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▶StarDate Radio: August 3 — Astonishing Mira
An “astonishing” star should be at its best this month. The star puffs in and out like a beating heart,...More »
★Stargazing: August 3
Mira, a star that changes brightness, should be at its best this month. The star puffs in and out like...More »
▶StarDate Radio: August 2 — Dangerous Asteroids II
75 years ago today, lunchtime at the Gage Ranch, near Marathon, Texas, was interrupted by a surprising visitor: a space...More »
★Stargazing: August 2
After the Sun, the first star whose distance was accurately measured was 61 Cygni. It is part of Cygnus, the...More »
▶StarDate Radio: August 1 — Saturn at Opposition
Saturn is at its best for the entire year right now. The second-largest planet in the solar system rises around...More »
★Stargazing: August 1
Saturn is at its best for the year. The planet rises around sunset, is in view all night, and shines...More »
▶StarDate Radio: July 31 — Dangerous Asteroid
One year ago today, the Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico took a close look at a passing asteroid. And...More »
★Stargazing: July 31
For the second time this month, the Moon is at last quarter. It lines up at a right angle to...More »
▶StarDate Radio: July 30 — More Apollo 15
The Apennine Mountains are the tallest on the Moon. They top out at almost three miles above the surrounding plains....More »
★Stargazing: July 30
The “dog days” of summer are upon us. They get their name from the Dog Star, Sirius. The brightest star...More »
★Stargazing: July 29
The double star Epsilon Lyrae is easy to find because it is close to the bright star Vega, which shines...More »
▶StarDate Radio: July 29 — Apollo 15
The crew of Apollo 15 had a spectacular view. The astronauts landed at the edge of a deep canyon, near...More »
Current Magazine
In the July/August issue, we recall the accomplishments and discuss the legacy of the giant Arecibo radio telescope, which collapsed late last year. We’ll also tell you how scientists are helping prepare for future long-duration space missions.
Updated 2021 Sky Almanac
We've updated the digital version of the Almanac, adding new events in space exploration, revising dates for others, and making additional changes to keep it fresh and up to date.
This year offers up some beautiful skywatching treats, including two good lunar eclipses and several planetary conjunctions. You can find all the details on these and many others in our 2021 Sky Almanac. We also tell you about some amazing dead or dying stars—some of them spectacular, all of them fascinating.
