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Editors of EarthSky

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.

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?