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Editors of EarthSky

Algol the Demon Star … but why is it called that?

What's the scariest star in all the heavens? Look for Algol the Demon Star on autumn evenings. It's a great choice for a driveway telescope night on Halloween.

Meteor shower guide 2024: The Taurids best around November 5

The Draconids will be best before dawn around the nights of October 7-8. Your 2024 meteor shower guide here. Under dark skies you might catch about 10 per hour.

Venus after sunset 2024: Shining bright in the evening sky

Venus after sunset will next reach greatest elongation on January 9-10, 2025. Look for a dazzling bright object in the sunset direction in evening twilight.

Annular solar eclipse today! See a ring of fire

Today, an annular solar eclipse will cross over parts of South America, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and Antarctica. Watch a livestream here.

EarthSky’s lunar calendar: How to use this great gift!

Follow the moon! Here’s why you need an EarthSky lunar calendar, the top tips for using it, and where you can order one.

October birthstone: Colorful opal and tourmaline

Take your pick: the October birthstone is either the striking iridescent opal or the many-colored tourmaline. Learn the lore of these pretty gemstones here.

LIVE MONDAY: SpaceX and Space Race 2.0 with Eric Berger

Join EarthSky's Dave Adalian LIVE at 12:15 p.m. central (17:15 UTC) on September 30. He'll be chatting with Eric Berger, senior space editor at Ars Technica.

Neptune at opposition to the sun this weekend

Neptune at opposition - when it's 180 degrees from the sun on the sky's dome - comes early on September 21, 2024. You'll need optical aid to spot it.

2nd eclipse season of 2024 starts September 17-18

There are many cycles in the heavens. We're coming up to a noticeable cycle, the 2nd eclipse season this year. It starts with a partial lunar eclipse.

Cassiopeia ascends in September and October

Cassiopeia the Queen is an easy-to-find constellation. It has the shape of a W or M. Look in the north-northeast sky on September and October evenings.