Human World
Large Hadron Collider upgrade could demystify Higgs boson
An ongoing Large Hadron Collider upgrade could transform the machine's capability, helping it unlock the secrets of the Higgs boson particle.
Sun
Sun news: New sunspot region arrives with a bang
Sun news July 21, 2026: New sunspot region AR4493 emerged from nothing, gained max magnetic complexity, and fired 3 M flares in a day. More could be coming!
Astronomy Essentials
Tonight

Visible planets and night sky guide for July

EarthSky's visible planets and night sky guide. Look for the 1st quarter moon high in the sky at sundown. And if you like meteor showers, don't miss this video!
Brightest Stars

Summer Triangle star: Altair is variable and spins fast!

Altair, in the constellation Aquila the Eagle, is one of the closest stars to our solar system. It's variable in an unusual way, and it spins very fast!
Earth
Space

Meteorite strike of New Jersey home reveals life clues

Meteorite strike of New Jersey home! It crashed through the roof of a house in 2024. A new study shows it reveals clues to life's origins.
Space

The Day the Earth Smiled: July 19, 2013

July 19 is the 13th anniversary of The Day the Earth Smiled, the 3rd-ever image of Earth from the outer solar system, taken by the great Cassini spacecraft.
Favorite Star Patterns

The Northern Cross: Find the backbone of the Milky Way

The Northern Cross is an asterism - or recognizable pattern of stars - within the constellation Cygnus the Swan. Here's how to find it in your sky.
Human World
Space

The 1st footsteps on the moon: Celebrate with Moon Day

Tomorrow is the 57th anniversary of humanity's historic Apollo moon landing and the 1st human footsteps on the moon. And it's also International Moon Day.
Earth

Noctilucent clouds are back: Look for them now!

Noctilucent clouds are back. The season is underway! Learn about these stunning night-shining clouds and how to see them. Plus, see a gallery of them here.
Space

10,000 black holes are missing, but we’ve finally found 1

Astronomers think the Omega Centauri globular cluster should be home to 10,000 black holes of a stellar-mass size. But they've never found one ... until now.

2026 Donation Campaign

If EarthSky has ever helped you discover something new, prepare for an eclipse, spot a planet, or simply inspired a moment of wonder, today is the perfect day to give back. Your donation helps keep trusted science news, expert night sky guides, and independent science journalism free for everyone.

Please help keep EarthSky going by donating today!

Please help keep

EarthSky going!

If you've already donated, we apologize for the popup and greatly appreciate your support.