Skywatching

Learn about skywatching, astronomy, star gazing, and comets in the night sky at space.com. View astrophotography and images of celestial bodies.

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Graphic illustration with "space calendar" in large blue neon letters and 2023 below it in smaller white letters. Below the title are four neon images depicting a meteor or comet, a telescope, a rocket launch and an astronaut's helmet. There is a starry background to the entire image.

Space calendar 2023: Rocket launches, skywatching events, missions & more!

By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated

Reference Keep up with all the rocket launches, astronomical events and mission milestones for 2023 with our space calendar.

Reference
A photo of a nearly full moon. The image was taken one day prior to the supermoon, or a moon that appears larger due to being the closest to Earth in its orbit.

Full moon calendar 2023: When to see the next full moon

By Kimberly Hickok last updated

Reference The full moon happens about once a month. Find out when.

Reference
An illustration of February's Full Snow Moon as it will appear in the night sky on Sunday (Feb. 5), with a size comparison between this "micromoon" and the mean lunar size.

The Full Snow Moon of 2023: Smallest 'micromoon' of the year rises tonight

By Brett Tingley published

February's Full Snow Moon rises on Sunday (Feb. 5) and will be the smallest full moon of the year due to the current position of the moon in its orbit.

A photo of comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) taken by Chris Schur in Payson, Arizona.

Watch the green comet pass the bright star Capella on Sunday (Feb. 5)

By Robert Lea published

It's a meeting of the GOATs this weekend when superstar green comet C/2022 E3 meets up with Capella, the Goat Star. Capella should help skywatchers spot C/2022 E3 as it races away from Earth.

The Full Snow Moon rises over Eindhoven, Netherlands on Feb. 27, 2021.

Watch February's Full Snow Moon on Sunday (Feb. 5) with this free telescope webcast

By Brett Tingley published

February's Full Snow Moon rises on Sunday (Feb. 5), and you can watch it shine brightly in the sky from the comfort and warmth of your own home thanks to a free telescope webcast.

Bright moon aligns with Gemini's Twins

The bright moon meets up with the Gemini twins tonight (Feb. 3)

By Robert Lea published

The moon has a date with the bright stellar twins of Gemini, Castor, and Pollux, on Friday night.

British astrophotographer Josh Dury took this image of comet C/2022 E3 above Stonehenge.

Rare green comet's close approach a once-in-50,000 years feast for astrophotographers (photos)

By Tereza Pultarova published

A rare green comet that hasn't been seen since the time of the Neaderthals made its closest approach to Earth on Feb. 1, and astrophotographers all over the world couldn't peel their eyes off it.

Best telescopes on white background

Best telescopes 2023: The best models for stargazing galaxies, nebulas and more

By Gemma Lavender last updated

Buying Guide The best telescopes for seeing stars, galaxies, nebulas, planets and more — a comprehensive guide of the best beginner models and advanced scopes for experienced stargazers.

Buying Guide
Jason Parnell-Brookes using one of the best binoculars at the top of a green grassy hill

Best binoculars 2023: Top picks for stargazing, wildlife and more

By Gemma Lavender last updated

Buying Guide We've rounded up the best binoculars on the market for skywatching, wildlife, sports and more and compiled this in-depth guide so you can pick the right pair.

Buying Guide
Celestron NexStar 5SE Computerized Telescope

Save $127 on the Celestron NexStar 5SE computerized telescope

By Alexander Cox published

Deals You can now get a huge $127 off the sophisticated Celestron NexStar 5SE computerized telescope when you get it on Amazon.

Deals
A skywatcher gazes up at the night sky through a telescope.

The brightest planets in February's night sky: How to see them (and when)

By Joe Rao last updated

Reference Our viewing guide tells you which planets are visible in February's night sky and how you can see them.

Reference
The full moon rises above snowcapped mountains.

February full moon 2023: The Snow Moon rises with Jupiter, Mars and Orion

By Jesse Emspak last updated

The full moon of February, called the Snow Moon, will arrive Wednesday (Feb. 16) at 11:57 a.m. EST (0457 GMT).

The night sky is more than just the moon and stars, if you know when and where to look.

Night sky, February 2023: What you can see tonight [maps]

By Chris Vaughan last updated

Reference Find out what to see in your night sky during February 2023 and how to see it in this Space.com stargazing guide.

Reference
An image of comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) taken by Miguel Claro in Portugal.

Green comet flaunts its tail in dazzling deep space photo

By Miguel Claro published

A new image from astrophotographer Miguel Claro shows a close-up view of Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) on Jan. 22, 2023 immersed in a colorful starfield.

The Canon EOS R5 is one of the best mirrorless cameras in 2023 from above

Best mirrorless cameras in 2023

By Jason Parnell-Brookes last updated

Buying Guide Our picks of the best mirrorless cameras in 2023, including Canon, Sony, Nikon & more.

Buying Guide
The Nikon Z6 II is one of the best cameras for low light photography

Best cameras for low light photography in 2023

By Jason Parnell-Brookes last updated

Buying Guide Our best cameras for low light photography include mirrorless, DSLR and Micro Four Thirds cameras from all the top brands

Buying Guide
Front view of the iPhone 13 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max review

By Lloyd Coombes published

Review The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max may not be the newest iPhone, but it offers fantastic value for a slightly older smartphone, all the same and it performs reasonably at astro, too.

Review
Celestron skymaster pro 20x80 stock image on a white background

Save 27% on the Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20x80 binoculars

By Naaza Zimba published

Deals Gazing into the infinity has only become easier and cheaper this winter. Save 27% on the Skymaster Pros built to repel inclement weather.

Deals
An illustration of the night sky on Feb. 1 showing comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) at perigee.

Watch a green comet make its first Earth approach in 50,000 years today with this free webcast

By Brett Tingley published

Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is making its closest approach to Earth, and you can watch it pass by without even stepping outside, thanks to a free livestream.

A photograph of comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) taken by Bob Schiff in Danville, CA.

Green comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will be closest to Earth today. Here's how to see it.

By Robert Lea published

C/2022 E3 (ZTF) hasn't been this close to Earth in 50,000 years since the last ice age and prior to the extinction of the Neanderthals.