Skywatching

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

Latest

Man uses binoculars to look at the night sky as the sun sets and telescopes are on tripods around him

What equipment do you need to see and photograph the planets

By Gemma Lavender published

Reference How to achieve the very best views and images of the neighboring worlds in our solar system.

Reference
The BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve on a table next to it's packaging and power cable

BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve Galaxy Star Projector review

By Tantse Walter published

Review The third generation of BlissLights Sky Lite star projectors now boasts voice control, a new spherical design and features patented color-blending technology.

Review
A preview of the dwarf planet Ceres "meeting" spiral galaxy Messier 100 in the night sky

How to watch Ceres, a dwarf planet 14 times smaller than Pluto, photobomb a spiral galaxy this weekend

By Jamie Carter published

Watch live online as the dwarf planet Ceres swoops in front of the 'grand design' spiral galaxy Messier 100 this weekend.

graphic illustration showing the crescent moon shining to the lower left of the Pleiades star cluster, the scene is encompassed by an orange circle.

See the moon shine next to the Pleiades star cluster tonight (March 25)

By Robert Lea published

The waxing crescent moon will visit the Pleiades tonight (March 25) passing this densely packed bright star cluster also known as "the Seven Sisters" in the evening.

The Virtual Telescope Project will livestream views of the asteroid 2023 DZ2 on March 25, 2023, beginning at 7:30 p.m. EDT (2330 GMT).

Watch skyscraper-sized asteroid zoom near Earth tonight (March 25) in free livestream

By Mike Wall published

The near-Earth asteroid 2023 DZ2 will pass within 107,500 miles (173,000 kilometers) of Earth today (March 25), and you can watch the flyby live online.

a red moon backdropped by black night

See the moon turn blood red in this stunning lunar eclipse video

By Miguel Claro published

A new time lapse showcases the incredible view during a lunar eclipse, which will help us wait out the two-year drought until a new blood moon appears in our skies.

the annular eclipse will be visible from Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. The image at dawn shows the sun rising off the ride side of the image, bathing the impressive rock structures in the canyon in a golden red light.

'Ring of fire' from US national parks: 7 great places to see the annular solar eclipse 2023

By Jamie Carter published

The annular solar eclipse 2023 will be visible in over a dozen U.S. national parks. Here are the best scenic spots to catch the spectacular 'ring of fire'.

The Northern Lights appear in the sky on March 23, 2023 in Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada.

Skywatchers enjoy surprise auroras as strongest solar storm in years hits Earth (photos)

By Tereza Pultarova published

A surprise solar storm supercharged auroras across the U.S. and Europe last night (March 23), with sightings of the colorful displays reported from as far south as New Mexico and Arizona.

One of the best night vision binoculars in front of birds on a tree branch, silhouetted by a full moon in the background

Best night vision binoculars 2023: Spot subjects in the dark

By Russ Swan last updated

Buying Guide All the best night vision binoculars, goggles and monoculars for wildlife spotting and low-light security.

Buying Guide
Bushnell binoculars deals: Image shows pair of bushnell binoculars

Bushnell binoculars deals: The best prices on the market

By Ian Evenden last updated

We've rounded up the best Bushnell binoculars deals on the market and put them in this handy guide below.

Green band of aurora light in the sky above a rural building.

Strongest solar storm in nearly 6 years slams into Earth catching forecasters by surprise

By Daisy Dobrijevic published

A stealthy solar storm surprised forecasters, causing spaceflight delays and incredible aurora displays as far south as New Mexico.

The Nikon Z5, one of the best Nikon cameras, on a tripod in front of a blue background

Best Nikon cameras in 2023: Discover the top DSLR and mirrorless

By Jason Parnell-Brookes last updated

Buying Guide These are the best Nikon cameras you can buy right now, whatever your budget, needs, and abilities.

Buying Guide
graphic illustration showing the thin crescent moon to the lower left of Uranus. Both are encompassed in a large circle which represents the field of view with a backyard telescope.

Want to see Uranus? The crescent moon points the way tonight (March 24)

By Robert Lea published

The duo should be visible with binoculars or a small telescope.

Vortex binoculars 10x50 Crossfire HD

Vortex binoculars deals and discounts

By Ian Evenden last updated

Here's our round-up of the best Vortex binoculars deals on the market, with top models from reputable retailers.

two scenes side by side. one shows the new moon high in the sky above a lake and pergolas. the second scene is a timelapse photo of the new moon rising in a glowing sky with mountains and a lake

New moon glows with 'Earthshine' in incredible time-lapse photo series

By Miguel Claro published

The new moon glows in the sky above Turkey with the reflected light of Earth shining upon it in gorgeous photos by astrophotographer Miguel Claro.

Solar eclipse photographed in Chon Buri, Thailand. The red hue image shows a distinct 'ring of fire' glowing in the sky, slightly obscured by a cloud.

Annular solar eclipse 2023: Everything you need to know about North America's 'ring of fire' eclipse

By Jamie Carter published

Reference The annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023, will be visible from eight states in the U.S. Southwest. Find out how and where to see the 'ring of fire' eclipse in our ultimate guide.

Reference
graphic from Starry Night software showing the faintly illuminated young moon below Venus shining brightly.

Look up! See Venus shine next to the young moon tonight

By Joe Rao published

On Thursday, March 23, Venus will shine close to the slender slither of the young moon, providing an eye-catching sight in the night sky.

Best stargazing apps: Image shows person holding mobile up to starry night sky

Best stargazing apps: AR apps and virtual star maps to help you navigate the night sky

By Ian Evenden last updated

The best stargazing apps for Android and iOS smartphones that can enhance your knowledge of the cosmos and identify objects in the night sky.

Nikon film camera and rolls of 35mm film in front of a starry backdrop taken with a film camera

Astrophotography with a film camera: Is it possible?

By Lauren Scott published

Reference The best gear and techniques you need to shoot astrophotographs successfully using an analog film camera.

Reference
Composite of the best eyepieces for telescopes mentioned in this buying guide

Best eyepieces for telescopes 2023: A crucial telescope accessory to invest in

By Damian Peach last updated

Buying Guide Use one of the best eyepieces for telescopes to boost the power and versatility of your telescope for maximum stargazing enjoyment.

Buying Guide