Planets

The solar system’s planets make for great observational targets, whether using a telescope or your naked eye. But finding them sometimes can be a challenge.

Gas giants like Jupiter, shown here, could be more common than previously thought.

Exoplanets, Planets, Science, Solar System

Why a solar system like ours might be more common than we think

Uranus and Neptune

NASA needs you to observe Uranus and Neptune this week

Jupiter, seen June 8, 2017, through a Celestron 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Credit: Molly Wakeling.

Observing Basics, Planets

Observing Basics: Sailing with Saturn

Saturn and some of its moons

Observing, Planets

Sky This Month: September 2023

Secret Sky: An inverse black-drop effect

Secret Sky: A Venus challenge

Observing, Planets

Target the tiny planet Mercury: This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher

Planets, The Moon

Catch two great conjunctions: This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher

Planets, The Moon

Mars passes behind the Moon: This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher

Observing, Planets

Venus-Saturn Conjunction: This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher

Observing, Planets

The Moon, Venus, and Mercury meet in the sky on Christmas Eve

Observing, Planets

How to observe exoplanets from your backyard

Popular Observing Topics

Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.

The Sun

Safely observing the Sun can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Credit: Ted Hauter.

The Moon

Our nearest celestial neighbor provides many great sights.

Planets

Targeting our solar system’s other worlds is well worth the effort.

Credit: Tony Hallas.

Deep-Sky Objects

Nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies are the night sky’s hidden gems.

Credit: Celestron.

Telescopes & Equipment

Explore the tools that can help you unlock the night sky.

Credit: Peter Michaud, Gemini Observatory.

Astrophotography

Capturing great celestial sights is both an art and a skill.

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