Joe Rao

We explore how eclipses repeat and what it takes to earn a 'black belt' in eclipse chasing, according to our skywatching columnist Joe Rao.

Two weeks before the total solar eclipse, during the overnight hours of March 24 - 25, it will be the moon's turn to undergo an eclipse.

Everyone is hoping for clear skies for the solar eclipse on April 8. Here we look at past examples of when this didn't work out and how to increase your chances of good eclipse weather.

As we prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, we take a look at some famous incidents of viewing total eclipses near the edge of totality.

As the total solar eclipse on April 8 approaches, we take a look at some alternative methods of viewing the eclipse.

On March 19, the vernal equinox will see spring come to the Northern Hemisphere as the sun reaches the spot where the ecliptic and celestial equator cross each other.

For those in the Northern Hemisphere, we're in the midst of a fine "window of opportunity" for viewing Mercury in the evening sky throughout March.

A waxing crescent moon and the solar system's largest planet Jupiter will meet up in the night sky on Wednesday, March 13.

A total solar eclipse is the greatest show on Earth. Here's what to look for on April 8 to ensure you make the most of the total solar eclipse 2024.

Here we break down the entire chronology of the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, beginning one month out.

Thursday is Feb. 29 — the bissextle or "leap day," an artifact that dates back to the year 46 B.C. Find out how this calendar oddity came to be.

The "Great North American Solar Eclipse" of April 8, 2024 will last longer and be more visible than any other total solar eclipses over the past century.

Shadow bands may be the most unusual of the eerie phenomena that can accompany a solar eclipse. Here's what we do and don't know about them.

On Monday, Jan. 8, the waning crescent moon will occult the 1st-magnitude red supergiant star Antares, one of the brightest stars in the sky.

Early each January, the Quadrantid meteor stream provides one of the most intense annual meteor displays, but unfortunately, there's a stumbling block this year in the form of the moon

This guide to the planets in our solar system will show you what to look out for in the sky in 2024.

Winter in the Northern Hemisphere will officially arrive tonight with the rays of the sun shining directly down on the Tropic of Capricorn.

About half of the contiguous (48) states will have clear, starry skies — a perfect backdrop for watching this very best of the year's principal meteor displays, the Geminid Meteor Shower.

The Geminid meteor shower reaches its peak on Dec. 13 and 14. Conditions look favorable for a spectacular display this year under the dark skies of a new moon.

On Friday, Dec. 8, Halley's Comet reaches its farthest point from the sun and begins its journey back through the solar system.

Located at a distance of 2.5 million light-years, the Andromeda Galaxy is readily visible to the unaided eye on dark, clear nights. Here's where you should look this week.

A waxing gibbous moon, Saturn and Jupiter make inviting targets for skywatchers this Thanksgiving.

The exact cause of 'Devil Comet' 12P/Pons-Brooks' flare-ups is unknown, though the best guess is that perhaps a fissure has developed on the comet's nucleus due to a build-up of gas.

One of the most famous of the annual meteor showers will soon be reaching its maximum: The Leonids. These ultrafast meteors are due to reach their peak on Saturday morning (Nov. 18).

The "Demon Star" of Algol gets eclipsed this week by one of its stellar siblings. Here's what you need to know.