Sun
Sun news: Solar activity returned to moderate levels
Sun news July 31, 2026: An M1.9 flare from AR4492 broke the lull, with a long duration and a partial halo CME. Could a piece of it reach Earth? Stay tuned.
Astronomy Essentials
Planet-observing tips: Here’s how to tour the solar system
Get our top tips for planet-observing, from the innermost and elusive Mercury out to faint blue Neptune and everything in between. Top tips here!
Astronomy Essentials

Look for Mercury farthest from the morning sun on August 2

Mercury will reach its greatest elongation - greatest distance from the sunrise - on August 2, 2026. Look east at dawn. It'll be close to Jupiter on August 15.
Space

Wandering black hole spotted shredding a star

Astronomers have spotted a wandering black hole shredding a star. This supermassive black hole is not at the center of a galaxy ... It's roaming the outskirts.
Space

A rocket will hit the moon on August 5: New animation here!

A Falcon 9 rocket will hit the moon at 1:35 a.m. CDT on August 5, 2026. Who can see it? And what might you see? Answers here.
Astronomy Essentials
Tonight

Visible planets and night sky guide for July and August

EarthSky's visible planets and night sky guide. Find out about the glorious Milky Way, the meteor shower season, a total solar eclipse and more in this video.
Earth

It’s Katmai bear cam season! Livestream here

The world-famous Katmai bear cam is live! Watch brown bears at Katmai National Park now and explore the livestream to learn more about these incredible animals.
Astronomy Essentials

What are star trails, and how do I photograph them?

Star trails are long-exposure photographs of stars taken as Earth turns, resulting in streaks of light across the sky. Here's how to photograph star trails.
Brightest Stars

Meet Delta Scorpii, aka Dschubba

Delta Scorpii, also known as Dschubba, is a variable star in the constellation Scorpius. With your eyes alone, you can check its brightness for yourself.
Space

Juno measures fiery Io’s subsurface temperature for 1st time

NASA's Juno spacecraft has measured Jupiter's moon Io's subsurface temperature for the 1st time, providing new clues about the tidally-heated volcanic world.

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