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The sun is becoming active again
EarthSky community members have captured the giant sunspot region - AR 2781 - currently making its way across the sun's visible surface.
November 7, 2020
Last quarter moon on November 8
Get up early, around the break of day tomorrow - November 8, 2020 - to see the moon at or near its last quarter phase, and assuming the position of the August noonday sun.
November 7, 2020
Hubble telescope reveals asteroid Psyche’s rusty surface
Scientists already had Psyche classified as a metallic asteroid, but new observations with the Hubble telescope reveal its rusty surface and provide scientists with a unique view into what Earth-like planets are like during their formation.
November 6, 2020
What is the Common Era?
If you encounter a date in the CE (Common Era) or BCE (Before Common Era) format, don't fret. They mean exactly the same thing as AD (anno Domini) and BC (before Christ).
November 6, 2020
NASA re-establishes contact with Voyager 2 spacecraft
On October 29, NASA re-established contact with its Voyager 2 spacecraft, after the probe was left flying solo for 7 months while repairs were made to the radio antenna in Australia used to control it.
November 6, 2020
Use the Big Dipper to find the Goat Star
You've heard of the "pointer" stars of the Big Dipper? They point to the North Star. You can also use bowl stars to find the star Capella, aka the Goat Star.
November 6, 2020
How Jupiter’s moon Io gets its hellish atmosphere
Hot, active volcanoes produce almost half of Jupiter's moon Io's sulfur atmosphere, according to new observations using the ALMA telescope. The rest comes from cold sulfur deposits that freeze on the surface, then sublimate in sunlight.
November 5, 2020
SpaceX Starship as a trash collector in Earth orbit?
SpaceX Starship's many tasks may include launching humans into space, carrying satellites into orbit and — perhaps — removing troublesome pieces of space debris.
November 4, 2020
2020 Antarctic ozone hole among largest, deepest in recent years
This year's ozone hole covers most of the Antarctic continent and is among the largest and deepest in recent years.
November 4, 2020
Jupiter gives us Pluto in 2020
The 3rd of this year's 3 Jupiter-Pluto conjunctions is coming up on November 12, 2020. Jupiter won't have another conjunction with Pluto again until February 4, 2033. And another one this good? Not for centuries.
November 4, 2020
