Latest articles by Joe Rao
Black Moon: What is it and why does it occur?
Reference A Black Moon is a rare occurrence. Here we explore what causes them and when the next one will happen.
Two cosmic dogs rule the winter sky — here's how to spot them this week
Learn how to spot Sirius, Procyon and their canine constellations, and discover the myths and science behind the dog stars.
Bundle up and look up: 5 winter sky wonders every stargazer should look out for
From Orion's glowing nebula to the sparkling Pleiades, these winter targets reward anyone willing to brave the cold.
What is a solar eclipse?
Reference A solar eclipse occurs when the moon positions itself between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow over Earth. We explore the type of solar eclipses here.
January belongs to Jupiter: See the king of planets in the night sky this month
Jupiter currently shines as a brilliant silvery "star" in the constellation Gemini the Twins, low in the east-northeast sky as dusk slowly fades. You really should catch the show.
Full moon names 2026 (and how they came to be)
Reference The full moon names for each month, why they're named so and what we can expect from these lunar events.
Only 2 planets shine in January's night sky to the naked eye — here's where to look
Reference Where are the bright naked-eye planets in January 2026 and when are the best times to view them?
One of the best meteor showers of the year peaks at the worst possible time this week
A daylight peak and a full moon combine to sabotage the powerful Quadrantid meteor shower in 2026.
What to expect from the planets in 2026 — key dates and sky events
Your complete guide to the brightest planetary moments of 2026.
December's overlooked meteor shower peaks next week — will the Ursids surprise us?
December's faint Ursid meteor shower returns under dark skies, offering a small chance of unexpected activity.
Geminid meteor shower forecast: Will skies be clear across the US on Dec. 13–14?
The Geminid meteor shower peaks Dec. 13–14, and the U.S. weather forecast will play a key role in what you'll see.
Geminid meteor shower 2025 peaks next week. Here's what you need to know about this year's best meteor shower
The Geminids return with near-perfect viewing conditions, offering skywatchers up to 150 meteors an hour under dark December skies.
Mercury is hard to spot, but you can catch it in the morning sky this month
If you've never sighted this rocky little world for yourself, you'll never get a better opportunity than right now to see it.
Thanksgiving night sky 2025: Moon, Saturn and autumn stars put on a post-turkey show
Enjoy a post-dinner stargazing session as the first-quarter moon, Saturn and the season's brightest stars light up the Thanksgiving night sky.
See the famous winged horse Pegasus fly in the autumn night sky
A few hours after darkness falls during November, the unquestioned landmark of the autumn night sky occupies a commanding position high in the south: the flying horse Pegasus.
The Leonid meteor shower peaks next week. Here's what to expect
For North America, the best time to look will be before dawn on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
The Taurid meteor shower could put on its best show this week — keep your eyes peeled for fireballs
There is still time to look out for Taurid meteors lighting up November nights.
Don't miss Jupiter and the moon join up in the night sky this weekend
Jupiter again teams up with the moon late Sunday night to put on an eye-catching show directly between Jupiter and the bright star Pollux, Gemini's brightest star.
Don't miss the biggest full moon of the year rise on Nov. 5 — Here's what to expect
The November full moon will be the closest and brightest full moon of the year.
Halloween stargazing 2025: The moon and Saturn light the night sky for trick-or-treaters
A waxing gibbous moon and the ringed planet Saturn will enlighten our sky for treat-or-treaters this Halloween.
Fomalhaut, the 'solitary' star, announces the arrival of autumn in the night sky. Here's how to see it
If there is one star that serves to announce the arrival of fall as the leaves have begun to turn, unquestionably that title would have to go to Fomalhaut.
The moon and Venus take a morning stroll through the sky on Oct. 19
Watch this stunning pairing in the pre-dawn sky.
The Orionid meteor shower peaks under dark, moonless skies next week. Here's how to see it
One of the more reliable annual meteor showers, the Orionids, peaks during a new moon, making 2025 an excellent year to watch for shooting stars in the autumn sky.
