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Posts by
Editors of EarthSky
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 … the Draconids
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
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
Can sharks smile? It’s Shark Week! Enjoy these shark videos
Can sharks smile? Not likely. But dogs, monkeys and dolphins all show expressions akin to human smiles. Learn more about sharks during Shark Week.
July 26, 2026
Earth
Noctilucent clouds are back: Look for them now!
Noctilucent clouds are back. The season is underway! Learn about these stunning night-shining clouds and how to see them. Plus, see a gallery of them here.
July 18, 2026
Shoemaker-Levy 9 impact on Jupiter 32 years ago
Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 hit Jupiter in 1994, 32 years ago, scarring the planet's surface and leaving behind water that remained in the atmosphere for decades.
July 16, 2026
Scorpius the Scorpion and its legendary stinger
The southernmost constellation of the zodiac is Scorpius the Scorpion. It's easy to spot on July evenings from most of the globe. It has a distinctive J shape.
July 10, 2026
Apophis: From scary asteroid to a rare science opportunity
In just 3 years, asteroid Apophis will zoom safely past Earth. This much-anticipated event is a must-see! Here's how you can see it with your own eyes.
July 9, 2026
