Latest articles by Joe Rao
See the fiery Blood Moon rise in a total lunar eclipse in May's must-see skywatching event
If the weather is clear, skywatchers across most of the Americas, Europe and Africa will have a view of one of nature's most beautiful spectacles: a total eclipse of the moon.
May's lunar eclipse and a wild-card meteor shower may offer double spectacle
May offers an unusual skywatching bounty: the possibility of two major celestial highlights occurring within the span of a single month.
The Eta Aquarid meteor shower is the legacy of Halley's Comet in May's night sky
Do you remember Halley's Comet? The last time this famous object was visible was in 1986, 36 years ago.
First solar eclipse of 2022 occurs Saturday. Here's what to expect.
This year, humans on Earth will experience four eclipses: two of the sun and two of the moon. The first of these is a solar eclipse set to take place on Saturday, April 30th.
Venus and Jupiter align this week in spectacular morning sky shows
The celestial highlight in the days ahead will involve the three brightest objects in the nighttime sky: the moon and the planets Venus and Jupiter.
Elusive planet Mercury will shine after sunset in the April 2022 evening sky
Mercury will join the evening sky of April after sunset starting on April 16. Here's how to see it.
Recently discovered Comet Pan-STARRS could be visible in April's night sky (maybe)
Recently discovered comet Pan-STARRS is heading towards the sun in late April, but will we be able to see it?
April's sky brings dance of 4 morning planets: See Jupiter, Venus, Mars and Saturn.
As the planets rise in April we're given stunning views, if you know where to look.
The mighty dog constellations of the spring night sky
Four dog constellations are now visible in the night sky, if you know where to look
Spring is typically aurora season each year. Here's why.
News One celestial sight that many have never witnessed but yearn to see is the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights
Can you really purchase and name a star?
Some companies make money out of 'selling stars', or rather selling opportunities to name them, perhaps as a gift to a loved one. But is it really worth the money?
March night sky wonders: Strange sights to see every year
Reference A look into the March night sky for some sky objects with unusual solar system planets, stars and constellations.
Tour Orion the Hunter as we visit a constellation icon
A look at the constellation of Orion: its history, shape and position
How frequent is the full Harvest Moon?
The Harvest Moon is always the full moon closest to the time of the autumnal equinox.
How dark is your night sky? An observer's guide
Just one in five Americans lives under a sky dark enough to make out all four stars of the Little Dipper's bowl with the naked eye. Are you one of them?
Book reviews for three guides to the stars and constellations
In this column, I'll provide reviews of three books that I consulted during my formative years in the hobby.
Farewell, Jupiter! The gas giant will disappear from the evening sky this month
It will soon be time to bid a fond adieu to an object that has been a fixture in our evening sky since late last summer: the planet Jupiter.
The top 5 deep-space objects to look for in the winter night sky
Check out the most beautiful star clusters in the winter night sky.
How to spot Canis Major, the big dog of winter
The constellation of Canis Major is visible in the winter sky this month.
Space Force satellite launch could create a luminous cloud in tonight's evening sky
Skywatchers in the Western Hemisphere may see a fuel dump from a satellite that launched earlier today on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.
Brightening Comet Leonard may be visible without a telescope. Look near Venus.
Skywatchers will have a chance to see Comet Leonard — the brightest comet of 2021 — near Venus in the evening sky tonight (Dec. 17).
