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.

Planets, Solar System

The northern lights: A history of aurora sightings

Observing, Planets, Solar System

The shadowy Schröter effect

Snapshot: A far-out gas giant takes shape in an unusual way

Planets, Robotic Spaceflight, Solar System

Mars helicopter spots wreckage of rover’s jettisoned parachute and backshell

Human Spaceflight, Planets, Solar System

Laser propulsion can slash journey time to Mars, say rocket engineers

Planets, Robotic Spaceflight

Evidence of farming on exoplanets should be visible to James Webb Space Telescope

Human Spaceflight, Planets, Solar System

Efforts to colonize Mars could have a negative impact on global health

Human Spaceflight, Planets, Solar System

Fungi could make soil from asteroids and homes on Mars

Observing, Planets

The impropriety of rainbows

Planets, Space Exploration

Astronomy’s exoplanet boom crests 5,000 confirmed worlds

Galaxies, Planets

Astronomy’s 10-year wish list: Big money, bigger telescopes and the biggest questions in science

Planets, Robotic Spaceflight, Solar System

NASA’s Perseverance rover begins dash to martian delta

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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