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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The Zendure SuperBase Pro 1500w on a wooden floor displaying the charge percentage and other details on an LCD screen

Zendure Superbase Pro Power Station Review

By Tantse Walter published

Review An exceptional, nicely designed power station that is incredibly fast to recharge and easy to maneuver.

Review
An illustration of the night sky on June 1 and 2 showing Mars near M44, the Beehive Cluster.

See Mars buzz the dense stars of the Beehive Cluster tonight

By Sharmila Kuthunur published

Mars will be appear to be in the midst of the densely-packed stars of the Beehive Cluster tonight, offering a chance for skywatchers to observe two fascinating objects at once.

the full moon over the sea

June full moon 2023: The Strawberry Moon is joined by Jupiter, Mars and Venus

By Jesse Emspak last updated

Reference The Full Strawberry Moon of 2023 will be joined by a few solar system guests in the night sky.

Reference
a person looks at the night sky through a telescope

The brightest planets in June'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 June's night sky and how you can see them.

Reference
The milky way stretches across the starry sky above a meandering river below.

Dark Sky Utah: A complete guide to astro-travel in America's darkest state

By Jamie Carter published

How to go stargazing and the best places for astrophotography in the home of the first, the most and the best International Dark Sky Parks in the world.

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

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

By Chris Vaughan last updated

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

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Product photo of the Kase Wolverine Natural Night Light Pollution Filter one of the best light pollution filters

Best light pollution filters for astrophotography 2023

By Jamie Carter last updated

Buying Guide The best light pollution filters help reduce the effects of urban skyglow and are an essential accessory for astrophotographers.

Buying Guide
The red giant star Betelgeuse forms the left shoulder of the constellation Orion.

Odd supergiant star Betelgeuse is brightening up. Is it about to go supernova?

By Tereza Pultarova published

One of the brightest stars in the night sky has been getting oddly brighter, prompting speculations that it might soon explode in a supernova. Can we really expect that celestial spectacle?

Some of the best camera accessories for astrophotography against a star trail background.

Best camera accessories for astrophotography in 2023

By Jamie Carter last updated

Buying Guide The best camera accessories for astrophotography can make all the difference when shooting the night skies, from tripods to camera bags, star-trackers and headlamps.

Buying Guide
Photographer takes photos of the milky way and starlink satellite train

How to photograph SpaceX Starlink satellites in the night sky

By Tantse Walter published

Reference Discover the best methods and camera equipment to photograph Starlink satellites at night using this step-by-step method.

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a large sunspot on the surface of the sun with four Earths superimposed over it for scale

A massive sunspot is currently visible to the unaided eye. Here's how to see it safely before it's gone

By John Loeffler published

A massive new sunspot is visible without using a telescope or binoculars, but you'll still need to protect your eyes when observing it.

One of the best star trackers for astrophotography, the Star Adventurer Mini Composited in front of a starry sky landscape

Best star trackers for astrophotography 2023

By Jamie Carter last updated

Buying Guide The best star trackers help render stunning long-exposure images of the stars by moving with the Earth's rotation, making astrophotography a breeze.

Buying Guide
An illustration of the completely dark new moon against a backdrop of the moon during its lunar cycle.

New moon calendar 2023: When is the next new moon?

By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated

Reference Here is a schedule of when each new moon will occur in 2023. We explore what a new moon is and how it differs from a full moon.

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a large rock structure bridges across the image in front of the Milky Way.

The ultimate guide to planning epic stargazing road trips in the US southwest

By Jamie Carter published

Explore the U.S. Southwest's best sites for stargazing with our helpful guide. From canyons and valleys to snow-capped mountains and world-class observatories.

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
the half-lit moon in the night sky

Watch the half moon of May shine by Leo the Lion in the night sky tonight

By Robert Lea published

Skywatchers can see the lunar face half illuminated by the sun at the weekend when the moon enters the first quarter phase of its 29.5-day cycle on Saturday, May 27.

a blue-green comet in the night sky

40 years ago, a comet came out of the blue in a surprise Earth flyby. Here's what we know now.

By Joe Rao published

Forty years ago this month, there came a show stopping celestial sight — literally a bolt out of the blue — as a new comet was discovered close to Earth.

a spiral galaxy in deep space

Watch a new supernova explode on May 26 with free telescope livestream

By Robert Lea last updated

A newly discovered supernova can be watched as it develops in real-time online and for free. The livestream will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT (2230 GMT) on Friday, May 26.

a spiral galaxy in deep space with a bright flash of light on one of its arms

How to see the new supernova in the Pinwheel Galaxy

By Brett Tingley published

A star in the Pinwheel Galaxy has exploded into a new supernova that was confirmed just last week. Here's how to see it for yourself in the night sky.

Peak Design travel tripod in the hand is one of the best travel tripods

Best travel tripods 2023: Lightweight, compact yet sturdy models

By Jacob Little last updated

Buying guide The best travel tripods are lightweight and portable for traveling but will keep your camera steady when it matters most.

Buying guide