Space
Shrinking exoplanets? Here’s how it happens
Scientists say they may have solved the mystery of shrinking exoplanets. Radiation from the cores of less massive sub-Neptunes pushes away their atmospheres.
Favorite Star Patterns
The Pleiades – or 7 Sisters – known around the world
The Pleiades star cluster - aka the Seven Sisters or M45 - is visible from almost every part of the globe. It looks like a tiny misty dipper of stars.
Earth
Space

How to see Earth’s shadow at sunrise and sunset

Just before sunrise and after sunset, you can spot Earth's shadow. Look west at sunrise and east at sunset. Learn more about Earth's shadow here.
Space

Jupiter’s Great Red Spot is shrinking! See photos

Jupiter's Great Red Spot is shrinking! Look at images from the 1800s to now and see how it's gotten smaller and rounder. Submit your own image, too!
Astronomy Essentials

Visible planets and night sky for November and December

Visible planets: Venus dominates the morning sky. Bright Jupiter is visible all night, Saturn sets around midnight. Mercury is visible low in evening twilight.
Moon Phases

November full moon and Jupiter this weekend

The November full moon will fall overnight on November 26-27, 2023. Bright Jupiter will be nearby. And the Pleiades star cluster will lie in the moon's glare.
Space

‘Bouncing comets’ could spread the seeds of life

Researchers in the U.K. said in a new study that 'bouncing comets' in some planetary systems could deliver prebiotic molecules needed for life to young planets.
Constellations

The constellation Sculptor contains the South Galactic Pole

The constellation Sculptor appears best on November evenings from the Northern Hemisphere, when it lies along the southern horizon.
Astronomy Essentials

Winter meteor showers are here: Top 10 tips for watching

Meteor showers are unpredictable but nothing beats them for a fun and relaxing time under the stars. Maximize your viewing time with these 10 tips.
Spaceflight

SpaceX Starlink launches for November

SpaceX’s 6th Starlink launch for the month is currently scheduled from Florida between 22:00 – 02:00 UTC on November 26, 2023. Learn more here.