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Editors of EarthSky

June solstice 2027: Here’s all you need to know

The June solstice happens today, June 21, 2027. It's the longest day for the Northern Hemisphere and the shortest day for the Southern Hemisphere.
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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.

Look for Mercury farthest from the morning sun this week

Mercury will reach its greatest elongation - greatest distance from the sunrise - on November 21, 2026. Look east at dawn. Bright Venus will be nearby.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.