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Editors of EarthSky
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
2026 Ursid meteor shower: All you need to know
The 2026 Ursid meteor shower competes with moonlight and is best seen overnight from the evening of Dec 21 through the dawn of Dec 22, and best before sunrise.
July 15, 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
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 7, 2026
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.
July 1, 2026
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.
June 26, 2026
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.
June 23, 2026
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.
June 19, 2026
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.
June 11, 2026
