Latest articles by Jamie Carter
A guide to observing deep-sky objects with binoculars, telescopes and more
Find out what deep-space objects are, what optics you’ll need to see them and how to plan your observing.
Want to know my secret for learning the night sky? Welcome to sidewalk stargazing
Being aware of the night sky even as you walk, even through a city, can give you a grounding in learning bright stars, constellations and how the night sky changes.
15 expert-checked places to see the 2026 total solar eclipse in Spain, Iceland and Greenland
From Arctic fjords and volcanic craters to medieval castles and coastal cliffs, here's where to get a clear line of sight to the total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026.
The Lyrids are coming! How I watch meteor showers from the middle of a city
A little patience, luck and a well-placed camera can still deliver a dazzling fireball — even from a city.
'God of Chaos' asteroid Apophis will blaze across the sky on April 13, 2029 — here's why this once-in-a-lifetime event is worth traveling for
A rare stargazing spectacle will unfold on Friday, April 13, 2029, as the asteroid Apophis passes closer than satellites over Europe and Africa in a true once-in-a-lifetime event.
From spa to boat party: 10 epic events for the Aug. 12, 2026, total solar eclipse in Spain and Iceland
Experience the Aug. 12, 2026 total solar eclipse from Spain and Iceland with festivals, spa sessions and skywatching events along the path of totality.
Why I'm hunting for Comet PanSTARRS right now — before it's too late
A rare long-period comet is here — here's how to find comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) before sunrise this April, with key dates, viewing tips and the best mornings to look.
Best star projectors 2026: The top projectors and planetariums this year
Buying Guide Here are the best star projectors to enjoy a night sky experience from the comfort of your couch. They are often reduced, so keep your eyes open.
Why do some places wait 1000 years for a solar eclipse, while others get two in a decade?
Why do some places wait 1,000 years to see a total solar eclipse while others get two in a decade? The surprising orbital mechanics behind where eclipses happen — and don't.
Night sky tonight — What you can see tonight
Find out what you can see in the night sky for tonight, from planets and stars to dazzling meteor showers.
Fireball sightings are surging across the US — here's what's really going on
With bright meteors sighted over Ohio, Texas, and Europe, you might wonder what's going on. Is meteor activity really increasing, or is there just a surge in reporting?
Shoot the stars: The best gear for night sky photography
Here are five ways to capture the night sky.
7 easy tips for photographing the 'blood moon' total lunar eclipse tonight
Tips for capturing the total lunar eclipse in the early hours of March 3, 2026, from knowing what to expect and finding clear skies to using mirrorless cameras and smartphones
What equipment do you need to observe the total lunar eclipse tomorrow, March 3?
Get a closer look at the "blood moon" this March 3.
The total lunar eclipse tonight will be the last until New Year's Eve 2028
After this 'blood moon,' our natural satellite will not fully disappear into Earth's shadow again for nearly three years — until a rare trifecta of total lunar eclipses in 2028–29 ends the drought.
Best optics that you will use long after the total lunar eclipse
Get a great view of the "blood moon" with these optics and level up your stargazing for the future.
Why does the moon turn red during a total lunar eclipse?
We explore why the lunar surface turns a beautiful reddish color to become a "blood moon" during the totality phase of a total lunar eclipse.
What gear do you need to see February’s 'planetary parade’ in 2026?
Here’s how to use optics to get the most from February's planetary parade.
10 best places to see the 'blood moon' total lunar eclipse on March 3
From dark-sky parks to remote deserts, these locations offer prime views of the March 3, 2026, blood moon.
Total lunar eclipse March 2026: A complete guide to the next 'blood moon'
A total lunar eclipse on March 3-4, 2026, will be visible in North America and will be the last total lunar eclipse anywhere on Earth until New Year's Eve 2028-2029.
Best premium skywatching gear you should consider in 2026
This premium stargazing kit will help you take your stargazing experience to the next level.
Why solar and lunar eclipses come in pairs — and what an eclipse season really is
Eclipses don't happen at random — they arrive in pairs, on schedule, and 2026 brings two spectacular seasons to prove it.
February's 'rare planetary alignment' is coming — here's what to expect from the planet parade
Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Jupiter will appear together shortly after sunset on Feb. 28 — but is this the "planet parade" we've been waiting for?
