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Editors of EarthSky

World Oceans Day is today

World Oceans Day has been honored since 1992. It's a day to raise awareness about how we're connected to the oceans and how we can protect ocean habitats.

Know how to avoid rip currents! Watch this video

Before going to the ocean this year, you'll want to know how to avoid rip currents. Watch a video here to learn how to save yourself from these deadly currents.

Will Betelgeuse explode in ‘tens of years’?

Betelgeuse will explode as a supernova someday. It's close enough that it'll shine brightly during the day but far enough that Earth won't be in any danger.

Venus after sunset: Greatest elongation this weekend

Venus after sunset will next reach greatest elongation on June 4, 2023. Look for a blazingly bright object in the sunset direction in evening twilight.

June birthstone: Pearl, moonstone, or alexandrite

For June babies, pick any of these as your June birthstone: a gleaming pearl, a glowing moonstone, or a colorful and exotic alexandrite. All are lovely choices.

Meteor shower guide: Next up the daytime Arietids

The daytime Arietid meteor shower is in early June, followed by the Delta Aquariids starting in late July. Your 2023 meteor shower guide here.

What makes a halo around the sun or moon?

A large ring or circle of light around the sun or moon is called a 22-degree halo. They are caused by high, thin cirrus clouds drifting high above your head.

Mercury is up before sunrise and visible until mid-June

Mercury reached its greatest distance from the sunrise on May 29, and will brighten through mid-June. It's best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere.

What’s a safe distance from a supernova for Earth?

What's a safe distance from a supernova? To survive a supernova, recent data says Earth would have to be at least 160 light-years away from the exploding star.

2023 Atlantic hurricane outlook and list of names

On May 25, 2023, NOAA released its Atlantic hurricane outlook for the upcoming season. Read more here and get the list of 2023's hurricane names.