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History and Sky Lore

The Moon Is "Blue" This Wednesday...Or Is It?

If skies are clear this Wednesday, you'll see the full Moon — but it's not the "true" Blue Moon.

Moonrise refraction

Moon

Find a Horizon and Savor the Bending of Light

The full Strawberry Moon on June 3rd invites us to experience the refractive power of Earth's atmosphere.

29-hour-old Moon

Explore the Night with Bob King

See the Young Moon and the Lyrid Meteor Shower

We have an exciting week ahead with a crescent Moon that might break your observing record followed by a well-timed Lyrid meteor shower.

Lunarisms locator

Solar System

Pleasures of Lunar Pareidolia

Do you still see animal shapes in clouds? If so, you'll enjoy doing the same with the Moon, home to the Moon Maiden, a giant pair of scissors, and other fantastic specters of light and shadow.

Stars and moon

Explore the Night with Bob King

Election Eclipse — Last Total Lunar Eclipse till 2025

Set the alarm and bring plenty of coffee. We've got a total lunar eclipse coming that you don't want to miss.

An astronaut from the Apollo 11 mission deploys a seismometer on the Moon.

Solar System

New Life for Lunar Seismic Data

A team of planetary scientists has reprocessed Apollo-era seismic data to meet modern forms, ensuring that these precious measurements remain usable for the next generation.

Launch KPLO

Astronomy in Space with David Dickinson

Korea's Lunar Orbiter Heads for the Moon

South Korea's lunar orbiter has launched successfully for the Moon, joining a growing number of missions there.

Earthshine painting

Night Sky Sights

Solving an Earthshine Mystery

Something we take for granted about the crescent Moon's appearance may be nothing more than an optical illusion.

Impact Crater

Astronomy and Society

Found: Booster Impact Crater on the Farside of the Moon

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission has found the impact site created March 4th. The crater might help reveal the impactor's identity.

Space Missions

Mission Update: Mars and the Moon

Mission teams presenting at this week's Lunar and Planetary Science Conference provided updates on the Perseverance and Zhurong rovers at Mars, Chang'e 5's lunar sample return, and more.

Apollo 17 sample

Solar System

How Apollo 17 Is Preparing Artemis for a Return to the Moon

Researchers gear up for Artemis and a new generation of lunar exploration, with a look at samples from the final crewed mission to the Moon.

Mare Orientale gravity map

Moon

Set Your Sights on This Lunar Bull’s-Eye

Go ahead, live on the edge: Grab your chance this month to see Mare Orientale, one of the most spectacular lunar seas most people have never seen.

May 2021 lunar eclipse

Eclipses

A Near-Miss Total Lunar Eclipse

A near-total lunar eclipse will be widely visible across North America on the night of November 18–19. Dress warmly and go for it!

International Observe the Moon Night 2021

People, Places, and Events

International Observe the Moon Night 2021

Join fellow lunar enthusiasts all over the world in celebrating the Moon this weekend.

Theia's hit-and-run collision, in color

Solar System

Two Impacts, Not Just One, May Have Formed The Moon

The Moon may have formed in a one-two punch, new simulations suggest.

Blue Moon

“True” Blue Moon Occurs Sunday, August 22nd

If skies are clear this weekend, we’ll see the full Moon. And not just any old full Moon, but the Blue Moon — the “true” Blue Moon.

full Moon

Night Sky Sights

7 Easy Things to See on the “Supermoon”

Seven easy and rewarding targets to explore when the Moon is full.

Water on the Moon

Solar System

Water on the Moon Isn't Just at the Poles

Water exists even on the sunlit Moon, a new study shows — trapped in glass beads but still extractable for lunar exploration.

Magma ocean and crust

Solar System

Moon’s Magnetism Might Have Protected Earth

The Moon's magnetic field, now long gone, might once have shielded Earth from the young Sun's radiation.

Moon over Sequoia National Park

Celestial News & Events

International Observe the Moon Night Is Here

International Observe the Moon Night is here. Step outside Saturday evening and admire our closest celestial neighbor with your family.