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Editors of EarthSky

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.

2027 Eta Aquariid meteor shower best before dawn on May 5

May's Eta Aquariid meteor shower is best in 2027 on the morning of May 5. Be sure to watch in the hours before dawn. In 2027, you'll have dark skies.

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.

Meet Crux, the constellation of the Southern Cross

Crux, the constellation of the Southern Cross, is a hallmark of southern skies and contains the open cluster known as the Jewel Box.

2026 name list for Atlantic hurricanes: Is yours among them?

The forecasts for Atlantic hurricanes and tropical storms are out. And the hurricane names for 2026 are ready. What'll happen next?

Synchronous fireflies light up these national parks

The synchronous fireflies are back! These lightning bugs flash in harmony in the Great Smoky Mountains and other nearby parks from mid-May to mid-June.

The Lyrid meteor shower in 2027 peaks April 22

The best time to watch the Lyrid meteor shower is before dawn on the mornings of April 22 and 23. You'll have a bright waning gibbous moon in the sky.

Constellations and signs: What’s the difference?

What is the difference between the signs of the zodiac and the constellations of the zodiac? Astronomer Guy Ottewell illustrates and discusses this difference.