Category Archives: Astronomy

Astronomy, Education

Night sky highlights for July 2026

Check out the night sky this month, July 2026. Here are videos and links to websites highlighting the top sights to observe.

** What’s Up: July 2026 Skywatching Tips from NASA | NASA JPL

A predawn meetup between the Moon and planets, a returning comet, dark skies for the Milky Way, and Saturn’s unusually thin rings.

Before sunrise on July 11 and 12, look east/southeast for the waning crescent Moon, Mars, and Saturn. Uranus is in the same part of the sky, but you will need binoculars or a telescope to spot it.

Around July 14, use binoculars or a telescope to seek Comet 10P/Tempel 2 under dark skies of the New Moon. Those nights are also a great time to look for the Milky Way, while later in the month Saturn’s rings appear strikingly thin through a telescope.

0:00 Intro
0:11 Moon, Mars, Saturn, and Uranus before dawn
0:47 Comet 10P/Tempel 2
1:35 Dark skies for the Milky Way
2:34 Saturn’s thin rings
2:57 July Moon phases

Additional information about topics covered in this episode of What’s Up, along with still images from the video, and the video transcript, are available at https://science.nasa.gov/skywatching/whats-up/.

** What to see in the night sky: July 2026 | BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Pete Lawrence and Paul Abel reveal the best things to see in the night sky this month, from the Moon and planets to the constellations and deep-sky objects.

** Sky & Telescope’s Sky Tour Podcast – July 2026 | Sky & Telescope Youtube

This month’s episode offers great tips on how to be a better stargazer. It also highlights the bright star Spica, now prominent high in the southwest after evening twilight. It’s leading the parade of constellations, along with the brilliant planet Venus, that will grace the Northern Hemisphere’s summer skies. So grab curiosity and come along on this month’s Sky Tour.

See also

** Top Things To See In July’s Sky, Including a Double Meteor Shower. | The Secrets of the Universe

Astronomy Calendar July 2026: Must-watch events this month

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CHAPTERS

00:00 Week 1
01:02 Week 2
02:22 Week 3
03:50 Week 4
04:55 Week 5
07:23 Planet Round-up

** The Night Sky | July 2026 | Comet Tempel 2 | Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower | Late Night Astronomy

A major meteor shower peaks and we continue to track a comet traveling through our solar system. Let’s take a look at what you can go out to see in the night sky for July of 2026.

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Timestamps:
0:00 Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
1:34 The Moon
2:10 Ouranos Ad
3:21 The Planets
4:12 Comet Tempel 2
4:56 Deep Sky Challenge

** What’s in the Sky this Month | July 2026 | High Point Scientific on Youtube

In this episode of What’s in the Sky this Month, Teagan reviews some of the beautiful celestial objects you can see in July!

Read the full July 2026 Newsletter: https://www.highpointscientific.com/a…

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Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:36 – The Trifid Nebula
01:38 – Messier 12
02:48 – Omicron Cygni
03:41 – The Blinking Planetary Nebula
04:32 – The Fireworks Galaxy
05:24 – Nearest Neighbors
06:47 – Conclusion

** Night Sky Notebook July 2026 | Peter Detterline

What’s happening in the sky in July 2026.

** See also:

=== Amazon Associate Ads ===

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—- Books —

Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide, Eighth Edition

Astronomy, Education, Space participation

Night sky highlights for June 2026

Check out the night sky this month, June 2026. Here are videos and links to websites highlighting the top sights to observe.

** What’s Up: June 2026 Skywatching Tips from NASA | NASA JPL

Venus and Jupiter meet after sunset, the Moon passes in front of Venus, summer begins, and deep-sky treasures rise into view.

To start June, look west after sunset to spot Venus and Jupiter shining close together, with Mercury joining the view low in the sky.

Around June 9, Venus and Jupiter appear especially close in a planetary conjunction.

From June 11 through 15, Mercury joins the scene, creating a mini-parade of planets near the western horizon.

