Joe Rao is Space.com's skywatching columnist, as well as a veteran meteorologist and eclipse chaser who also serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York's Hayden Planetarium. He writes about astronomy for Natural History magazine, Sky & Telescope and other publications. Joe is an 8-time Emmy-nominated meteorologist who served the Putnam Valley region of New York for over 21 years. You can find him on Twitter and YouTube tracking lunar and solar eclipses, meteor showers and more. To find out Joe's latest project, visit him on Twitter.
Latest articles by Joe Rao

The moon and Venus take a morning stroll through the sky on Oct. 19
By Joe Rao published
Watch this stunning pairing in the pre-dawn sky.

The Orionid meteor shower peaks under dark, moonless skies next week. Here's how to see it
By Joe Rao published
One of the more reliable annual meteor showers, the Orionids, peaks during a new moon, making 2025 an excellent year to watch for shooting stars in the autumn sky.

The moon cozies up to Jupiter tonight. Here's how to see it
By Joe Rao last updated
Two bright wanderers share the autumn sky as Jupiter rises beside the half moon.

New comet Lemmon could shine bright enough to be seen with the naked eye this October
By Joe Rao published
This newly discovered comet could soon glow bright enough for the naked eye as it sweeps through October's morning and evening skies.

The moon meets up with the Seven Sisters tonight. Here's how to see it
By Joe Rao published
On the evening of Oct. 9, a waning gibbous moon visits the famous Pleiades Star Cluster — the Seven Sisters — in the Taurus constellation.

See the moon and Saturn put on a sky show together on Oct. 5
By Joe Rao published
Look up Oct. 5: the nearly Harvest Moon will guide you to Saturn, where a telescope reveals its famous rings — even if they're just a thin line for now.

The brightest planets in October's night sky: How to see them (and when)
By Joe Rao last updated
Reference A guide to the bright naked-eye planets in July 2025 and the best times to view them.

Why 2025's Harvest Moon is a rare October full moon
By Joe Rao published
The 2025 Harvest Moon won't shine in September; instead, October claims the title. Here's why it happens and when to see it.

Could new comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) become visible to the naked eye in October? Here's what we know
By Joe Rao published
Newly discovered comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) will soon be gracing our evening sky. Here's how to see it and what to expect.

What is a solar eclipse?
By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated
Reference A solar eclipse occurs when the moon positions itself between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow over Earth. We explore the type of solar eclipses here.

Autumnal equinox 2025 brings fall to the Northern Hemisphere on Sept. 22
By Joe Rao published
The autumn equinox brings fall to the Northern Hemisphere today when the sun passes over our planet's equator at noon.

Don't miss the beautiful summer Milky Way next week as the new moon goes dark on Sept. 21
By Joe Rao published
The moon is near new phase this week, and clearer skies and cooler overnight temperatures means that this is also an optimum week to check out the beautiful summer Milky Way.

Black Moon: What is it and why does it occur?
By Joe Rao last updated
Reference A Black Moon is a rare occurrence. Here we explore what causes them and when the next one will happen.

The moon and Venus visit the 'Heart of the Lion' this week. Here's how to see it
By Joe Rao published
A striking sight to the unaided eye; even more so with binoculars.

Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) is approaching Earth — will it become visible to the naked eye?
By Joe Rao published
The comet will come closest to Earth on Oct. 20. There's hope that it may become bright enough to glimpse with the naked eye.

Don't miss Mercury, the moon and the Beehive Cluster align in a special August morning sky show
By Joe Rao published
A rare August morning alignment brings Mercury, a thin crescent moon and the Beehive Cluster together in the predawn sky. Here's how you can see it for yourself.

See Saturn and the moon in a stunning close encounter on Aug. 11
By Joe Rao last updated
Spot Saturn near the moon on Aug. 11! See them with the naked eye and learn what to expect through a telescope.

Will the bright moon ruin the Perseid meteor shower, or is it still worth watching?
By Joe Rao published
While moonlight might steal the spotlight, it won't steal the Perseids' show.

Venus and Jupiter conjunction 2025: How to see two iconic planets meet in the morning sky
By Joe Rao published
Venus and Jupiter meet in the morning sky on Aug. 12. Catch their dazzling conjunction just before sunrise with the crescent moon joining later!

What could we call the 'seven wonders of the universe'?
By Joe Rao published
What could we choose as the seven most remarkable celestial objects visible either with our eyes or with a small telescope?

See the moon cross the Pleiades for the last time this year on July 20
By Joe Rao published
The moon's crescent limb will cloak and uncover stars from the iconic cluster before sunrise.

See Venus, the moon and fiery star Aldebaran form a dawn triangle this weekend
By Joe Rao published
Rise and shine! Venus, Aldebaran and the moon team up for a dazzling dawn display.

The Perseid meteor shower kicks off summer 'shooting star' season this week. Here's how to see it
By Joe Rao last updated
Each summer, skywatchers around the world look forward to the famous Perseid meteor shower, but often overlook four lesser showers that peak between July 29 and Aug. 16.
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