Astronomy

October 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 1846: The discovery of Triton

Today in the history of astronomy, William Lassell spots a moon of Neptune – only days after Neptune itself is discovered.

Astronomy

October 9, 2025

Oct. 9, 1873: The birth of Karl Schwarzschild

Today in the history of astronomy, the man who lays the foundation for our understanding of black holes is born.

Astronomy

October 8, 2025

Oct. 8, 1873: The birth of Ejnar Hertzsprung

Today in the history of astronomy, a pioneer in star classification is born.

Astronomy

October 7, 2025

Oct. 7, 1959: The first photos of the Moon’s farside are taken.

Today in the history of astronomy, the Soviets are the first behind the Moon.

Astronomy

October 7, 2025

Deep-Sky Objects

Deep-sky objects are celestial objects that exist outside our solar system. Three major types of deep-sky objects are nebulae, star clusters...

Astronomy

October 7, 2025

Observing Basics

Having trouble finding your way around the sky? Curious what that celestial object is? Here's what you need to know to get outside and start...

Astronomy

October 7, 2025

Astrophotography

Photographing the night sky can be an intimidating task. But by following a few simple tips, you can start capturing your own stunning astro...

Astronomy

October 6, 2025

2025 Full Moon calendar: When to see the Full Moon and phases

The next Full Moon is the October Hunter's Moon, which occurs at 11:48 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. It is also a Super Moon and the Harvest...

Astronomy

October 6, 2025

Oct. 6, 2010: Chang-e 2 arrives at the Moon

Today in the history of astronomy, China’s Moon-mapping spacecraft begins its orbit.

Astronomy

October 6, 2025

The Moon

The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite. Whether enjoying a lunar eclipse or observing the Moon's surface, it has many fascinating featur...

Astronomy

October 5, 2025

Oct. 5th, 1923: Hubble discovers galaxies beyond the Milky Way

Today in the history of astronomy, Edwin Hubble’s identification of Cepheids in M31 reveals the massive scale of the universe.

Astronomy

October 5, 2025

Today in the History of Astronomy

Today in the History of Astronomy

Astronomy

October 4, 2025

Oct. 4th, 1957: Sputnik launches

Today in the history of astronomy, the first artificial satellite kicks off the Space Race.

Astronomy

October 3, 2025

Michael’s Miscellany: Observe the Veil Nebula

This magnificent complex is high overhead right now.

Astronomy

October 3, 2025

Why NASA is targeting the Moon’s south pole for Artemis

The world’s spacefaring nations are all eyeing the Moon’s south pole, seeking water, rare metals, and answers about our satellite’s history.

Astronomy

October 3, 2025

Oct. 3, 1942: The V-2 successfully launches

Today in the history of astronomy, the rockets that will reach space have arrived.

Astronomy

October 3, 2025

The Sky This Week from Oct. 3 to 10: Titan’s last shadow transit

Titan and its shadow cross Saturn one last time together, while Io and Europa overlap at Jupiter and a Full Harvest Super Moon hangs in the...

Astronomy

October 2, 2025

Michael’s Miscellany: More observing tips

A few things to consider when you’re out under the stars.

Astronomy

October 2, 2025

Oct. 2, 480 B.C.E.: An eclipse causes a retreat

Today in the history of astronomy, a solar eclipse darkens skies ominously over ancient Greece.

Astronomy

October 2, 2025

Celebrate 100 years of planetariums this week with the IAU

Astronomical societies are teaming up this week to celebrate 100 years since the invention of the modern planetarium. Here’s how you can be...

Astronomy

October 1, 2025

Michael’s Miscellany: Satellite trails

If you don’t think they’re a problem, take a look at this image.

Astronomy

October 1, 2025

Scientists confirm existence of organic molecules on Enceladus

Explore the discovery of organic molecules in Saturn's rings by Cassini, suggesting possible life in Enceladus' ocean.

Astronomy

October 1, 2025

Oct. 1, 1847: Miss Mitchell’s Comet

Today in the history of astronomy, Maria Mitchell becomes the first American to discover a comet.

Astronomy

October 1, 2025

October 2025: What's in the sky this month?

Mercury and Mars meet in the evening, Titan transits Saturn twice, and the Orionid meteor shower dazzles during October.

Astronomy

September 30, 2025

NASA is planning a $30 million Swift Observatory rescue mission

Swift Observatory rescue mission aims to boost the spacecraft's orbit, potentially redefining satellite servicing.

