See Messier 8, the Lagoon Nebula
The Lagoon – aka M8 – is the largest and brightest nebula, or cloud in space, in the vicinity of the Teapot asterism in the constellation Sagittarius.
See Messier 20, the Trifid Nebula
The Trifid is another famous binocular object, visible in the direction toward the galaxy’s center. Its name means “divided into three lobes.” If you view this nebula through a telescope, you’ll see why.
Astronomy ambassadors to Chile: ALMA radio telescope
Learn what it would be like to travel to Chile – sometimes called astronomy’s world capital – in this final report from Robert Pettengill with the Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassador Program. Thank you for your dispatches, Rob!
Andromeda galaxy, closest large spiral
The Andromeda galaxy is the nearest big galaxy to our Milky Way. It’s a spiral galaxy, like ours. At 2.5 million light-years, it’s the most distant thing you can see with your eye alone.
What are the full moon names?
Lists of common full moon names – both by month and by season – for both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
What is the moon illusion?
It’s nearly full moon. So you might see an extra-large-looking moon low in the sky, one evening soon. Why does the moon look so big? It’s because of the “moon illusion,” a trick your brain is playing.
How to watch the Perseids in moonlight
You can avoid the moon during the 2019 Perseid meteor shower by watching in the days before the peak, in the hours before dawn. Or … you can embrace the moon. Here’s how to enjoy the Perseids in moonlight.
61 Cygni is the Flying Star
Although it’s not bright, 61 Cygni moves exceptionally rapidly against the background of more distant stars. Its motion reveals its nearness to Earth.
When Jupiter and Saturn meet
Jupiter and Saturn have appeared close on our sky’s dome throughout 2019, but they’re due to get even closer in the coming months. Their conjunction will come on December 21, 2020. Here’s how to watch them.
Albireo, beloved double star
Albireo is known best for the striking color contrast between its two stars – the brighter gold star and the dimmer blue star.
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