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Watch for Delta Aquariid meteors

By and in Astronomy Essentials | 17 hours ago

They’re the reason it’s fun to begin watching for meteors in late July. The Delta Aquarid shower is long and rambling and overlaps with the Perseids.

A shadow-band project for August 21

By in Astronomy Essentials | Human World | 2 days ago

Shadow bands are elusive ripples of alternate light and dark, flitting over the ground or the sides of buildings during a total solar eclipse. How to take part in an International Shadow Band Campaign during the August 21 eclipse.

EarthSky’s meteor shower guide for 2017

By and in Astronomy Essentials | Space | 3 days ago

All you need to know about 2017’s major meteor showers. Next good opportunity is late July and early August. Watch between midnight and dawn, when the moon is down. You won’t catch a magnificent display, as in some years, but you might see some!

Top tips for binocular stargazing

By in Astronomy Essentials | Human World | 1 week ago

Whether you’re a beginning stargazer or a veteran of thousands of starry nights, binoculars can be your best friend.

Jupiter at east quadrature July 6

By in Astronomy Essentials | 2 weeks ago

It’s a hallmark in Jupiter’s appearance in our sky. At eastern quadrature, Jupiter is highest in the sky around 6 p.m. local time

July guide to the bright planets

By and in Astronomy Essentials | 3 weeks ago

Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn appear at nightfall in July 2017, with the moon near Mercury on July 24 and 25. Venus shines exclusively in the morning sky. Mars is lost in the sun’s glare.

The enduring mystique of Barnard’s Star

By in Astronomy Essentials | 3 weeks ago

Sometimes called Barnard’s Runaway Star, it’s one of the best known stars in the history of astronomy and in popular culture.

Solar eclipse safe viewing tips

By in Astronomy Essentials | Human World | 3 weeks ago

If you’re planning to watch the August 21 total solar eclipse (and we hope you are!) take a minute to watch this video on how to watch safely.

How much traffic on eclipse day?

By in Astronomy Essentials | Human World | 4 weeks ago

Expert analysis showing how many people – and how much traffic congestion – can be expected along the path of the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse.

NASA’s plans for August 21 eclipse

By in Astronomy Essentials | 4 weeks ago

Not traveling to the centerline of the eclipse? Expect NASA images via 11 spacecraft, at least 3 aircraft, more than 50 high-altitude balloons, and the International Space Station.

Saturday night’s extremely young moon

By in Astronomy Essentials | Today's Image | 4 weeks ago

Photo and animation of an extremely young moon – only 18 hours past the new phase – setting over a hill last night, as seen from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

What’s the youngest moon you can see?

By in Astronomy Essentials | Moon Phases | Space | 4 weeks ago

In 2013, an astrophotographer in France captured an amazing photo of the moon at the precise instant of new moon.

The eclipse is just 2 lunations away

By in Astronomy Essentials | Human World | 4 weeks ago

As we approach another new moon, astronomer Guy Ottewell shares his profound understanding of lunar cycles and the coming total solar eclipse.

What’s a conjunction?

By in Astronomy Essentials | 4 weeks ago

EarthSky community member Tom Wildoner explains the term “conjunction” in astronomy and provides an illustration.

Alphecca, the jewel in the Northern Crown

By and in Astronomy Essentials | Brightest Stars | 4 weeks ago

Alphecca. Gemma. Alpha Coronae Borealis or simply Alpha Cor Bor. They’re all names for one star – the brightest star in the constellation Northern Crown.

Sun moves in front of Gemini on June 21

By in Astronomy Essentials | 1 month ago

On June 21, 2017, at around 15:00 UTC, the sun moves out of the constellation Taurus and into the constellation Gemini the Twins.

All you need to know: June solstice 2017

By in Astronomy Essentials | Earth | 1 month ago

It’s that beautiful time of year again in the Northern Hemisphere, when the June solstice – your signal to celebrate summer – is nearly upon us.

Summer solstice tale of 2 cities

By in Astronomy Essentials | 1 month ago

On the June solstice, the sun sets at the same time in New York City and St. Augustine, Florida. But New York has an hour more of daylight. How’s that happen?

Slowest sunsets around solstices

By in Astronomy Essentials | 1 month ago

Here’s a natural phenomenon you might never have imagined. That is, the sun actually sets more slowly around the time of a solstice.

Does the North Star ever move?

By in Astronomy Essentials | Space | 1 month ago

It’s a symbol for constancy, but, if you took its picture, you’d find that the North Star makes its own little circle around the sky’s north pole every day.