Observing | Astronomy.com https://www.astronomy.com/observing/ Astronomy news, photos, observing events, and space missions. Wed, 11 Dec 2024 14:31:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.4 https://www.astronomy.com/uploads/2024/10/cropped-favicon-32x32.jpg Observing | Astronomy.com https://www.astronomy.com/observing/ 32 32 2024 Full Moon calendar: When to see the Full Moon and phases https://www.astronomy.com/observing/full-moon-calendar-dates-times-types/ Wed, 11 Dec 2024 14:31:57 +0000 https://www.astronomy.com/?p=131492// The phenomenon of a Full Moon arises when our planet, Earth, is precisely sandwiched between the Sun and the Moon. This alignment ensures the entire side of the Moon that faces us gleams under sunlight. Thanks to the Moon’s orbit around Earth, the angle of sunlight hitting the lunar surface and being reflected back toContinue reading "2024 Full Moon calendar: When to see the Full Moon and phases"

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]]> The largest space merch retailer in the world opens its first brick-and-mortar retail store in downtown Chattanooga https://www.astronomy.com/space-exploration/the-largest-space-merch-retailer-in-the-world-opens-its-first-brick-and-mortar-retail-store-in-downtown-chattanooga/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 16:25:15 +0000 https://www.astronomy.com/?p=155982// PRESS RELEASEFor immediate release Contact:Erik Spangenberg(203)-550-3196erik@firecrown.com CHATTANOOGA, TN — The Space Store, an e-commerce retailer specializing in space-themed merchandise, has opened its first physical retail space in downtown Chattanooga. The Space Store got its start in 1996, as one of the first e-commerce businesses on the internet. For the past 28 years, The Space StoreContinue reading "The largest space merch retailer in the world opens its first brick-and-mortar retail store in downtown Chattanooga"

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]]> Best astronomy apps for stargazing in 2024 https://www.astronomy.com/observing/best-astronomy-apps-for-stargazing/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 15:38:54 +0000 https://www.astronomy.com/best-astronomy-apps-for-stargazing-in-2022/ A longtime amateur astronomer shares his favorite apps for enjoying time under the starry skies.

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]]> A look ahead to the sky next year: Sky Guide 2025 https://www.astronomy.com/observing/sky-guide-2025/ Mon, 09 Dec 2024 21:30:00 +0000 https://www.astronomy.com/?p=155969// It’s back: Astronomy magazine’s free downloadable Sky Guide, your preview of everything happening in the sky next year.  Mars opens 2025 by reaching opposition the night of Jan. 15/16, when it shines brighter and appears larger through a telescope than at any time since December 2022. You’ll find it in Gemini, near the heads ofContinue reading "A look ahead to the sky next year: Sky Guide 2025"

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]]> Can you view Pluto in a backyard telescope? https://www.astronomy.com/observing/can-you-view-pluto-in-a-backyard-telescope/ Mon, 09 Dec 2024 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.astronomy.com/?p=155628// Is it possible to view Pluto from a backyard telescope? Ethan SpykerWadsworth, Ohio If I’m being honest, Pluto is difficult for an amateur astronomer to see. A standard 8-inch telescope just won’t do the trick. That’s because Pluto hasn’t been brighter than 14th magnitude since the fall of 2004. It reached perihelion (its closest approach toContinue reading "Can you view Pluto in a backyard telescope?"

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]]> This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher: the Geminid meteor shower https://www.astronomy.com/observing/this-week-in-astronomy-with-dave-eicher-the-geminid-meteor-shower/ Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:20:21 +0000 https://www.astronomy.com/?p=155947// In this episode, Dave Eicher invites you to observe the Geminid meteor shower, which will peak during the early morning hours of December 14. The best time to view them is after midnight, but you may see some in the evening hours as well. Get comfortable and look straight overhead for fast moving (and quicklyContinue reading "This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher: the Geminid meteor shower"

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]]> Jupiter reaches opposition this weekend: How to see it https://www.astronomy.com/observing/see-jupiter-at-its-best-2/ Fri, 06 Dec 2024 15:43:42 +0000 https://www.astronomy.com/?p=155659// If you have a telescope, or access to one, now’s the time to point it at Jupiter. The largest planet in our solar system reaches opposition December 7. That means it’s directly opposite the Sun from our viewpoint here on Earth. It rises at sunset, sets at sunrise, and is visible all night.  During theContinue reading "Jupiter reaches opposition this weekend: How to see it"

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]]> The Sky This Week from December 6 to 13: Jupiter reaches opposition https://www.astronomy.com/observing/the-sky-this-week-from-december-6-to-13-2024/ Fri, 06 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://www.astronomy.com/?p=155789// Friday, December 6Asteroid 15 Eunomia is making its way through central Auriga this month, passing numerous deep-sky objects along the way.  By 9 P.M. local time this evening, the asteroid is nearly 50° high in the eastern sky. It’s skimming close to 5th-magnitude Phi (φ) Aurigae, just 1° east of the star tonight. Now magnitudeContinue reading "The Sky This Week from December 6 to 13: Jupiter reaches opposition"

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]]> REVIEW: The Celestron Origin is the smartscope powerhouse we’ve been waiting for https://www.astronomy.com/observing/appraising-the-origin-home-observatory/ Thu, 05 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.astronomy.com/?p=155173// I’m in love. I don’t often begin a review by saying that a product has wooed me, but the Celestron Origin Home Observatory has done just that.Not that I’m surprised. Since it first introduced the venerable C8 Schmidt-Cassegrain in 1970, Celestron has established itself as a leading manufacturer of cutting-edge telescopes and accessories for amateurContinue reading "REVIEW: The Celestron Origin is the smartscope powerhouse we’ve been waiting for"

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]]> December 2024: What’s in the Southern Hemisphere sky this month? https://www.astronomy.com/observing/december-2024-whats-in-the-southern-hemisphere-sky-this-month/ Tue, 03 Dec 2024 20:05:56 +0000 https://www.astronomy.com/?p=155740// You don’t want to miss Jupiter this month. The giant planet reaches opposition and peak visibility December 7 against the stunning backdrop of Taurus the Bull. Shining at magnitude –2.8, Jupiter dominates the northeastern sky once darkness falls. Although the gas giant lies well north of the celestial equator — less than optimal for usContinue reading "December 2024: What’s in the Southern Hemisphere sky this month?"

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