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Skywatching

Learn about skywatching, astronomy, star gazing, and comets in the night sky at space.com. View astrophotography and images of celestial bodies.

Latest

There's a lot going in space this year. Check out our up-to-date space launch schedule and calendar here!

Space calendar 2022: Rocket launches, sky events, missions & more!

By Hanneke Weitering published

Here's a guide to all the rocket launches and astronomical events in 2022, as well as milestones for space missions, anniversaries and conferences.

Venus and Jupiter over Lake Superior

What is a 'morning star,' and what is an 'evening star'?

By Joe Rao published

Best binoculars: Image shows mature woman using binoculars outdoors

Best binoculars 2022: Top picks for stargazing, wildlife watching and more

By Gemma Lavender published

Looking for the best binoculars for astronomy and general use? Start here with our selection of the top models on the market

Some stars travel at high speeds through the universe and sometimes leave spectacular clouds of dust and gas in their wake.

Real shooting stars exist, but they aren't the streaks you see in a clear night sky

By Idan Ginsburg published

Some stars travel at high speeds through the universe and sometimes leave spectacular clouds of dust and gas in their wake.

Bushnell binoculars deals

Binoculars deals: The best discounts and savings available

By Ruth Gaukrodger published

We've scoured the internet to find the best binoculars deals, with picks from the likes of Celestron, Nikon and more.

In this stunning night sky photo, the full arc of the Milky Way galaxy glitters over a photographer's shadow at the construction site for the European Southern Observatory's Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), on the Chilean mountain Cerro Armazones.

How dark is your night sky? An observer's guide

By Joe Rao published

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?

A 1901 illustration depicts ball lightning.

1st sighting of 'ball lightning' in England uncovered

By Giles Gasper, Brian Tanner published

On June 7, 1195, a fiery spinning ball emerged from a dark cloud in an erstwhile sunny sky close to the London lodgings of the bishop of Norwich.

A photo of a nearly full moon. The image was taken one day prior to the supermoon, or a moon that appears larger due to being the closest to Earth in its orbit.

Full moon calendar 2022: When to see the next full moon

By Kimberly Hickok published

The full moon happens about once a month. Find out when.

A space station astronaut captured this view of the nearly-full Snow Moon on Feb. 15, 2022.

Astronauts snap stunning views of February's Full Snow Moon from space (photos)

By Samantha Mathewson published

Astronauts on the International Space Station captured stunning views of February's Full Snow Moon this week.

Meade StarNavigator NG 114

Meade telescopes and binocular deals: discounts & what's in stock

By Gemma Lavender published

Deals We're keeping our eyes peeled for Meade telescopes and binoculars deals.

Deals
This beautiful satellite image shows the Andromeda galaxy, the Milky Way's closest neighbor at about 2.5 million light-years away, glowing in ultraviolet light.

Book reviews for three guides to the stars and constellations

By Joe Rao published

In this column, I'll provide reviews of three books that I consulted during my formative years in the hobby.

Telescope Deals: Image shows man with telescope against twilight background.

Telescope deals: Top picks from Celestron, Sky-Watcher and others

By Ruth Gaukrodger published

Deals We're keeping a close eye on the latest telescope deals as they roll in — here are the best discounts available today.

Deals
Celestron telescope – Astro Fi 102

Celestron telescope & binocular deals you can still get: Discounts & what's in stock

By Gemma Lavender published

Deals Hunting for a discount on a Celestron telescope or binocular? Here's what's in stock.

Deals
Artist's conception of the far side of the moon.

Rogue rocket poised to hit moon is Chinese, not a SpaceX Falcon 9, student observations confirm

By Elizabeth Howell published

A group of students has confirmed that a rocket stage poised to hit the moon next month is from a Chinese Long March launcher, not a SpaceX Falcon 9 as originally thought.

Fujifilm X-T30 is one of our favorite cameras for low light photography

Best cameras for low light photography

By Jason Parnell-Brookes published

Buying Guide Our pick of the best cameras for low light, from mirrorless to DSLR, compact and micro four thirds

Buying Guide
The full moon looks massive as it sets behind the Very Large Telescope in Chile's Atacama Desert, in this photo release on Jun 7, 2010. Why do observers report that the moon looks larger near the horizon than it does high in the sky? It may be nothing more than a trick of perspective.

The Full Snow Moon of February 2022 rises tonight!

By Elizabeth Howell published

The Snow Moon arrives today (Feb. 16) and joins a cluster of planets lighting up the morning sky.

The Blast Moonstruck wristwatch by Ulysse Nardin

Luxury watchmaker Ulysses Nardin unveils 'Blast Moonstruck' watch that charts moon phases

By Elizabeth Howell published

You can keep track of the moon's behavior on your wrist.

A bird is silhouetted in front of the moon

Best Night Vision Binoculars 2022

By Russ Swan published

Buying guide See in the dark with the best night vision binoculars, monoculars, and goggles

Buying guide
How to photograph the Milky Way

How to photograph the Milky Way: A guide for beginners and enthusiasts

By Tom Ormerod published

How to Create stunning night sky images by learning to photograph the Milky Way like a pro.

How to
DSLR vs mirrorless for astrophotography - a man takes a photo of the night sky

DSLR vs Mirrorless cameras for Astrophotography

By Karen N Edwards published

Versus When it comes to astro, the debate over DSLR vs mirrorless is a fierce one. We break down the pros and cons to help you decide what's better for you.

Versus