Sign Up for Our Amazing Newsletter!
A daily update by email. Science news, great photos, sky alerts.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Posts by
Bruce McClure
Thuban was the North Star for the ancient Egyptians
The North Star changes over time. Thuban was the Pole Star some 5,000 years ago, when the Egyptians were building the pyramids.
August 12, 2025
Is Ophiuchus the 13th constellation of the zodiac?
Born between November 29 and December 18? Then the sun passes in front of Ophiuchus on your birthday. Here's how to spot the constellation Ophiuchus in the sky.
August 10, 2025
Favorite Star Patterns
Teapot of Sagittarius points to Milky Way center
As you gaze toward the famous Teapot asterism in the constellation Sagittarius, you are looking toward the center of our Milky Way galaxy.
August 5, 2025
Sagittarius the Archer and its famous Teapot
The zodiacal constellation of Sagittarius the Archer contains the center of the Milky Way and a famous asterism known as the Teapot.
July 31, 2025
Eltanin and Rastaban, the Dragon’s eyes
These 2 famous stars shine down from the northern sky. Eltanin and Rastaban represent the fiery eyes of the constellation Draco the Dragon.
July 29, 2025
The Omega Nebula is a star-forming region
The Omega Nebula, also known as the Swan Nebula or M17, is visible through binoculars and glorious through a telescope. Here's how to find it.
July 10, 2025
M5, your new favorite globular star cluster
M5 in Serpens Caput is a refreshing sight through a small telescope, as thousands of stars cluster together into the tightly packed ball of this globular cluster.
June 6, 2025
Alphecca, a jewel in Corona Borealis the Northern Crown
Alphecca. Gemma. Alpha Coronae Borealis or simply Alpha Cor Bor. They're all names for a single star, the brightest star in the Northern Crown.
May 30, 2025
Look for equinox shadows in a direct line from west to east
Equinox shadows are unique. On this day - and only this day - the tip of an upright stick's shadow follows a straight path, west to east, all day long.
March 18, 2025
Look for amazing Omega Centauri, using Spica as a guide
Omega Centauri is the largest globular star cluster visible to the eye alone. In the spring, the star Spica can lead you to the giant globular cluster.
March 14, 2025
