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Earth
Pyrocumulonimbus clouds are thunderheads spawned by fires
Pyrocumulonimbus clouds are fire-driven thunderstorms. The storms can produce lightning and strong winds that make the fire situation worse.
May 1, 2026
Astronomy Essentials
Human World
Happy May Day! Today is an astronomy holiday
Happy May Day! This annual celebration has its roots in astronomy as 1 of 4 cross-quarter days. Dancing around a maypole is a traditional May Day celebration.
May 1, 2026
Human World
May birthstone: The magnificent green emerald
Happy birthday, May babies! The May birthstone is the emerald, a stone once worn by royalty in ancient Babylon and Egypt.
May 1, 2026
Astronomy Essentials
2026 Eta Aquariid meteor shower best before dawn on May 5
May's Eta Aquariid meteor shower is best in 2026 on the morning of May 5. Find a way to block the moonlight and watch in the hours before dawn.
May 1, 2026
Earth
Western US wildfires fewer, but more destructive
A look at western US wildfires over the past 30 years shows they are becoming less frequent. But fires that pop up are also larger and more damaging.
April 30, 2026
Moon Phases
May 1 full moon is the Flower Moon and a micromoon
The 1st May full moon happens on May 1. It'll look full on the nights before and after that, too. The 2nd May full moon - a Blue Moon - will fall on May 30-31.
April 30, 2026
Space
Falcon rocket will hit the moon on August 5
A Falcon 9 rocket will hit the moon on August 5, 2026. How fast will it be going? Will we be able to see it? Answers and more here.
April 30, 2026
Sun
Sun news: Solar wind disturb Earth’s magnetic field. G1 geomagnetic storm
Sun news for May 1, 2026: G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm arrived. The disturbance was due to the arrival of fast solar wind.
April 30, 2026
Earth
5 amazing places to see migrating birds in spring
Birding during spring migration season can be particularly rewarding. Here are 5 amazing places to see migrating birds this spring.
April 30, 2026
Astronomy Essentials
Tonight
Visible planets and night sky guide for April and May
Visible planets and night sky guide. This evening, the bulging gibbous moon - approaching full - hangs near Spica, the brightest star in Virgo the Maiden.
April 30, 2026
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