How many stars can you see on a moonless night?

Have you ever wondered how many stars are visible on a given night? It depends on factors including how dark your sky is and what your age is.

Labor Day: Learn its history and traditions

Labor Day is a federal US holiday that falls on the 1st Monday in September and is considered the unofficial end of summer.

If we find life beyond Earth, how will nations respond?

If we ever find life beyond Earth, how will the nations of the world respond? A group of experts give 3 possibilities: cooperation, competition and isolation.

Sapphire: September birthstone comes in many colors

Sapphire, the September birthstone, is typically blue, the color caused by small amounts of titanium and iron in the crystal structure.

Best eclipse photos! Nearly total, August 27-28

EarthSky community photos of the lunar eclipse of August 27-28, 2026. Thanks to all who submitted eclipse photos!

Nepal flash flood nightmare: What caused it?

On August 26, 2026, a glacier collapse and landslide triggered a huge release of water. The Nepal flash flood wiped out villages and took untold lives.

Will you see colors in aurora? Or do you need a camera?

If you live below 50 degrees N. latitude, any aurora visible is likely to be low on your horizon, and you're less likely to see vivid colors.

Pluto demoted to dwarf planet 20 years ago today

Pluto is the largest of many small bodies in the outer solar system. That's partly why it was demoted from major planet to dwarf planet in 2006.

1st photo of Earth from the moon 60 years ago

As NASA plans to land astronauts on the moon with the Artemis IV mission in 2028, it's fun to see this 1st photo of Earth taken from the moon.

Ancient Amazon civilization might have been home to millions

Laser surveys have revealed hundreds of earthworks in the Amazon. Researchers estimate the ancient Amazon civilization could have supported 3 million people.