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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.

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The best star projectors fill your room with the universe

Best star projectors: Indoor views of the night sky

By Jamie Carter published

The very best star projectors for staying cosy beneath the cosmos.

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.

The night sky is more than just the moon and stars, if you know when and where to look.

Night sky, March 2022: What you can see this month [maps]

By Chris Vaughan published

Find out what's up in your night sky during March 2022 and how to see it in this Space.com stargazing guide.

Best night sky events of March 2022 (stargazing maps)

By Chris Vaughan published

See what's up in the night sky for March 2022, including stargazing events and the moon's phases, in this Space.com gallery courtesy of Starry Night Software.

The brightest planets in March's night sky: How to see them (and when)

By Joe Rao published

Here's how to see planets visible in March's night sky.

The new moon occurs on Tuesday (Feb. 1) at 12:46 a.m. EST (0546 GMT)

March new moon 2022: Mercury and Saturn snuggle up in the moonless morning sky

By Jesse Emspak published

The new moon occurs on Wednesday (March 2) at 12:35 p.m. EST (1735 GMT).

Astrophotographer Anthony Lynch sent in this photo of the Harvest Moon, September 2013, taken at Phoenix Park in Dublin, Ireland.

Harvest Moon 2022: When and how to see September's full moon

By Jesse Emspak published

Reference The full moon of September 2022 also carries the title of the Harvest Moon for those living in the Northern Hemisphere.

Reference
The moon, Mercury and Saturn all meet up in the sky on Feb. 28, 2022. Also visible are Venus and Mars.

The moon meets up with Mercury and Saturn early Monday morning

By Elizabeth Howell published

You may be able to watch the moon cluster up with ringed Saturn and fleeting Mercury on Monday (Feb. 28), but it will be a considerable challenge.

The moon, Venus and Mars as seen from New York City at 6:30 a.m. local time Sunday, Feb. 27.

See the moon align with Venus and Mars in Sunday's morning sky

By Elizabeth Howell published

The trio is easily visible with the naked eye.

The Star of Bethlehem led the three wise men to Jesus' birth, according to the New Testament. But what was the Star of Bethlehem? There are several theories.

What was the Star of Bethlehem?

By Jonathan O'Callaghan published

Reference The Star of Bethlehem led the three wise men to Jesus' birth, according to the New Testament. But what was the Star of Bethlehem? There are several theories.

Reference
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.