Astronomy Essentials
Zodiacal light: Start watching for it now
The zodiacal light is an eerie light extending up from the horizon before dawn around the Northern Hemisphere autumn. Southern Hemisphere? Look after sunset!
Earth
What is an Equal Earth projection map? See comparisons here
Everyone is familiar with the Mercator map, a flattened view of Earth. But what is the Equal Earth projection map, and how does it compare?
Astronomy Essentials
Tonight

Visible planets and night sky guide for September

Visible planets and night sky guide: New moon is September 11. And the September equinox is near. Time to look for the zodiacal light! Look east before dawn. Southern Hemisphere? Look west after evening twilight ends.
Brightest Stars

Delta Cephei helps measure cosmic distances

Delta Cephei is an inconspicuous variable star in the northern constellation Cepheus the King. This important star helped establish the cosmic distance scale.
Sun

Sun news: Two huge prominences erupt in sync

Sun news September 10, 2026: Two huge prominences erupted almost in sync from opposite corners of the sun. Meanwhile, the G1 storm watch was called off.
Space

Peptides in Venus’ clouds could form life-giving shapes

A new study from MIT shows that peptides in Venus' clouds could survive in the sulfuric acid droplets and fold into the shapes need for biological life.
Earth

Will fall migration 2026 bring a billion bird night?

Will we see a billion bird night during fall migration this year? And get tips on how you can help birds by turning off exterior lights.
Earth

Fall hummingbird migration in progress across North America

The fall hummingbird migration typically lasts from August through October. Spot the birds in every U.S. state and Canadian province as they travel south.
Tonight

Orion’s Belt points to Sirius on September mornings

Use Orion's Belt to find Sirius, the sky's brightest star. In 2026, Jupiter is in the same region, outshining even Sirius.
Astronomy Essentials
Human World

How many stars can you see on a moonless night?

Have you ever wondered how many stars are visible on a given night? It depends on factors including how dark your sky is and what your age is.