Moon and Mars on October 17 and 18

Mars isn't as bright now as it was last July and August. But it's still pretty bright! Don't miss it near the moon on these evenings.

Moon, Saturn and Mars on October 14-17

These next several nights - October 14, 15, 16 and 17, 2018 - watch the waxing moon move from Saturn to Mars, and with the mind's-eye, envision the invisible dwarf planet Pluto in between these two bright worlds.

Young moon and Jupiter October 10-12

The moon is back in the evening sky - low in the west after sunset - as a waxing crescent. The bright object near it is our solar system's biggest planet, Jupiter.

Find the Draconid radiant point

You don't have to identify a meteor shower's radiant point to watch the show. But the radiant of the Draconids is fun to find! Here are some ways to do it.

Moon and Leo before sunup October 5 to 7

The lit portion of the waning moon always points eastward. That's also the moon's direction of travel in front of the background stars. Watch the moon wane in the coming mornings, as it sweeps through Leo.

Moon lights up Gemini in early October

Wake up before dawn in early October 2018, and let the waning moon show you the zodiacal constellations Gemini and Cancer.

Moon in Taurus September 28-30

Even in the moon's glare, you should be able to make out Aldebaran, Taurus' brightest star, as well as the tiny, misty, dipper-shaped Pleiades star cluster.

Full Harvest Moon September 24-25

It's the full moon closest to the autumn equinox. For us in the Northern Hemisphere, it means no great lag time between sunset and moonrise, in this season of waning daylight.

See Venus at its brightest

Greatest brilliancy for Venus is a delicate balance between how much we see of its day side, and the changing distance between our 2 worlds. Conditions are now optimum! Venus looms low in the twilight, dazzlingly bright.

Moon sweeps near Saturn and Mars September 17 to 19

On September 17, 18 and 19 - as soon as darkness falls - let the moon serve as your guide to 2 bright and beautiful planets, Saturn and Mars.