Sun
Sun news: Exciting sunspot region finally arrives
Sun news for May 28, 2026: A long-awaited active region has arrived. Now numbered AR4455, this is likely the producer of recent far side flaring.
Astronomy Essentials
Tonight
Visible planets and night sky guide for May and June
Visible planets and night sky guide. Tonight, look for the moon near Antares and Zubenelgenubi. And watch an exciting video about the upcoming Blue Moon.
Space

Do Europa’s water vapor plumes not exist after all?

New observations from the Hubble Space Telescope suggest that Europa's water vapor plumes are less likely than previously thought. But they don't rule them out.
Brightest Stars

Meet Mimosa, a star of the Southern Cross

Mimosa is the 2nd-brightest star in Crux, the Southern Cross. It's circumpolar - up all night - from much of the Southern Hemisphere.
Space

Moon base update! NASA unveils next steps

NASA has unveiled exciting new plans for its moon base, including timelines and details of hopping drones, landers and vehicles.
Spaceflight

NASA will announce Artemis 3 astronauts on June 9

On June 9, 2026, NASA will announce the 4 astronauts who will fly aboard the Artemis 3 mission. Artemis 3 is currently scheduled to launch in 2027.
Human World

It’s time for Manhattanhenge! Here’s how to see it

Each year around May 28 and July 11, New Yorkers watch for Manhattanhenge, an alignment of the sunset along city streets. Here's how to see it.
Constellations

Virgo the Maiden represents a harvest goddess

Virgo the Maiden is the largest of the zodiac constellations. It's large and faint, but its brightest star Spica is easy to find.
Earth

Why did big, fierce T. Rex have such tiny arms?

New research says Tyrannosaurus rex might have evolved to have small arms because their large heads became more important in taking down prey.
Tonight

Venus-Jupiter conjunction in June: Start watching now!

Get ready for a spectacular Venus-Jupiter conjunction! You can already start watching the planets now after sunset. The big event happens on June 8 and 9.