Astronomy Essentials
Tonight
Visible planets and night sky guide for October
Visible planets and night sky guide. The moon is past new now and soon will return to our evening sky. Can you see it on October 12? Maybe!
Sun
Sun news: Sun-stuff and solar wind on the way
Sun news, October 12, 2026: A blast of sun-stuff could reach Earth today. It could combine with a fast solar wind stream to trigger geomagnetic storms.
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.