Uranus at opposition in 2017

Opposition for Uranus - or any outer planet - means it's opposite the sun in our sky, rising at sunset. The new moon provides a dark night for viewing this faint world.

Keep watching moon, Venus, Mars

The best views of the moon and planets before dawn are happening now!

Moon, Venus, Mars next few mornings

Don't miss the moon's sweep past dazzling Venus and much fainter Mars, east before sunup. Lovely to view, and you might get a sense of the moon in orbit.

Moon occults Regulus on October 15

From most of the world, the waning moon shines near the bright star Regulus Sunday morning. From much of the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean or southeast Canada, the moon will pass in front of Regulus.

Find constellations of the zodiac

Today's sky chart shows the constellations of the zodiac that are up after nightfall on these October evenings.

Last quarter moon and Gemini stars

Stay up late to see them, or get up before dawn, when the moon, Castor and Pollux will be high in the sky as seen from across the globe.

Moon’s lit side points to Aldebaran

Watch the moon travel toward Aldebaran in our sky's dome, throughout the night of October 8. Then come back a night later, and see how far the moon has moved.

On October 5, the Harvest Moon

The Northern Hemisphere's Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the September equinox. It's tonight! Watch for it.

Watch for Mars and Venus this week

How to see the close conjunction of the dazzling planet Venus and faint red planet Mars in the sunrise direction, throughout the first week of October 2017.

Can you find the Big Dipper?

From 41 degrees N. - and farther north - the Big Dipper is circumpolar, meaning it never sets. But from more southerly latitudes, the Dipper is below your horizon each evening now. Want to see it? Here's how.