SUNSET: 
Ceres and Vesta: July 2012 - April 2013
The two brightest asteroids are close to each other in late 2012 and early 2013. Moreover, they're traversing one of the most interesting areas in the night sky.
Ceres and Vesta in 2011
The two brightest asteroids are in fine view for binoculars or a telescope. Here are instructions and charts to find them.
So-So Prospects for Comet Elenin
Discovered in December, an inbound comet will reach perihelion in September and likely be a nice sight in binoculars — but barely visible, if at all, to the unaided eye.
Mercury at Its Evening Highest
This week, Mercury reaches its highest in the evening sky for observers in the Northern Hemisphere.
Watch a Star Wink Out on Sunday
On Sunday, March 13th, not long after sunset, a 3rd-magnitude star will disappear suddenly as it's covered by the dark edge of the Moon for parts of eastern North America.
Best Mercury of 2011
Mercury's best evening apparition of 2011 for Northern Hemisphere observers takes place this March. And with Jupiter to point the way, Mercury is unusually easy to locate from March 12–18.
The Four-Planet Dance of 2011
Every morning in May 2011, just before sunrise, four planets combine to form fascinating and ever-changing patterns.
Daydreaming About January 4th's Solar Eclipse
Lucky skywatchers in Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia will get to see a deep partial eclipse of the Sun on Tuesday.
Saturn's New Bright Storm
A massive new storm in the ringed planet's northern hemisphere is bright enough to see in small telescopes.
Solstice Eclipse
Winter in the Northern Hemisphere was heralded by a glorious total lunar eclipse.
It's Geminid Time!
What many skywatchers consider the year's richest and most reliable meteor shower peaks this year on the morning of December 14th.
Revival on Jupiter Continues
The King of Planets was missing one of its signature dark belts last February, but it's gradually returning to view.
Go Ahead: Observe the Moon
You can gawk, study, sketch, image, or just howl. No matter how you do it, head outside on September 18th to celebrate International Observe the Moon Night.
Another Flash on Jupiter!
Japanese observer Masayuki Tachikawa appears to have captured another impact on Jupiter, the second one in the past three months.
Solar activity is ramping up
Sunspot AR 1087 is crackling with activity, take a peek if you can!
Ceres in 2010
Ceres, the largest main-belt asteroid, is well placed for observation in June through August 2010.
Disappearing Act on Jupiter
One of the giant planet's signature bands, the South Equatorial Belt, began fading late last year. Now, for the first time since 1992, it's completely missing. Amateur and professional observers worldwide are eagerly hoping to witness its return.
Mercury Takes the Spotlight
The normally elusive innermost planet has its best apparition of the year — with dazzling Venus to point the way!!
The Sun is Back!
After a couple of relatively dormant years, the Sun is showing signs of major activity again.
Zodiacal Light in the Evening
The zodiacal light is on its best display in the Northern Hemisphere on moonless evenings from February through April.
