Posts by 

Editors of EarthSky

Venus brightest in the morning sky November 29

See Venus brightest in the morning sky this week, with greatest brilliancy coming around November 29, 2026. Look east before sunrise.

Delta Aquariid meteor shower: All you need to know in 2027

The peak of the Delta Aquariid meteor shower is late July. But the shower rambles along steadily for weeks and intermingles with the famous Perseids.

Will you see the Jupiter-Mercury conjunction on August 15?

A conjunction is when 2 objects share the same right ascension. The Jupiter-Mercury conjunction on August 15 is the next one. Look for them before sunrise.

Venus greatest distance from the sun August 14-15, 2026

In 2026, look for Venus after sunset! It's high in the August evening sky for all to see. It'll be brightest in the evening sky on September 22.

The 2nd eclipse season of 2026 is underway

One of the many noticeable cycles in the heavens is an eclipse season. The 2nd eclipse season of 2026 starts with a total solar eclipse on August 12.

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 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!

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.

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.

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.