On June 17, from some locations, the Moon passes in front of Venus in an event called a lunar occultation. For viewers outside the exact viewing path, the Moon and Venus may still appear close together. [Important safety note: For many viewers, this event happens during the daytime. Never point binoculars, a telescope, or a camera near the Sun unless you are using proper solar-safe equipment.]

June also brings the summer solstice, marking the start of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

And once the sky gets dark, look for the Summer Triangle and deep-sky objects like the Dumbbell Nebula, Ring Nebula, North America Nebula, and Veil Nebula.

0:00 Intro
0:11 Venus and Jupiter after sunset
0:23 Planetary conjunction
0:35 Mercury joins the lineup
1:09 Moon passes in front of Venus
2:03 Summer solstice
2:43 Summer Triangle and deep-sky objects
3:27 Moon phases

Additional information about topics covered in this episode of What’s Up, along with still images from the video, and the video transcript, are available at https://science.nasa.gov/skywatching/whats-up/…

The evening sky in the west on June 14th. Credits: NASA

** What to see in the night sky: February 2026 | BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Pete Lawrence and Paul Abel reveal the best things to see in the night sky this month.

 

** Sky & Telescope’s Sky Tour Podcast – June 2026 | Sky & Telescope Youtube

This month’s episode highlights the close pairing of Venus and Jupiter under way in the western sky after sunset. You’ll also learn why astronomers are fixated on a star in Corona Borealis — and how to find a huge but dim constellation that will likely be new to you. So grab curiosity and come along on this month’s Sky Tour.

See also

** The Night Sky | June 2026 | Venus and Jupiter Meet | Moon Moves in front of Venus | Comet Tempel 2 | Late Night Astronomy

Venus and Jupiter make a close pass to each other right after sunset and the Moon moves in front of Venus. Let’s take a look at what you can go out to see in the night sky for June of 2026!

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Timestamps:
0:00 Jupiter and Venus Close Together
1:13 Lunar Occultation of Venus
2:18 The Moon
2:53 The Planets
3:26 Comet 10/P Tempel 2
4:24 Deep Sky Challenge

** What’s in the Sky this Month | June 2026 | High Point Scientific on Youtube

In this episode of What’s in the Sky this Month, Teagan reviews some of the beautiful celestial objects you can see in June!

Read the full June 2026 Newsletter: https://www.highpointscientific.com/a…

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Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:26 – Nearest Neighbors
02:03 – The Splinter Galaxy
03:33 – Messier 4
04:55 – Messier 51
06:08 – Messier 92
07:17 – Nu Draconis – Kuma
08:19 – Conclusion

** Night Sky Notebook June 2026 | Peter Detterline

** See also:

=== Amazon Associate Ads ===

Telescopes for every budget

—- Books —

Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide, Eighth Edition

Astronomy, Education, Space participation

Night sky highlights for May 2026

The night sky this month, May 2026, will include Eta Aquarid meteors and a Blue Moon. Here are videos and links to websites highlighting the top sights to observe.

** What’s Up: May 2026 Skywatching Tips from NASA | NASA JPL

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower brings shooting stars before dawn, the Moon meets brilliant Venus after sunset, and May wraps up with a rare Blue Moon.

Look to the early morning sky around May 5-6 for meteors from Halley’s Comet, though bright moonlight may wash out some of the fainter streaks.

Then on May 18, spot the crescent Moon near Venus low in the western sky just after sunset. May ends with a Full Moon on May 31.

May ends with a Blue Moon, meaning the second full moon in a single calendar month, but it will not actually look blue.

0:00 Intro
0:09 Eta Aquarids
1:25 Moon and Venus conjunction
1:54 Blue Moon
2:35 May Moon phases

Additional information about topics covered in this episode of What’s Up, along with still images from the video, and the video transcript, are available at https://science.nasa.gov/skywatching/whats-up/.

Here are the lunar phases for May:

Phases of the Moon for May. Credits: NASA JPL

** What to see in the night sky: May 2026 | BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Pete Lawrence and Paul Abel reveal the best things to see in the night sky this month, from the planets and the Moon to the stars, constellations and deep-sky objects.

