EarthSky - Earth, Space, Human World, Tonight

Exoplanet’s helium atmosphere is inflated like a balloon

By Paul Scott Anderson in Space | 5 hours ago

Astronomers have discovered that a Neptune-sized exoplanet – HAT-P-11b – has an even larger helium atmosphere than first thought. The atmosphere is literally inflated like a massive balloon.

2018’s brightest comet is closest Sunday

By Deborah Byrd and Eddie Irizarry in Astronomy Essentials | Space | 12 hours ago

Comet 46P/Wirtanen is making one of the 10 closest comet flybys of Earth in 70 years today. Whether you glimpse it with the eye – or see it online – don’t miss this comet! Charts, tips and other info here.

What is a sun pillar, or light pillar?

By Deborah Byrd in Earth | 2 days ago

Sun pillars, or light pillars, are shafts of light extending from the sun or other bright light source. They’re caused by ice crystals drifting in Earth’s air.

All you need to know: December solstice

By Deborah Byrd in Astronomy Essentials | Earth | 2 days ago

December solstice 2018 arrives on December 21 at 22:23 UTC. High summer for the Southern Hemisphere. For the Northern Hemisphere, the return of more sunlight!

See it! Photos of 2018’s Geminid meteor shower

By Deborah Byrd in Space | Today's Image | 2 days ago

The Geminids peaked last night, and, by all reports, put on a great show in 2018. Photos here from the EarthSky community. Thank you to all who submitted.

Tiny droplets of early universe matter created

By EarthSky in Space | 3 days ago

Researchers have created tiny droplets of the ultra-hot matter that once filled the early universe, forming 3 distinct shapes and sizes: circles, ellipses and triangles

Huge previously-undetected coral reef off US East Coast

By EarthSky Voices in Earth | 3 days ago

Earlier this year, scientists were surprised to discover a huge forest of coldwater corals off the coast of South Carolina. A scientist aboard the expedition discusses the find.

1st quarter moon is December 15

By Deborah Byrd in Moon Phases | 3 days ago

The 1st quarter moon comes on December 15 at 11:49 UTC. A 1st quarter moon is high up at sunset. It appears half-illuminated, like half a pie. Really, you’re seeing half the moon’s day side.

Ancient water found on asteroid Bennu

By Paul Scott Anderson in Space | 4 days ago

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission arrived at asteroid Bennu on December 3 and has already made a significant discovery about this small world.

Scientists describe 229 new species in 2018

By Eleanor Imster in Earth | 5 days ago

The list includes neon fish, a fast-spinning spider, moray eels, venomous snakes, and more!

What would a warmer world look like?

By EarthSky Voices in Earth | Human World | 5 days ago

According to the recent IPCC Special Report, warming of 1.5°C (2.7°F) is an important threshold for many climate impacts. What might our planet look like with 1.5°C of warming?

Christmas Bird Count starts December 14

By Deanna Conners in Earth | Human World | 6 days ago

Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count is one of the longest-running citizen science projects in existence. How to participate.

10 tips for watching the Geminids

By Deborah Byrd in Astronomy Essentials | 6 days ago

#1. Geminid meteor numbers tend to intensify as evening deepens into late night, with the greatest number of meteors likely falling an hour or 2 after midnight. That’s true no matter where you are on the globe.

Today's Image

Tonight

Tonight

Orion's Belt and the Celestial Bridge

Orion's Belt and the Celestial Bridge

Time to look for Mercury and Jupiter below Venus

1st quarter moon is December 15

Geminid meteors peak this week

Space

2018's brightest comet is closest Sunday

Exoplanet's helium atmosphere is inflated like a balloon

2018's brightest comet is closest Sunday

See it! Photos of 2018's Geminid meteor shower

Tiny droplets of early universe matter created

Ancient water found on asteroid Bennu

Voyager 2 enters interstellar space

What will the sun do next?

Find the Geminids' radiant point

Astro Essentials

10 tips for watching the Geminids

2018's brightest comet is closest Sunday

All you need to know: December solstice

10 tips for watching the Geminids

Find the Geminids' radiant point

Earth

Scientists describe 229 new species in 2018

What is a sun pillar, or light pillar?

All you need to know: December solstice

Huge previously-undetected coral reef off US East Coast

Scientists describe 229 new species in 2018

What would a warmer world look like?

Christmas Bird Count starts December 14

Another El Niño on the horizon?

Watch geckos race on water!

Human World

What would a warmer world look like?

What would a warmer world look like?

Christmas Bird Count starts December 14

Prehistoric cave art suggests ancient use of complex astronomy

Listening to the patterns of the universe

Videos

Voyager 2 enters interstellar space

Huge previously-undetected coral reef off US East Coast

Voyager 2 enters interstellar space

Another El Niño on the horizon?

Listen to the Martian wind

Watch geckos race on water!

Over 100 new exoplanets from Kepler and Gaia

A measurement of all the starlight ever produced

Astronomers' 1st close-up look near a supermassive black hole