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Watch Mars disappear behind the moon on February 18
Given clear skies, all of the U.S. (except Alaska and Hawaii) can watch the red planet Mars disappear behind the moon - or reappear, or both - on the morning of February 18, 2020.
February 15, 2020
Valentine Venus
Talk about an awesome Valentine's Day activity! Go outside and show your sweetie Venus, the planet of love. Astronomer Guy Ottewell provides a chart and more.
February 13, 2020
Is this weekend’s full moon a supermoon?
The full moon on February 9, 2020, ranks as the 4th-closest (and therefore the 4th-largest) full moon of 2020, but is it a supermoon?
February 6, 2020
This week’s Venus and Neptune conjunction
The Venus-Neptune in conjunction on January 27 was the closest planetary conjunction of 2020. But - because Neptune is so faint - it wasn't easy to capture. Plus a star near Venus confused people!
January 28, 2020
Close and far moons of 2020
In periods of four years, lunar perigees and apogees fall on the same, or nearly the same, calendar dates.
January 27, 2020
Lengths of lunar months 2020
In 2020, the longest lunar month happens between the February 23 and March 24 new moons; and the shortest one between the August 19 to September 17 new moons.
January 26, 2020
Middle of eclipse season December 30
The annular solar eclipse on December 26, 2019, happened some 4 days before the middle of the eclipse season, which came to pass on December 30, 2019.
December 30, 2019
Photos of December 26 ‘ring of fire’ eclipse
The December 26, 2019, annular or 'ring of fire' solar eclipse was viewed across a narrow track that started at sunrise in Saudi Arabia and ended at sunset over the North Pacific Ocean.
December 26, 2019
Get ready for the Venus-Saturn conjunction
Venus and Jupiter had a spectacular conjunction last month. Soon, Saturn and Venus will meet in the west after sunset. Guy Ottewell offers insights and charts to prepare you for this encounter between worlds.
December 4, 2019
Sun enters Ophiuchus on November 30
The sun always passes in front of Ophiuchus from about November 30 to December 18. That's why some call Ophiuchus an unofficial member of the zodiac.
November 30, 2019