Astronomy

September 30, 2025

Government shutdown threatens NASA's future

Amid a looming government shutdown, the NASA funding crisis underscores the agency's critical financial challenges and uncertain future.

Astronomy

September 30, 2025

Could asteroids near Venus pose a threat to Earth?

More observations are needed to reveal these “invisible” objects.

Astronomy

September 30, 2025

Sept. 30, 1880: Henry and Anna Draper photograph M42

Today in the history of astronomy, the Drapers capture the first image of the Great Nebula in Orion.

Astronomy

September 29, 2025

JWST peers into the Crystal Ball Nebula to unveil a stellar finale

A tight-knit binary system sculpts intricate details in planetary nebula NGC 1514 as these suns approach the end of their lives.

Astronomy

September 29, 2025

Did a hit-and-run shape Mercury's strange core?

Explore Mercury formation theories and uncover insights into whether a cosmic hit-and-run shaped the planet's unique composition.

Astronomy

September 29, 2025

Sept. 29, 2022: Seeing the DART impact

Today in the history of astronomy, Hubble’s images of DART hitting Dimorphos are released.

Astronomy

September 28, 2025

Sept. 28, 1969: The Murchison Meteorite explodes over Australia

Today in the history of astronomy, a rare and ancient meteorite brings a wealth of scientific discoveries.

Astronomy

September 27, 2025

Sept. 27, 1918: The birth of Martin Ryle

Today in the history of astronomy, a pioneer of radio astronomy is born.

Astronomy

September 27, 2025

This Week in Astronomy

This Week in Astronomy

Astronomy

September 26, 2025

Ancient tektites uncover massive asteroid impact

Ancient Australian tektites uncover a giant asteroid impact, revealing an immense, unseen crater.

Astronomy

September 26, 2025

Michael’s Miscellany: Observe the Coathanger

Early autumn is a great time to hunt down this famous asterism.

Astronomy

September 26, 2025

Sept. 26, 2005: Cassini visits Saturn’s weirdest moon

Today in the history of astronomy, we get our first close-up look at potato-shaped Hyperion.

Astronomy

September 26, 2025

The Sky This Week from Sept. 26 to Oct. 3: See the zodiacal light

The First Quarter Moon shows off its features as Ceres reaches opposition and the Orion Nebula and zodiacal light shine in the sky this week...

Astronomy

September 25, 2025

Planetary scientists find a seasonal ozone layer on Mars

This atmospheric barrier may have protected early life on the Red Planet.

Astronomy

September 25, 2025

Sept. 25, 1644: The birth of Ole Roemer

Today in the history of astronomy, the first person to measure the speed of light is born.

Astronomy

September 24, 2025

Why plate tectonics could be key to alien civilizations

Discover the link between plate tectonics and alien life, exploring how this rare phenomenon could influence extraterrestrial existence in o...

Astronomy

September 24, 2025

Michael’s Miscellany: Historical observing

Using an astronomy icon’s mirror under a pristine sky.

Astronomy

September 24, 2025

Sept. 24, 1970: Luna 16 brings back regolith

Today in the history of astronomy, the first robotically gathered lunar samples are returned to Earth.

Astronomy

September 24, 2025

Remote imaging can transform your astrophotos: How to get started

Setting up a remote observatory allows you to observe under clear skies and take astrophotos from the comfort of your home.

Astronomy

September 23, 2025

JWST discovers new features in Saturn’s atmosphere

Scientists have found strange new patterns within the ringed planet’s atmosphere, including beads and stars.

Astronomy

September 23, 2025

Tour the sky's best globular clusters

They’re more than just spherical collections of stars — these ancient clusters are some of the most popular amateur astronomy targets.

Astronomy

September 23, 2025

Sept. 23, 1846: Johann Galle discovers Neptune

Today in the history of astronomy, Neptune becomes the first planet discovered based on mathematical predictions.

Astronomy

September 22, 2025

This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher: The Dumbbell Nebula

One of the sky’s finest planetary nebulae is on view right now.

Astronomy

September 22, 2025

Sept. 22, 1791: The birth of Michael Farraday

Today in the history of astronomy, a physicist who will shape our understanding of electromagnetism is born.

Astronomy

September 22, 2025

Sept. 22, 1791: The birth of Michael Farraday

Today in the history of astronomy, a physicist who will shape our understanding of electromagnetism is born.