Tonight
Apex of the sun: Look to Vega in May
Apex of the sun shows the direction our solar system moves through space, toward the bright star Vega in the May night sky.
Sun
Sun news: Waiting on the solar wind
Sun news for May 15, 2026. A G2 geomagetic storm is expected today as solar winds ramp up. Auroras possible at high latitudes this weekend.
Space

Baily’s beads seen during a solar eclipse today in 1836

May 15, 1836: Francis Baily, an English astronomer, saw light shining through lunar ridges during an eclipse of the sun. These are now known as Baily's beads.
Space

Psyche mission to fly by Mars on May 15

The Psyche mission will fly by Mars on May 15, 2026. It's getting a boost and course trajectory adjustment as it speeds toward the asteroid Psyche.
Today's Image

Perseverance rover takes its 6th-ever selfie on Mars

The Mars Perseverance rover has snapped a new selfie. It has also shared a panorama of the landscape, providing a map of where it will explore next.
Astronomy Essentials
Tonight

Visible planets and night sky guide for May

Visible planets and night sky guide. Watch for Venus and Jupiter coming closer and closer together in the evening sky in the west.
Earth

The Denali sled dog puppy cam is now live!

The Denali sled dog puppy cam is now live! Watch this year's recruits tumble and play in Alaska at the Denali Kennels. Read more about the sled dogs here.
Favorite Star Patterns

The Southern Cross: your guide to due south

There's no bright star marking due south from the Southern Hemisphere. But the Southern Cross points the way.
Favorite Star Patterns

How to see the Southern Cross from the Northern Hemisphere

The Southern Cross can be seen from the Northern Hemisphere, as long as you're below 26 degrees north and know when and where to look!
Space

Skylab – America’s 1st space station – 53 years later

Skylab was America's 1st space station. 3 crews lived and worked there for over 171 days, studying the sun and Earth and setting records for life in space.