Sun
Sun news: Massive eruptions in the sun’s northwest
Sun news September 12, 2026: The northwest prominence continues dancing on the sun's edge. A coronal hole now faces Earth, with fast wind due September 14.
Astronomy Essentials
Tonight
Visible planets and night sky guide for September
Visible planets and night sky guide: Look for the zodiacal light in the east before dawn. Southern Hemisphere? Look west after evening twilight ends.
Space

Did the sun swallow a planet early in its history?

Did the sun swallow a planet early in its history? Models show a super-Earth might have spiraled into the sun and left a fingerprint we can still see today.
Space

Distant proto-supercluster! An early intersection point in the cosmic web?

Astronomers have found the most distant proto-supercluster yet, an early collection of galaxies at a junction in the cosmic web.
Earth

International Cloud Appreciation Day is September 11

The international Cloud Appreciation Day is September 11, 2026. Learn how to participate here and see a gallery of beautiful clouds.
Today's Image

Anak Krakatau erupts in Indonesia, 8 people missing

Anak Krakatau erupted in early September, sending gas and ash into the atmosphere. 8 people, including 5 journalists, are now missing.
Astronomy Essentials

What is retrograde motion? And why is the moon moving backwards?

What is retrograde motion? See an image that appears to show the moon moving backwards! An explanation, and more bizarre examples, here.
Space

Do black holes have hidden hair? Scientists are searching

If black holes have extra matter around them - aka hidden hair - astronomers could find it by measuring the different characteristics of these ripples.
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?