Observing the Evening Sky in Summer's Twilight Zone By Geoff Gaherty What is twilight? Scientists have specific definitions for three types of twilight, and many people in the U.S. and Canada live in twilight through much of the summer.
Saturn at Opposition: See the Ringed Planet at Its Best This Friday By Geoff Gaherty This Friday, June 3, Saturn reaches opposition to the sun. Directly opposite the sun in the sky, Saturn rises as the sun sets and sets as the sun rises, remaining visible all night.
Mars Makes Closest Approach to Earth in 11 Years on May 30 By Geoff Gaherty On May 30, Mars will come within 46.8 million miles (75.3 million kilometers) of Earth — closer than the Red Planet has been since 2005. Here's what to expect.
What Lunar Luck! Friday the 13th Is Prime Moon Viewing Time By Geoff Gaherty When is the best time to look at the moon? Check out the first and last quarter for a vivid view.
Mercury Transit of the Sun on May 9: How to See It and What to Expect By Geoff Gaherty On Monday (May 9), you will have an opportunity to witness one of the rarest astronomical events: a transit of Mercury across the face of the sun. Here's what to expect.
Best Night Sky Events of May 2016 (Stargazing Maps) By Geoff Gaherty See what's up in the night sky for May 2016, including stargazing events and the moon's phases, in this Space.com gallery courtesy of Starry Night Software.
Are You Ready for the Transit of Mercury? Rare Event Occurs in May By Geoff Gaherty Start preparing now for one of the major astronomical events of 2016: On May 9, Mercury will pass across the face of the sun.
Best Night Sky Events of April 2016 (Stargazing Maps) By Geoff Gaherty See what's up in the night sky for April 2016, including stargazing events and the moon's phases, in this Space.com gallery courtesy of Starry Night Software.
Best Night Sky Events of March 2016 (Stargazing Maps) By Geoff Gaherty See what's up in the night sky for March 2016, including stargazing events and the moon's phases, in this Space.com gallery courtesy of Starry Night Software.
Zodiacal Light: How to See the Mysterious Glow By Geoff Gaherty Here's how to spot the faint zodiacal light, the mysterious glow caused by millions of particles left over from the solar system's formation.
High in the Sky: How to Spot 'Circumpolar' Constellations By Geoff Gaherty Here's how to see the circumpolar constellations, such as the Great Bear, which are always with us.
February's Last-Quarter Moon: Why It's Missing By Geoff Gaherty As you gaze at the first-quarter moon this week, you may wonder when the last-quarter moon will occur this month. But there won't be one, if you live in North or South America.
Best Night Sky Events of February 2016 (Stargazing Maps) By Geoff Gaherty See what's up in the night sky for February 2016, including stargazing events and the moon's phases, in this Space.com gallery courtesy of Starry Night Software.
Orion the Hunter: Spot Beloved Constellation Overhead Now By Geoff Gaherty Step outside on any evening this month and look toward the south. You will see one of the best-loved constellations, Orion the Hunter, surrounded by a circle of six brilliant stars.