Welcome to StarDate
Home of America’s longest-running national daily astronomy radio feature.
And so much more.
Stardate:
June 25, 2026Radio: Today’s Episode
The Stinger
The scorpion’s impressive “stinger”
Premium Same-Day Audio Access lets you stream episodes of StarDate the same day they air.
Log in or subscribe now to listen!
Radio: Yesterday’s Episode
U Scorpii
A star that keeps blowing up
/RSS Feed
Stargazing
The Stinger
Two stars that form the scorpion’s “stinger” peek above the southern horizon on summer nights. The stars are Lambda and Upsilon Scorpii. Lambda is the brighter of the two.
U Scorpii
U Scorpii, a star system on the far side of the galaxy, has produced 12 outbursts since 1863. The system is in Scorpius, which is low in the south-southeast at nightfall. U Scorpii is above the curving line that outlines the scorpion’s body and tail.
Moon and Spica
Spica, which represents a stalk of wheat held in the hand of Virgo, the maiden, perches close to the upper right of the Moon at nightfall. It is one of several bright stars in the night sky that are likely to end their lives with brilliant explosions.
Moon Phases
At the new Moon phase, the Moon is so close to the Sun in the sky that none of the side facing Earth is illuminated (position 1 in illustration). In other words, the Moon is between Earth and Sun. At first quarter, the half-lit Moon is highest in the sky at sunset, then sets about six hours later (3). At full Moon, the Moon is behind Earth in space with respect to the Sun. As the Sun sets, the Moon rises with the side that faces Earth fully exposed to sunlight (5).
Today’s Sponsor
Stardate Magazine
Current Issue: JULY/AUGUST 2026
From Canals to Poppy Seeds and Leopard Spots
by Damond Benningfield
Twin Viking landers touched down on Mars 50 years ago, and one of their experiments found evidence of life, which was quickly discounted. But the debate continues, and we’ll review the Viking findings along with other claims of possible life on the Red Planet. We’ll also tell you how planetariums are adapting to the ages of the Internet and social media.
Shop
Combos – Bundle and Save
-
Product on sale
Digital Magazine & Audio ComboFrom: $35.00 / year -
Product on saleMagazine Combo SubscriptionFrom: $35.00 / year
Popular
-
2025 Sky Almanac$6.00 -
2026 Sky Almanac$6.00
-
2024 Sky Almanac$6.00
Explore
Featured Images
Fun Factoid
More fun facts in our Astro Field Guide!
Star Teachers
Stars and Galaxies
Galaxies contain billions of stars. Do galaxies collide? Do the stars within them collide?