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Editors of EarthSky
January birthstone: The colorful garnet gemstone
Garnets, the January birthstone, are often thought to be red gemstones. But they also come in yellow, green, orange, brown and black.
January 3, 2024
Earth at perihelion – closest to sun – on January 2-3
Every year in early January, Earth reaches its closest point to the sun in an event called perihelion. It occurs during winter for the Northern Hemisphere.
January 2, 2024
Today in science: Luna 1, 1st spacecraft headed to moon
Some historians believe the Soviet spacecraft Luna 1 was supposed to hit the moon. It didn't. However, it was the first earthly craft to sweep past the moon.
January 2, 2024
Why does the New Year begin on January 1?
Why does the New Year begin on January 1? The tradition stems from the festival of Janus, the Roman god of past and future.
December 29, 2023
Latest sunrises late December and early January
For the northern half of Earth, the return of the light after the solstice. The latest sunrises of the year come in late December and early January.
December 26, 2023
December full moon – Long Night Moon – mimics the June sun
The December full moon is called the Long Night Moon, Moon Before Yule, or Cold Moon. It crosses high in the sky, mimicking the June sun.
December 23, 2023
Year’s shortest season starts at December solstice
The year's shortest season - between the December solstice and March equinox - is about 89 days. It's 5 days shorter than the longest season.
December 21, 2023
Solstices and equinoxes in a video from space
See how sunlight falls on Earth's surface during the solstices and equinoxes, and get a better understanding of why Earth's tilt causes the seasons.
December 21, 2023
Orion the Hunter and the Milky Way on December evenings
The constellation Orion the Hunter is very easy to find. If you have a dark sky, you can also see the luminous band of the Milky Way running behind it.
December 17, 2023
The Wright brothers succeeded 120 years ago
Check out one of the world's most famous photos. It shows the Wright brothers and the 1st true airplane flight on December 17, 1903.
December 17, 2023