** Sky & Telescope’s Sky Tour Podcast – May 2026 | Sky & Telescope Youtube

See also

** The Night Sky | May 2026 | Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower | Comet PANSTARRS | Flower Moon | Late Night Astronomy

A major meteor shower peaks and a comet puts on a show for the southern hemisphere. Let’s take a look at the night sky for May of 2026.

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Timestamps:
0:00 Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
1:14 Comet R3 PANSTARRS
2:14 The Moon
2:59 The Planets
3:39 Deep Sky Challenge

** What’s in the Sky this Month | May 2026 | High Point Scientific on Youtube

In this episode of What’s in the Sky this Month, Teagan reviews some of the beautiful celestial objects you can see in May!

Read the full May 2026 Newsletter: https://www.highpointscientific.com/a…

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Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:37 – Messier 5
01:54 – Cor Caroli
02:49 – Needle Galaxy
04:03 – Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower
05:15 – Blue Moon
06:01 – Nearest Neighbors
07:19 – Conclusion

** Night Sky Notebook May 2026 | Peter Detterline

What’s happening in the night sky in May 2026.

** See also:

=== Amazon Associate Ads ===

Telescopes for every budget

—- Books —

Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide, Eighth Edition

Asteroids & Comets, Astronomy, Space participation

Night sky highlights for April 2026

Check out the night sky this month, April 2026. A sungrazing comet may become visible and the Lyrid meteor shower will peak on the night of April 21st. Here are videos and links to websites highlighting the top sights to observe.

** What’s Up: April 2026 Skywatching Tips from NASA | NASA JPL

Mercury shines at its brightest for the year, the Lyrid meteor shower peaks, and a bright new comet makes an appearance in April’s night sky.

Catch Mercury low in the eastern sky before sunrise on April 3 at its greatest elongation. Then look up late April 21 into the 22nd for the Lyrids, with “shooting stars” radiating near the bright star Vega.

Also this month, Comet C/2025 R3 (Pan-STARRS) may be visible with binoculars or a telescope, especially around April 17, before making its closest approach to Earth on April 27.

0:00 Intro
0:12 Mercury greatest elongation
1:22 Comet c/2025 R3
1:57 Lyrid meteor shower
2:39 April Moon phases

Additional information about topics covered in this episode of What’s Up, along with still images from the video, and the video transcript, are available at https://science.nasa.gov/skywatching/whats-up/.

Moon phases for April:

Moon phases for April 2026

** What to see in the night sky: April 2026 | BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Pete Lawrence and Paul Abel reveal the best things to see in the night sky this month.

** Sky & Telescope’s Sky Tour Podcast – April 2026 | Sky & Telescope Youtube

This month’s episode showcases the stars and planets visible on April evenings. We’ll explore full-Moon quirks; spot Venus and Jupiter after sunset; learn about Gemini, the celestial twins; and hunt for meteors toward month’s end. So grab your curiosity, and come along on this month’s Sky Tour.

See also

** The Night Sky | April 2026 | Sungrazer Comet A1 MAPS | Lyrid Meteor Showers | Late Night Astronomy

A sungrazing comet might be visible right after sunset and a major meteor shower peaks. Let’s take a look at what you can go out to see in the night sky for April of 2026. I’m Michael Martin and this is Late Night Astronomy.

Timestamps:
0:00 Sungrazer Comet MAPS
2:37 Lyrids Meteor Shower
3:40 Ouranos Ad
4:42 The Moon
5:15 The Planets
7:05 Comet R3 Panstarrs
7:45 Deep Sky Challenge

** What’s in the Sky this Month | April 2026 | High Point Scientific on Youtube

In this episode of What’s in the Sky this Month, Teagan reviews some of the beautiful celestial objects you can see in April!

