Space News & Blog Articles

Big Jupiter now rises in the east-southeast less than an hour after dark. It's high in sharp telescopic viewing by about 10 p.m.

Observations from the James Webb Space Telescope suggest the planet might have a nitrogen-and-methane atmosphere — but more data are needed to rule out a bare rock scenario.

Two winter stars left their mark long ago on wispy gas clouds near the solar system. Their passage might even have influenced life on Earth.

Astronomers have discovered one of the largest structures in the universe — and the galaxies within it — spinning like a fairground teacup ride.

It’s December and that means one of the best celestial events will grace the skies. The Geminid meteor shower should peak between Saturday night and Sunday morning, December 13–14.

With a retiring crescent Moon in the mix, prospects for the year's richest meteor shower are excellent.

A new analysis of the Solar Orbiter's unique views of the Sun's poles shows how a "conveyor belt" moves within our nearest star.

The Moon, waning away from full, groups up with Jupiter, Castor and Pollux on two nights. Later in the week the grand Geminid meteor shower comes into full bloom.

The groundbreaking mission designed to observe our Sun and its interactions with Earth celebrates three decades in space this week.

An idea for the stubborn winter stargazer on your holiday list (especially if it's you!)

Why is the gravitational-wave background — the hum made by supermassive black holes colliding across the universe — stronger than expected?

The microphone on NASA's Perseverance rover unexpectedly heard tiny claps of thunder from sparks caused by colliding dust grains.

Saturn remains super-thin-ringed high after dark. The interstellar comet, 11th magnitude, is now nice and high in the dark before dawn. Don't wait; moonlight approaches.

Observers can't resist the challenge of seeking faint objects with curious names. We go deep and visit two — Andromeda's Parachute and Dracula's Chivito.

A small space telescope may signal a big new trend for modern astronomy.

During December you can watch for some impressive shooting stars and spend some time with the “Demon Star,” which can’t decide how bright it wants to be. Bundle up, grab your curiosity, and head outdoors for this month’s fun and informative Sky Tour.

Astronomers have tuned in to the celestial “songs” of two red giant stars to reveal their hidden histories — including a case of stellar cannibalism.

Spain’s offer to host the powerful observatory, mired in funding obstacles and local controversies, might promise a new path forward.

Now that Comet 3I/ATLAS has emerged from the Sun's glare, its behavior is being monitored by every available observatory.

Uranus is its closest to Earth all year on the night of November 21st, and you can find it easily in the evening sky using Sky & Telescope’s exclusive star chart.

Saturn's rings are now the closest to edge on that they'll get. The famous interstellar comet has become higher and easier for amateur telescopes before dawn.