Space
Could an Earthlike planet with 2 stars be nearby?
A new astronomical model has found that an Earthlike planet could have a stable and potentially habitable orbit around a star in a nearby 2-star system.
Human World
October birthstone: Colorful opal and tourmaline
Take your pick: the October birthstone is either the striking iridescent opal or the many-colored tourmaline. Learn the lore of these pretty gemstones here.
Sun

Sun news: Two bursts of sun-stuff heading to Earth

Sun news October 2, 2026: The first of two blobs of sun-stuff heading to Earth should arrive later today. It might trigger auroras at northerly latitudes.
Astronomy Essentials
Tonight

Visible planets and night sky guide for October

Visible planets and night sky guide. Look for the 3rd quarter moon tomorrow morning. And Venus is disappearing for now. Watch a video here.
Astronomy Essentials

Saturn at opposition – brightest for 2026 – on October 4

Don't miss Saturn at opposition on and around the night of October 4, 2026. That's when our planet Earth passes between the sun and Saturn.
Space

Life on Enceladus? Chances get big boost in 2 new studies

Is there life on Enceladus? Two new studies show that the chances for life in the ocean of this Saturn moon are even greater than once thought.
Earth

And the Fat Bear Week winner is … Backpack!

Congrats to Backpack, the winner of Fat Bear Week 2026! Take a look at the final brackets and see where your favorite fatties fell.
Earth

What are the world’s loudest birds? Here are 2 contenders

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst said the bare-throated bellbird and red-legged seriema are 2 contenders for world's loudest birds.
Astronomy Essentials

Stargazing tips! 10 great tips for beginning astronomers

If you're new to observing the night sky, check out our top 10 stargazing tips for beginners. We'll help you explore and expand your love for astronomy.
Space

JUICE mission completes flyby of Earth: New pics!

The JUICE mission made a successful flyby of Earth on September 28. See new images of Earth and the moon here. The spacecraft will reach Jupiter in 2031.