Astronomical Events
36 reportsReports set event light curves beside supernovae and tidal disruption events. This comparison addresses what light curves reveal and how alerts trigger follow-up, showing how sparse measurements or incomplete records limit certainty.
China Delays Chang'e 7 Moon South Pole Launch Amid Severe Weather
China's Chang'e 7 lunar mission, designed to search for water ice near the Moon's south pole, has been postponed due to a tropical depression threatening the Hainan launch site. The new launch window remains uncertain
NASA Artemis II Astronauts to Receive Congressional Space Medal of Honor
NASA's Artemis II crew, who completed a lunar flyby in April, will be awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor at Johnson Space Center, recognizing their role in advancing human spaceflight beyond low Earth orbit
Satellite Data Guides Eclipse Cruise to Clear Skies in 2026
A Mediterranean eclipse cruise relied on real-time satellite weather data to avoid clouds and secure a clear view of the 2026 total solar eclipse, demonstrating the critical role of geostationary satellites in astronomical observation planning
Deepest Partial Lunar Eclipse in Years Approaches on August 27-28
A deep partial lunar eclipse will occur on August 27-28, 2026, with 96% of the Moon entering Earth's umbra. The event will be visible across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and western Asia, offering a rare opportunity for skywatchers.
Voyager 2's Launch Opened the Outer Solar System to Exploration
NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft began its journey to the outer planets on August 20, 1977, using a rare planetary alignment to visit Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune and extend humanity's reach into interstellar space
Total Solar Eclipse Observed Over Greenland's Remote Fjords
A rare total solar eclipse was observed from the deck of a research vessel in East Greenland, offering scientists and eclipse chasers a unique view of totality above icebergs and glaciers under clear Arctic skies
Meteorite Fragments Rain Down Over Mbale, Uganda in 1992 Event
On August 14, 1992, a large meteoroid entered Earth's atmosphere above Mbale, Uganda, breaking apart and scattering hundreds of meteorite fragments across the region. Scientists later analyzed the debris to study its composition and impact effects
How to Observe a Shadow Cast by Venus in the Night Sky
Venus is nearing its peak brightness, offering a rare chance to observe whether the planet can cast a visible shadow. Astronomers explain the conditions and techniques needed to detect this subtle phenomenon.
Perseids Meteor Shower Peaks in August Night Skies
The Perseids meteor shower, one of the brightest annual displays, reached its peak on August 12-13, with meteors visible against the backdrop of Orion. Observations were made from dark-sky sites using unaided eyes and standard cameras.
Two Major Solar Eclipses Will Cross Three Continents in 2027
Astronomers are preparing for two rare solar eclipses in 2027, including a 'ring of fire' annular eclipse in February and an unusually long total solar eclipse in August, both visible across parts of South America, Africa, and Europe
Partial Solar Eclipse and Perseid Meteors Offer Rare Double Event
On August 12, observers across North America and Europe will witness a partial solar eclipse by day and the Perseid meteor shower by night, with optimal viewing conditions expected due to the new moon and clear skies in many regions
How Solar Eclipses Shaped Ancient Views of the Cosmos
William Sheehan's new book examines the earliest recorded solar eclipses, including Archilochus's eyewitness account, and explores how these rare events influenced ancient astronomy and religious thought
Comet 220P/McNaught Imaged in Unusual Bright Outburst Over Namibia
Astrophotographers in Namibia have captured a rare, vivid image of comet 220P/McNaught during a dramatic brightening event, using a 12-inch telescope and advanced camera equipment
Can Perseid Meteors Be Seen During the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse
Astronomers assess whether Perseid meteors will be visible during the total solar eclipse on August 12-13, 2026, as the Moon's shadow crosses Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, and explain the observational limits imposed by eclipse conditions
1972 Daylight Fireball Skimmed Earth's Atmosphere Over North America
On August 10, 1972, a large meteoroid entered Earth's atmosphere over Utah and exited over Alberta, Canada, producing a rare daylight fireball visible across North America and offering a unique opportunity to study atmospheric entry dynamics
Partial Solar Eclipse and Perseid Meteor Shower Align on August 12
On August 12, skywatchers in North America and Europe will witness a partial solar eclipse by day and the peak of the Perseid meteor shower by night, offering a rare opportunity for coordinated solar and meteor observations under optimal conditions
Could Northern Lights Appear During the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse
Astronomers assess whether auroras could be visible during the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, as the path of totality crosses Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, and explain the physical limits on simultaneous observation
What to Expect During the Five Stages of the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse
On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will cross parts of Europe and the Arctic, offering a rare opportunity to observe the Sun's atmosphere and dynamic eclipse phenomena as the Moon's shadow sweeps across Earth's surface
Crescent Moon and Mars Align Over Taurus Before Dawn on August 9
Observers in the Northern Hemisphere will see the crescent Moon pass close to Mars in the constellation Taurus before sunrise on August 9, offering a preview of the winter starscape and a rare opportunity for binocular viewing.
