructions, as well as advice for the advanced imager.

Explore the Night with Bob King
Is There Such a Thing as a Random Meteor?
Meteor showers like the Perseids get all the press. But have you ever wondered where all the random meteors come from? We explore their origins. We've all seen them. The sporadics. Those random meteors that flash across the sky on any old clear night. If you were to make a…

Perseids vs. Moonlight: Which Will Prevail?
This month's usually dependable Perseid meteor shower competes with a nearly full Moon. If you can find a dark viewing location, you might see a bright meteor every few minutes.