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Watch for 2020’s Draconid meteor shower
The Draconid shower will likely produce its greatest number of meteors on the evening - not after midnight - of October 7, 2020. Try the night of October 8, too.
October 7, 2020
Mars closest to Earth October 6
On October 6, 2020, Earth sweeps closer to the red planet Mars than it will again for another 15 years.
October 5, 2020
Orange Arcturus sparkles after sunset
On October evenings, look for brilliant Arcturus in the west, flashing in colors. Follow the curve in the Big Dipper’s handle to this yellow-orange star.
October 4, 2020
Moon and Mars rendezvous in early October
The moon and Mars are near each other on the sky's dome on the night of October 2, 2020. From South America, the moon will appear to occult (cover over) Mars.
October 2, 2020
Watch for Mars and the full Harvest Moon
The Northern Hemisphere's Harvest Moon is always the full moon falling the closest to the autumnal equinox. It's coming up in 2020 on October 1 or 2. What's more, this Harvest Moon will be near Mars!
September 30, 2020
Moon and Fomalhaut in late September
These next several nights - September 28, 29 and 30 - 2020 - use the bright waxing gibbous moon to find the bright star Fomalhaut, the Autumn Star.
September 28, 2020
Mercury in the west after sunset
Live in the Southern Hemisphere? Take advantage of your golden opportunity to view Mercury in the evening sky now. Live in the Northern Hemisphere? Give Mercury a try after sunset! You might see it.
September 26, 2020
Equinox sun is over Earth’s equator
At an equinox, and for several days before and after, the midday sun is straight up at noon seen from Earth's equator. At this equinox, the sun is crossing the celestial equator, moving from north to south.
September 22, 2020
Great Square points to Andromeda galaxy
Every August, the Andromeda galaxy ascends in the sky during the evening hours. Here's how to use the Great Square of Pegasus to find it.
August 26, 2020
Ophiuchus is part of the zodiac, too
Poor Ophiuchus. Nobody ever claims him as a "birth sign," although the sun moves in front of his stars from about November 30 to December 18. Keep the big guy company. Find Ophiuchus in your sky tonight!
August 26, 2020
