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Editors of EarthSky

Guy Ottewell honored with an asteroid in his name

On July 6, 2026, the IAU honored longtime astronomy educator Guy Ottewell with an asteroid. Thus 21008 (1988 PE) is now also known as asteroid Ottewell.

July birthstone: The rare and precious ruby

The July birthstone is the ruby, one of the most prized precious stones. It is also one of the hardest gemstones, and is chemically related to the sapphire.

Asteroid Day to be observed worldwide on June 30

The annual Asteroid Day program is in Luxembourg on June 26 and 27, 2026. That's ahead of the internationally recognized Asteroid Day June 30.

Draco the Dragon and Thuban, a former pole star

Tonight, look for the winding shape of Draco the Dragon in the northern sky. This constellation contains Thuban, a former pole star.

Does the North Star ever move in the sky?

The North Star is a symbol for constancy. But a video or star trails image reveals that it makes its own little circle around the sky's north pole every day.

Earliest sunrises come before the summer solstice

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, your earliest sunrises of the year are happening around now. Earliest sunsets are in the Southern Hemisphere.

Celebrate World Oceans Day today, June 8, 2026

World Oceans Day is a day to honor our connection to Earth’s oceans and to learn what we can do to protect ocean habitats. Celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8.

Arietids – most active daytime meteor shower – around June 10

The Arietids - the most active daytime meteor shower - peak on the mornings around June 10. Watch for them before dawn while blocking out the light of the moon.

June birthstone: Pearl, moonstone or alexandrite

June babies ... it is time to choose your June birthstone: pearl, moonstone or alexandrite. All of them are lovely choices.

Blue Moon – and smallest full moon of 2026 – on May 30-31

There's a full Blue Moon overnight on May 30-31, 2026. A Blue Moon is the 2nd of 2 full moons in a calendar month or the 3rd of 4 full moons in a single season.