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Posts by
Editors of EarthSky
Will you see the Jupiter-Mercury conjunction on August 15?
A conjunction is when 2 objects share the same right ascension. The Jupiter-Mercury conjunction on August 15 is the next one. Look for them before sunrise.
August 12, 2026
Perseid meteor shower 2026! It’s time to watch
The Perseid meteor shower peaks this week! It's best between midnight and dawn. The peak is August 12 and 13 before dawn, but watch around those mornings, too.
August 11, 2026
Venus greatest distance from the sun August 14-15, 2026
In 2026, look for Venus after sunset! It's high in the August evening sky for all to see. It'll be brightest in the evening sky on September 22.
August 9, 2026
The 2nd eclipse season of 2026 is underway
One of the many noticeable cycles in the heavens is an eclipse season. The 2nd eclipse season of 2026 starts with a total solar eclipse on August 12.
August 7, 2026
Double star 61 Cygni: Why is it known as the Flying Star?
Compared to other stars, 61 Cygni moves quite rapidly against the background of more distant stars, revealing its proximity to Earth.
August 5, 2026
August birthstone: Peridot, spinel, or sardonyx
The August birthstone can be crystalline green peridot, colorful spinel, or banded sardonyx. Take your pick of these colorful gemstones, August babies!
August 2, 2026
Meteor shower guide 2026: Up next … Perseids
Up next is the Delta Aquariid meteor shower, they'll compete with a waning gibbous moon. Watch for meteors in dark skies before dawn the week before July 30.
August 1, 2026
Look for Mercury farthest from the morning sun on August 2
Mercury will reach its greatest elongation - greatest distance from the sunrise - on August 2, 2026. Look east at dawn. It'll be close to Jupiter on August 15.
July 31, 2026
Meet Shaula and Lesath, the Scorpion’s Stinger stars
Shaula and Lesath, the Stinger Stars, mark Scorpius the Scorpion’s tail. Learn how to find this striking constellation in the night sky.
July 28, 2026
What’s an airplane glory? Here’s how to spot one
An airplane glory is easy to see, if you watch for it. It's the plane's shadow cast on a cloud, or the ground, surrounded by a halo of light.
July 28, 2026
