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Comet visible in binoculars, nearly closest
Comet C/2013 X1 (PanSTARRS) isn't visible to the eye, but binoculars can pick it up. Charts and other info that can help you spot the comet in the coming weeks!
June 9, 2016
Join the fun at ALCon 2016
ALCon 2016 is the national amateur astronomy convention, held this year from August 10-13 in Washington, D.C. Registration is now live!
June 6, 2016
Mars and Saturn in 2016
Video of this year's oppositions of Mars and Saturn, in front of the constellations Libra and Scorpius. Notice Mars appearing larger around its May 22 opposition!
May 8, 2016
Guide to Mars’ opposition on May 22
Earth flies between Mars and sun on May 22, bringing it closer than Mars has been in over a decade. How to find and enjoy Mars during 2016's close opposition!
May 6, 2016
Astronomical events in 2016
A month by month listing of major moon phases, conjunctions, oppositions, meteor showers and other important dates, from astronomer Fred Espenak.
May 3, 2016
See 5 bright planets at once
First time we can see 5 planets at once since 2005. All 5 are up before dawn, still, and all 5 will remain visible until Mercury disappears in the dawn just after mid-February.
February 8, 2016
Mars’ west quadrature on February 7
At west quadrature on February 7, 2016, the red planet appears 90% illuminated as seen through a telescope. Fantastic time to see Mars is just ahead.
February 7, 2016
October 13 to November 11: Longest lunar month of 2015
Longest lunar month of 2015 starts with the October 13 new moon and ends with the November 11 new moon. Learn about the varying lengths of lunar months, here.
October 12, 2015
Intriguing cycle of close and far moons
This post explains lunar perigee - the moon's closest point to Earth - and includes dates of all closest and farthest moons for each month of 2015.
September 27, 2015
How to see the Summer Triangle in September
Even as September is beginning, you have several more months to see the large asterism known as the Summer Triangle.
September 1, 2015
