Astronomy: Explore the Wonders of the Night Sky

Look up and wonder! From sparkling stars and blazing planets to swirling galaxies and cosmic mysteries like dark matter, astronomy opens a window to the universe. At Almanac.com, we bring the night sky closer to home with easy guides, fascinating facts, and tips for backyard stargazing. Track the Moon’s phases, spot bright stars like Regulus, and follow celestial events throughout the year. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned skywatcher, our astronomy articles make the cosmos exciting, understandable, and—best of all—right outside your window.

What people mean when they say “Blood Moon,” why the Moon sometimes looks red, and where the myths come from.

Fun Facts and Frequently Asked Questions About the March Equinox

Watching the sun, stars, Moon—and dust bunnies!

Welcome to Your Stargazer’s Toolkit

The Origins of the 5 Ocean Names

The same side of the Moon always faces Earth. So what's on the far side?

When Is the Next Solar or Lunar Eclipse?

March’s Full Worm Moon Comes With a Rare Lunar Eclipse

Interesting Facts About the Moon You Didn’t Learn in School

Why December’s Full Moon is a Supermoon and Called the Cold Moon

Uncover the story behind the Buck Moon and what makes July an important month in Moon lore.

Mark Your Calendar for May 2026’s Full Moons!

How Carbon Dioxide Shaped Earth, Mars, and Venus

Lunar Perigee and Apogee and the Moon's Orbit

After the Shortest Day of the Year, Get Ready for Sunlight!

2026 Skywatching Guide to the Best Moons, Planets & Meteor Showers in the Night Sky

Discover why Regulus has fascinated astronomers for thousands of years, from ancient royal symbolism to rare planetary encounters.

Visible Planets, Bright Stars, and Constellations

When is the Winter Solstice, and What Is it All About?

Explore ancient Moon superstitions and dream meanings—from omens of luck and love to eerie warnings written in the night sky.

Images on the Moon: The Man in the Moon and Other Legends

Tide Terminology Explained: A Guide to Tides and Tidal Ranges

Look for the Dog Star this month!

Discover Why February’s Moon is Called the Snow Moon and How to See It at Its Peak

This bizarre day is full of amazing sky-related stuff

Discover why stars twinkle, why planets usually don’t, and what atmospheric conditions make the night sky shimmer.

The frequency and rarity of a total solar eclipse

A very good year for bright, frequent meteors thanks to an early‑setting crescent Moon

Don’t miss the Geminids—December’s top meteor shower with up to 75 shooting stars an hour!

Does the Moon Affect the Weather? A Historic Almanac Chart Explained

What planets and stars can we see tonight?

Find Out When to See a Supermoon in 2026

A Guide to Traditional Full Moon Names and Their Meanings

Shine On, Harvest Moon! Facts and Folklore

Learn what a New Moon looks like, why you can’t see it, and when the next New Moon will occur

When Earth is Closest and Farthest from the Sun in 2026

Spot the "Dog Star" on New Year's Eve!

Curious Ways Our Ancestors Tracked the Seasons

What Was the "Christmas Star"? When Can You See It?

Everything You Should Know About the Longest Day of the Year

Facts, Folklore, and Everything You Need to Know About the Fall Equinox

Uncover the stories, science, and symbolism behind the first Full Moon of summer in 2026.

Explore spring’s first Full Moon and the traditional names that celebrate the season’s return.

Why the Earliest Sunset of the Year is NOT on the Solstice

The Search for Exoplanets and Extraterrestrial Life

Free May Sky Map (Star Chart)

Free March Sky Map (Star Chart)

Brightest Stars and Constellations of the Night Sky

Free August Sky Map (Star Chart)

Stargazing in the February Night Sky

Everything you need to know to spot December’s top sky‑watching moments — no telescope required.

How Many Moons Does Jupiter Have? Amazing Facts About the King of Planets

Where is Orion in the winter sky?

All about Mercury, the planet closest to the Sun

It's Hot, Hot, Hot this Summer! See Average Temperatures for Your Region

Everything you need to know from a veteran eclipse chaser

A Few Steps to Discovering a Space Rock!

Catch Venus, Jupiter, Uranus, and Saturn—plus peak meteor showers this November!

Weird but True: Fascinating Universe Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Compass-Free Navigation: Survival Tips for Hiking & Camping

Epsilon Lyrae is not just a binary star, but a double binary star.

Betelgeuse Star: Facts, Viewing Tips & Supernova Potential

From dazzling planets to shooting stars, here’s your guide to October’s must-see celestial events.

Do Your Own Stonehenge Thing -- Without Moving a Single Rock

Milky Way Stargazing Guide: Best Time, Places, and Tips

From Europa to Titan: Exploring the Weirdest Moons in Space

A Closer Look at the Mysterious Fall Equinox

How to Use an Almanac To Explore the Night Sky

Planet Neptune: 10 Facts About the Other Blue Planet

Tips on how see Saturn at its closest point to Earth

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Total Solar Eclipses

Where and when to see the "Ring of Fire"

Astronomy Garden

Tonight's Night Sky for the Month of September