Space
Apophis: From scary asteroid to a rare science opportunity
In just 3 years, asteroid Apophis will zoom safely past Earth. This much-anticipated event is a must-see! Here's how you can see it with your own eyes.
Constellations
Tonight
Corona Borealis, the Northern Crown, is overhead now
Corona Borealis, aka the Northern Crown, looks like the letter C. A dark sky is best for seeing this faint semicircle of stars. It's between Arcturus and Vega.
Sun

Sun news: Sun activity at moderate levels with two M flares

Sun news July 9, 2026: Two M flares kept activity at moderate levels, both from the complex region AR4482. A coronal hole stream could stir up auroras soon.
Astronomy Essentials
Tonight

Visible planets and night sky guide for July

EarthSky's visible planets and night sky guide. Asteroid Apophis isn't going to hit Earth in 2029, but it'll be visible to the unaided eye. Find out more.
Space

Nearby super-Earth GJ 3378b may be a good candidate for life

Astronomers have gotten a closer look at the nearby super-Earth GJ 3378b. It could be habitable, if it has an atmosphere.
Brightest Stars

Summer Triangle star: Vega is bright and blue-white

The Summer Triangle star pattern hangs in the east on July and August evenings in the Northern Hemisphere. Its brightest star is blue-white Vega.
Space

2 asteroid flybys yield new closeup images

Japanese and Chinese space agencies completed 2 asteroid flybys in early July. Read more about the asteroids and see the closeup images here!
Human World

Guy Ottewell honored with an asteroid in his name

On July 6, 2026, the IAU honored longtime astronomy educator Guy Ottewell with an asteroid. Thus 21008 (1988 PE) is now also known as asteroid Ottewell.
Human World

See 6 major spaceport launch sites … from space!

These 6 major spaceport launch sites helped open the space age. Now, satellites orbiting Earth can look back at the very gateways that sent them there.
Space

Opportunity left for Mars on July 7, 2003

NASA's Opportunity rover launched to Mars on July 7, 2003. The rover surpassed all expectations. It officially ended its mission on February 13, 2019.

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