Sky-Watcher SolarQuest Mount Tracks the Sun for Solar Observing
The Sky-Watcher SolarQuest mount uses GPS and a solar sensor to automatically locate and track the Sun, offering a streamlined solution for small solar telescopes and eclipse viewing with minimal manual adjustment
UK Set for Deepest Solar Eclipse in Over a Decade on August 12
On August 12, 2026, the UK will witness its most significant partial solar eclipse since 2015, with up to 98% of the Sun obscured in some regions. The event will be visible nationwide, though totality will not occur over British soil.
How Map Projections Distort the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse Path
Astronomers explain why the August 12, 2026, total solar eclipse appears to reverse direction on flat maps as it crosses the Arctic, despite the Moon's shadow always moving from west to east across Earth
Aug. 12, 2026, brings an unusually complete night of skywatching
On Aug. 12, 2026, observers can follow a solar eclipse by day, then watch Venus, the Perseid meteor shower and the Milky Way under a nearly moonless sky
Mercury and Jupiter Meet as Venus Rules August Skies
Venus reaches its widest evening separation from the Sun on Aug. 15, while Mercury and Jupiter pass within 0.6 degrees before dawn in a difficult but rewarding conjunction
How to Watch the 2026 Solar Eclipse Safely in the UK
The August 12, 2026, eclipse will cover about 90% of the Sun in parts of the UK. Here is how to choose certified eye protection and compare viewing options without risking permanent damage
SpaceX Rocket Stage to Impact Moon, Raising New Scientific Questions
A spent SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage is set to collide with the lunar surface on August 5, offering researchers a rare opportunity to observe the effects of artificial impacts on the Moon using telescopes and orbital instruments
July's Buck Moon Captured Worldwide Amid Wildfires and Atmospheric Haze
Astronomers and photographers documented the July Buck Moon on July 29, 2026, as it rose through wildfire smoke and atmospheric haze, producing striking images across multiple continents and urban skylines
July's Buck Moon Aligns with Venus, Saturn, Mars, and Mercury
The full Buck Moon rises on July 29, accompanied by a rare alignment of Venus, Saturn, Mars, and Mercury. Observers can witness this planetary parade with the naked eye or optical instruments as twilight fades
NASA Prepares High-Altitude Observations for August 2026 Solar Eclipse
NASA-funded teams will use a high-altitude jet and scientific balloons to study the Sun's corona and atmospheric changes during the total solar eclipse crossing Greenland, Iceland, and Spain on August 12, 2026
Deep Partial Lunar Eclipse to Create 'Almost Blood Moon' in August 2026
A rare deep partial lunar eclipse will occur on August 28, 2026, with up to 96% of the Moon passing through Earth's umbra. The event will be visible across the Americas, Europe, and Africa, offering a striking copper-red lunar display.
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