Sun
Sun news: Quiet sun, but a blob and fast solar wind loom
Sun news October 12, 2026: The sun is quiet, but a glancing CME and coronal hole wind could bring G1 storms tonight. Aurora watchers, stay alert!
Earth
Arizona’s Chiricahua poised to become 64th US National Park
Chiricahua National Monument in the southeastern corner of Arizona is poised to become the U.S.'s 64th national park. Read more about it here.
Clusters Nebulae Galaxies

Check out the Double Cluster in Perseus on October evenings

The Double Cluster in Perseus is a breathtaking pair of open star clusters, easy to see in October. Here's how to find it in your sky.
Earth

Isaias is a major hurricane, headed for the Gulf Coast

Hurricane Isaias is the 1st hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season. It is now a major hurricane, making landfall around midnight tonight near Pensacola.
Space

Another satellite breakup raises concerns about space junk

An inactive Soviet weather satellite has broken apart above Earth. The satellite breakup has added tens of debris fragments to an already crowded low-Earth orbit.
Space

Did formaldehyde on ancient Mars help kickstart life?

Formaldehyde in the ancient rains on Mars might have provided crucial chemical reactions needed for life to begin on the red planet billions of years ago.
Today's Image

Smile mission releases its stunning 1st aurora footage!

The Smile mission has shared its first footage of Earth's auroral oval at the North Pole, and it's a stunner! Read more about the mission here.
Tonight

Mercury after sunset and great for Southern Hemisphere!

Southern Hemisphere, look for Mercury after sunset. It's your best shot at seeing the planet in your evening sky all year.
Earth

Why leaves change color in the autumn

Did you know the vivid colors of autumn leaves are there throughout spring and summer, but hidden? Here's why leaves change color in the fall.
Astronomy Essentials

Meteor shower guide 2026: Up next … the Orionids

Up next is the Orion meteor. They are best viewed around the mornings of October 21. Check EarthSky's meteor shower guide here.