Noctilucent clouds - aka night-shining clouds - can be seen at high latitudes in summer, typically beginning for northern latitudes in late May. French photographer Adrien Mauduit in Denmark assembled his best 2016 photos into a wondrous video.
They were the brightest objects nearly all night Sunday night, as seen from around the world. Here are a few photos from the EarthSky community. Thanks to all who submitted!
Not so very long ago or far away in astronomical terms, a near-miss between titanic galaxy clusters might have set into motion an immense wave of hot gas.
ScienceCast video from NASA about comets passing near Earth in 2017 and 2018, and about how scientists are studying them. Plus photos from our community!
It's not totally empty, but the space between Saturn and its rings is much emptier than scientists expected. Cassini will make its 2nd dive through this gap at 3:38 p.m. EDT (19:38 UTC) today.
Keukenhof in Holland - situated on what once were hunting grounds for a 15th century castle - is now known for its tulips. Here's how one tulip field looked a few days ago.
Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.