Latest articles by Joe Rao
The Orion constellation is home to some of the most luminous stars in our Milky Way galaxy.
Mercury puts on its best evening show of 2026 this February, with bright views after sunset and a helpful crescent moon.
Some astronomers have noted that its faint magnitude "does not bode well for the comet's survival past perihelion."
A February moon offers a practical preview of where to look for March's total lunar eclipse.
From dazzling Jupiter high in the evening sky to elusive Mercury low at sunset, February 2026 offers one of the year's best planetary lineups.
Astronomical winter reaches its true midpoint on Feb. 3, as daylight gains begin to accelerate across the Northern Hemisphere.
Reference A Black Moon is a rare occurrence. Here we explore what causes them and when the next one will happen.
Learn how to spot Sirius, Procyon and their canine constellations, and discover the myths and science behind the dog stars.
From Orion's glowing nebula to the sparkling Pleiades, these winter targets reward anyone willing to brave the cold.
Jupiter currently shines as a brilliant silvery "star" in the constellation Gemini the Twins, low in the east-northeast sky as dusk slowly fades. You really should catch the show.
Reference The full moon names for each month, why they're named so and what we can expect from these lunar events.
Reference Where are the bright naked-eye planets in January 2026 and when are the best times to view them?
A daylight peak and a full moon combine to sabotage the powerful Quadrantid meteor shower in 2026.
Your complete guide to the brightest planetary moments of 2026.
December's faint Ursid meteor shower returns under dark skies, offering a small chance of unexpected activity.
The Geminid meteor shower peaks Dec. 13–14, and the U.S. weather forecast will play a key role in what you'll see.
The Geminids return with near-perfect viewing conditions, offering skywatchers up to 150 meteors an hour under dark December skies.
If you've never sighted this rocky little world for yourself, you'll never get a better opportunity than right now to see it.
Enjoy a post-dinner stargazing session as the first-quarter moon, Saturn and the season's brightest stars light up the Thanksgiving night sky.
A few hours after darkness falls during November, the unquestioned landmark of the autumn night sky occupies a commanding position high in the south: the flying horse Pegasus.
For North America, the best time to look will be before dawn on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
There is still time to look out for Taurid meteors lighting up November nights.
Jupiter again teams up with the moon late Sunday night to put on an eye-catching show directly between Jupiter and the bright star Pollux, Gemini's brightest star.
