Planets

The solar system’s planets make for great observational targets, whether using a telescope or your naked eye. But finding them sometimes can be a challenge.

Observing, Planets

Catch Pluto at its best during opposition this week

Planets, Solar System, Space Exploration

MAVEN returns to operations after three-month pause

Planets, Solar System

Gargantuan Saharan dust plume blowing across the Atlantic is visible from space

Planets, Robotic Spaceflight, Stars

A weather satellite accidentally caught Betelgeuse dimming

Planets, Solar System, The Sun

A total eclipse rarity

Planets, Solar System

Why are Uranus and Neptune different colors?

Planets, Robotic Spaceflight, Solar System, Space Exploration

Snapshot: NASA’s InSight lander takes a final dusty selfie on Mars

Planets, Solar System

The northern lights: A history of aurora sightings

Observing, Planets, Solar System

The shadowy Schröter effect

Snapshot: A far-out gas giant takes shape in an unusual way

Planets, Robotic Spaceflight, Solar System

Mars helicopter spots wreckage of rover’s jettisoned parachute and backshell

Human Spaceflight, Planets, Solar System

Laser propulsion can slash journey time to Mars, say rocket engineers

Popular Observing Topics

Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.

The Sun

Safely observing the Sun can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Credit: Ted Hauter.

The Moon

Our nearest celestial neighbor provides many great sights.

Planets

Targeting our solar system’s other worlds is well worth the effort.

Credit: Tony Hallas.

Deep-Sky Objects

Nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies are the night sky’s hidden gems.

Credit: Celestron.

Telescopes & Equipment

Explore the tools that can help you unlock the night sky.

Credit: Peter Michaud, Gemini Observatory.

Astrophotography

Capturing great celestial sights is both an art and a skill.

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