Daily Astronomy Fix

Happy Aphelion Earthlings! We’re farther away from the Sun today than any other time of the year. Why? Our orbit isn’t circular, it’s more like an oval. Why is it hot? It’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere because the Earth’s axis is tilted toward the Sun & the days are...

Make the most of your observing time before dawn on June 24th and see ALL of the planets, the Moon, plus asteroid Vesta! (Sorry, Pluto! We still love you.) Find an unobstructed eastern horizon to begin the tour arcing along the ecliptic to spot each object. You’ll need a telescope...

Happy Summer Solstice! It’s the longest day of the year (and the shortest night) for northern hemisphere inhabitants. The tilt of the Earth's axis is the reason for the seasons. Enjoy the sunshine! Read more about this amazing image from NOAA titled The Summer Solstice Seen from Space . Photograph...

Watch a parade of planets in the order of their orbits around the Sun before dawn. Remember the mnemonic? My Very Excellent Mother Just Served… All are visible without optical aid! It’s been about 100 years since this happened and it won't happen again until 2041. So, enjoy the especially...

Catch the conjunction of Jupiter and Venus about a month ago? You're in for a treat again on Sunday, May 29th before dawn when Mars joins the action, along with Jupiter. The two planets are slightly more than 1/2 degree apart (1 full moon width). Saturn and Venus are still...

Watch a Total Lunar Eclipse on May 15th when the Sun, Moon and Earth line up to create this magnificent sight! The duration of the eclipse, from start to finish, will be almost 5 hours. Totality will last 1 hour, 24 minutes, 52 seconds. Here are more details: Moonrise: May...

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on May 14th by dimming or turning off your lights at nighttime! Learn more about the impact of light pollution on migratory birds and other species, plus what organizations and people are doing to help. Interactive Audubon Migratory Bird Initiative Map Dim the Lights for...

On April 30th, shortly before dawn, grab your telescope to see the 2 brightest planets — Jupiter and Venus, in the same field of view! These brilliant planets are less than 1/2 degree apart (1 full moon width). Graphic credit: Stellarium

Celebrate springtime with the Lyrid meteor shower! No equipment or experience necessary. Just find a dark sky, bring a buddy & dress warm. The best times to view the meteor shower will be: Thursday night - 11pm until moonrise at approximately 2am Friday night - 11pm until moonrise at approximately...

Early risers on Saturday morning will be treated to a line of 4 planets 45 minutes before sunrise. And, night owls can watch the Full Moon all night long, rising at sunset and setting at dawn on Sunday. There’s always something to enjoy! Graphic credit: Stellarium