Space
The Milky Way’s arms might not look as we thought
The Milky Way's arms might be farther away than we thought, meaning our galaxy is likely larger than previously believed. Here's how they made the measurements.
Human World
How do fireworks get their beautiful colors?
The red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple colors exploding in the night sky during a fireworks festival are created by the use of metal salts.
Space

Top 10 cool things about stars that you probably didn’t know

Here's a collection of 10 cool things about stars that you probably didn't know. Big stars, green stars, black holes, stars by the millions, and more!
Space

Groundbreaking Swift spacecraft rescue mission launches

NASA's LINK spacecraft is on its way to save the Swift space telescope. LINK launched earlier today from Kwajalein Atoll in the South Pacific Ocean.
Sun

Sun news: Sun-stuff to reach Earth today, auroras possible!

Sun news for July 3, 2026: Sun-stuff from Tuesday's X flare should arrive today! G1–G2 (minor-moderate) storms and auroras are possible.
Astronomy Essentials
Tonight

Visible planets and night sky guide for July

EarthSky's visible planets and night sky guide. Watch a video about the sun's aphelion (farthest point) and the asteroid that closely passed Earth last weekend.
Earth

Dog days of summer: Hottest in July and August

The dog days of summer are named for the Dog Star Sirius - the brightest star in the sky - in the constellation Canis Major the Greater Dog. Learn why here.
Space

Complex carbon in Mars rocks: Another clue to past life?

Scientists have found complex carbon in Mars rocks that the Perseverance rover has studied. They're the same rocks found in 2024 to contain hints of life.
Space

Huge magma systems on Mars existed below the surface

Scientists have found evidence of enormous ancient magma systems on Mars. They show that Mars' volcanic systems were once more complex than 1st thought.
Brightest Stars

Exquisite Albireo, a beloved and colorful double star

Albireo, in the constellation Cygnus, is a favorite for stargazers. Through a small telescope, it appears as a beautiful gold star with a dimmer blue companion.

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