Category Archives: Space participation

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…

…

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.

…

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:

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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.

…

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…

…

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:

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Amateur/Student Satellite, Space participation, Space Radio

AMSAT opens BuzzSat program for kids + Free intro book with AMSAT membership

AMSAT, the Amateur Radio in Space organization, has introduced the BuzzSat initiative, which aims

to encourage youth to pursue careers in aerospace and communications with an education science, technology, engineering art, and math (STEAM).

BuzzSat provides a set of free online courses, which currently includes:

An Introduction to Satellite Meteorology explores the many ways that NOAA satellites help meteorologists predict the immediate weather and long-term climate behavior to make our lives more enjoyable and safer. Start now by clicking on Introduction to Satellite Meteorology

Satellites and Climate Change begins with a review of the natural and man-made causes of climate change and how its impacts our lives over the short and long terms. 

Satellites and Pollution Control examines the root causes of pollution, both natural and man-made. It looks at the effects of pollution on our environment and our health. 

Several more courses will be added within the year.

Check out the BuzzSat coloring book, available as a free download.

“Satellites in Space” coloring book, free from AMSAT. Credits: AMSAT

BuzzSat designed the coloring book

… for kids with an interest in satellites and how they play a role in our modern lives.

The book is comprised of twelve 2-page spreads that show how satellites are used and the benefits they provide. Topics include satellites and:

Agriculture
Broadcasting
Communications
Climate Change
Pollution Control
Fighting Wildfires
Preserving Wildlife
Space exploration
Navigation
Meteorology
Research on the ISS
Search and Rescue

The book also includes a discussion guide for each topic. It is written for parents, group leaders or teachers who want to use the coloring books in their educational activities. But, not to worry – please use these coloring books for just plain fun.

===

AMSAT  has a deal for joining. The  Feb. 22nd issue of the AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletin says:

AMSAT is offering a limited-time promotion for new and renewing members that includes a free digital copy of Getting Started with Amateur Satellites. The promotion is being offered as AMSAT begins the 2026 membership year.

Anyone who joins or renews their AMSAT membership during the promotional period will receive a download link for the latest edition of Getting Started with Amateur Satellites in their membership confirmation email. The guide is designed to help radio amateurs understand the fundamentals of satellite operation and serves as a practical reference for both newcomers and operators returning to the hobby. Additional information about AMSAT membership is available at https://launch.amsat.org.

Cover page for “Getting Started With Amateur Satellites”. Credits: AMSAT

In addition to this limited-time promotion, AMSAT membership includes a subscription to The AMSAT Journal, access to archived issues, discounts on selected items in the AMSAT online store, and opportunities to participate in AMSAT elections, committees, awards programs, and other AMSAT activities and programs. Members may also access archived proceedings from past AMSAT Space Symposiums through the AMSAT member portal.

Beyond these tangible benefits, AMSAT membership supports the development, launch, and operation of amateur radio satellites, along with education and outreach efforts. Joining AMSAT is not just about individual benefits — it is about being part of the community that builds and operates amateur satellites for radio amateurs worldwide. As AMSAT looks ahead to 2026, the promotion helps launch another year of growth and opportunity for amateur radio in space.

Astronomy, Education, Space participation

Night sky highlights for February 2026

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

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

What are some skywatching highlights in February 2026?

Jupiter is at its biggest and brightest all year, the Moon and Saturn pair up, and the Beehive Cluster buzzes into view.

0:00 Intro
0:14 Artemis II launch window opens
0:45 Orion the Hunter
1:23 A planetary parade
2:05 February 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/….

Phases of the Moon for Feb.2026. Credits: NASA/JPL

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

Pete Lawrence and Paul Abel reveal the best stargazing and astronomy targets to see in the night sky this month. Find out which planets, constellations and deep-sky objects are worth seeking out in February 2026.

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

In this month’s episode, go on a guided tour of the stars and planets that you’ll see overhead during February. First we’ll keep tabs on the Moon; say good-bye to Saturn; trace out the Winter Milky Way; and explore some lesser-known constellations near Orion.

See also

** The Night Sky | February 2026 | A Planetary Parade | Full Snow Moon | Comet E1 Wierzchos | Late Night Astronomy

A planetary parade puts on a show right after sunset and Jupiter continues to dominate the night sky. Let’s take a look at what you can go out to see for February of 2026.

…

Timestamps:
0:00 Planetary Parade
1:46 The Moon & Mercury
3:09 Ouranos Ad
4:13 The Planets
6:15 Comet E1 Wierzchos
6:46 Constellation Taurus

** What’s in the Sky this Month | February 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 February!

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

…

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:39 – Nearest Neighbors
02:18 – Grazing Occultation of the Pleiades by the Moon
02:56 – Messier 44
03:38 – Algieba
04:34 – Messier 48
05:31 – Messier 81 & Messier 82
06:32 – Conclusion

** Night Sky Notebook February 2026 | Peter Detterline

** See also:

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Astronomy, Education, Space participation

Night sky highlights for January 2026

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

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

What are some skywatching highlights in January 2026?

Jupiter is at its biggest and brightest all year, the Moon and Saturn pair up, and the Beehive Cluster buzzes into view.

0:00 Intro
0:11 Jupiter at opposition
0:50 Moon and Saturn conjunction
1:11 The beehive cluster
2:00 January 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 January 2026. Credits: NASA JPL

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

Pete Lawrence and Paul Abel reveal the best things to see in the night sky to kick off a new year of stargazing. Happy 2026 everyone!

** Sky & Telescope’s Sky Tour Podcast — January 2026 | Sky & Telescope Youtube

In this month’s episode, start with one of the year’s best meteor showers, then spend some time with Jupiter, and check out a mythical queen and hunter who have ego problems. So bundle up, grab your curiosity, and come along on this month’s Sky Tour.

See also

** The Night Sky | January 2026 | Jupiter Close to Earth | Quadrantid Meteor Shower | Late Night Astronomy

The Quadrantid Meteor shower peaks and the king of the planets makes it’s closest pass to Earth. Let’s take a look at what you can go out to see in the night sky for January of 2026!

…

Timestamps:
0:00 Quadrantid Meteor Shower
1:05 Jupiter Opposition
2:27 The Moon
3:05 The Planets
3:52 Comet 24P/Schaumasse
4:26 Comet C/2024 E1 Wierzchos
4:48 Deep Sky Challenge

** What’s in the Sky this Month | September 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 January!

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

…

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:36 – Nearest Neighbors
02:01 – Jupiter at Opposition
03:10 – The Quadrantid Meteor Shower
03:41 – Messier 41
04:43 – Castor
05:24 – The Rosette Nebula
06:29 – Conclusion

** Night Sky Notebook January 2026 | Peter Detterline

Find out what’s happening in the sky for January 2026.

** See also:

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