Read the full April 2026 Newsletter: https://www.highpointscientific.com/a…

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Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:37 – Nearest Neighbors
02:07 – The Moon Occults Regulus
03:06 – Lyrid Meteor Shower
04:02 – Messier 3
04:41 – Messier 97
05:32 – Messier 94
06:11 – Conclusion

** Night Sky Notebook April 2026 | Peter Detterline

Step outside and explore the wonders of the April 2026 night sky. This month’s Night Sky Notebook highlights the best celestial events—from bright planets and close encounters to meteor showers and moonlit moments—helping you catch the sky at its most beautiful.

** April Sky 2026: Lyrid Meteor Shower and a Comet That Might Surprise | Astro Academy Global

In this video, we take a detailed look at the astronomical events of April 2026. We review the Lyrid meteor shower—one of the highlights of spring—the phases of the Moon and the best windows for deep-sky observation, as well as Mercury’s greatest elongation and several planetary conjunctions in the morning sky.

In addition, we track the evolution of a comet that could surprise us in the coming weeks, evaluating its viewing conditions and photographic potential. Content designed for astronomy and astrophotography enthusiasts looking to plan their sessions carefully and anticipate the month’s most interesting events.

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0:00 Introduction
0:45 Lunar phases
1:30 Planetary events
2:23 Highlights of the month
3:34 Photography tips
4:42 Conclusion and closing remarks

** See also:

=== Amazon Associate Ads ===

Telescopes for every budget

—- Books —

Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide, Eighth Edition

Astronomy, Education, Space participation

Night sky highlights for March 2026

Check out the night sky this month, March 2026. Top events include a lunar eclipse and a Venus-Saturn conjunction. Here are videos and links to websites highlighting the major sights.

** What’s Up: March 2026 Skywatching Tips from NASA | NASA JPL

What are some skywatching highlights in March 2026?

A total lunar eclipse blood moon takes centre stage, Venus and Saturn cozy up for a conjunction, and we celebrate the vernal equinox.

0:00 Intro
0:12 Total lunar eclipse
1:22 Venus + Saturn conjunction
1:57 Vernal equinox
2:39 March Moon phases

Additional information about topics covered in this episode of What’s Up, along with still images from the video, and the video transcript, are available at https://science.nasa.gov/skywatching/whats-up/.

Phases of the Moon for March 2026. Credits: NASA JPL

 

** What to see in the night sky: March 2026 | BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Astronomers Pete Lawrence and Paul Abel reveal the best things to see in the night sky this month.

** Sky & Telescope’s Sky Tour Podcast – March 2026 | Sky & Telescope Youtube

This month’s episode showcases the stars and planets visible on March evenings. First up: March 3rd’s predawn a total lunar eclipse! Then track down three planets after sunset, and savor the easy-to-spot Winter Triangle of bright stars. So grab your curiosity, and come along on this month’s Sky Tour!

See also

** The Night Sky | March 2026 | Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse | Comet C/2026 A1 MAPS | Late Night Astronomy

A total lunar eclipse turns the Moon blood red and a newly discovered comet might lead to some incredible views in just a few weeks. Let’s take a look at what you can see in the night sky for March of 2026.

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Timestamps:
0:00 Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse
2:05 Moon Phases
2:50 Houdini Eyepieces Ad
3:55 The Planets
5:17 Comet A1 MAPS
6:33 Deep Sky Challenge

** What’s in the Sky this Month | March 2026 | High Point Scientific on Youtube

In this episode of What’s in the Sky this Month, Teagan reviews some of the beautiful celestial objects you can see in March!

Read the full March 2026 Newsletter: https://www.highpointscientific.com/a…

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Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:36 – Nearest Neighbors
01:52 – Total Lunar Eclipse
03:00 – The Leo Triplet
04:04 – Messier 108
04:52 – Coma Star Cluster
05:35 – The Ghost Of Jupiter
06:17 – Conclusion

** Night Sky Notebook March 2026 | Peter Detterline

This is what’s happening in the sky for the month of March 2026.

** Check out these web pages as well:

=== Amazon Associate Ads ===

Telescopes for every budget

—- Books —

Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide, Eighth Edition