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Greatest elongation: A definition for stargazers
When Mercury and Venus are as far from the sun as they get from our earthly point of view, we say they are at greatest elongation.
January 1, 2022
The star Sirius rings in the New Year
The Dog Star Sirius reaches its highest point in the sky around midnight every New Year's Eve. For this reason, it could also be called the New Year's star.
December 31, 2021
EarthSky’s meteor shower guide for 2022
EarthSky's annual meteor shower guide gives you the information you need to enjoy a year's worth of meteors. Start with the Quadrantids in January.
December 29, 2021
Best of 2022: Night sky scenes not to miss
Best of 2022: Night sky scenes chosen for you by the editors of EarthSky that you won't want to miss. Mark your calendars now!
December 29, 2021
Mars in 2022! What to expect from the red planet
Mars alternates years in appearing bright and faint. In 2021, Mars was faint, but it will brighten in 2022. Opposition will be December 8, 2022.
December 28, 2021
Past-and-future Earths ring in New Year
Past-and-future Earths. A novel way of picturing ourselves riding on Earth, orbiting the sun, from astronomer Guy Ottewell.
December 28, 2021
Why are stars so bright as the year turns?
In December, January and February, we look away from the Milky Way's cloudy core toward the Orion arm, with stars so bright they capture our attention.
December 26, 2021
What’s a safe distance from a supernova?
What's a safe distance from a supernova? To survive a supernova, Earth would have to be at least 50 light-years away from the exploding star.
December 21, 2021
Comet Leonard in the evening sky
The first comet to be found in 2021 was Comet Leonard (C/2021 A1). It's now the brightest and best comet of this year! Charts and more here.
December 20, 2021
Ursid meteor shower peaks morning of December 22
The Ursid meteor shower always peaks around the December solstice. The dark hours before dawn are best. This year, a nearly full moon interferes.
December 19, 2021
