Where The Snow Goes
Let’s talk about winter air. Ever noticed that if you have frost on your car, it will probably be totally gone by the time you reach your destination, even if the weather is subfreezing? The cause is...
View ArticleHow Does The Moon Affect Our Bodies?
In mid-February the Moon starts to return to the evening sky. This brings up an ancient puzzle: How does the Moon affect us? (I’m referring to the Moon’s physical effect on our bodies, not whether...
View ArticlePlanet Spectacle: The Show Will Start Soon
This year will indeed be extraordinary for planets. We will see one of the closest approaches of Mars in our lives, in mid-summer. We’ll have conjunctions galore. We’ll see all the planets lined up...
View ArticleA New Star in the Night Sky in 2022
A star is born! If you’ve followed column, you may recall me saying that a new star will appear in the night sky. This is exciting space news and worth sharing with more sky watch enthusiasts. In...
View ArticleWhat's the Brightest Star in the Sky Tonight?
Who hasn’t heard of the Dog Star, Sirius? It’s the brightest star in the sky. Right now, it’s at its most prominent position of the year, highest up at 7 P.M.—right after darkness falls. And boy, is it...
View ArticleVernal Equinox Oddities
The vernal equinox occurs on Tuesday, March 20, but what really happens in the sky on this day? Learn about the March equinox from Almanac astronomer, Bob Berman! The Moving March Equinox If the date...
View ArticleHappy Pi Day 2018, My Friends!
On Wednesday, March 14 (3/14), Pi Day is celebrated. It’s the sort of holiday only celebrated by number freaks like yours truly. Of course, to honor the never-ending number 3.14159, many of us pi...
View ArticleThe Year's Best Conjunction is Sunday, March 18
An unusual thing happens Sunday evening at 7:30 P.M.—a beautiful meeting of the three closest worlds to Earth. The Moon, the planet Venus, and the strange planet Mercury will all be in alignment. And...
View ArticleThe Moon, Saturn, and Mars Meet on April 6–7
Sometimes the actual sky is so compelling, we’re forced to simply look out the window. Such is the case on early Saturday morning (April 7) when the Moon will meet Saturn and Mars. And you don’t need...
View ArticleWhat’s the Slowest-Spinning Planet?
Space is famous for zippy activity, like streaking meteors that sail through the night sky. But space has another face—a slow-and-easy side. In reality, Venus, the Moon, and many of our most beloved...
View ArticleHow Far is the Farthest Galaxy in the Universe?
How far is the most distant object ever seen in the universe? The latest record holder is a galaxy about 13.3 billion light-years away. But something screwy is going on when we talk about distances in...
View ArticleHow Far Away Is the Farthest Galaxy in the Universe?
How far away is the most distant object ever seen in the universe? The latest record holder is a galaxy about 13.3 billion light-years away. But something screwy is going on when we talk about...
View ArticleHow Far is the Most Distant Object in the Universe?
What is the most distant object humans have ever seen in the known Universe? The latest record-holder is a galaxy that is about 13.4 billion light-years away! Or, is it? Something screwy is going on...
View ArticleJupiter at Opposition | Closest Approach to Earth
This is Jupiter month! It’s midnight’s brightest star. On the night of May 8–9, the Giant Planet will be at its brightest for the entire year as it reaches opposition—meaning Jupiter is opposite the...
View ArticleSolar Minimum Approaching | A Mini Ice Age?
Sunspots are disappearing more rapidly than usual as the Sun prepares to enter the solar minimum. The last time the absence of sunspots was so prolonged was the “Little Ice Age,” which happened back in...
View Article20 Cool Things about Venus, the Evening Star
The night’s brightest object is the Moon, of course. But the second-brightest? Surprisingly, most people don’t know. That’s why a dazzling apparition can now dominate the western sky, shining a hundred...
View Article7 Facts About the June Solstice
This year, the June solstice falls on Thursday, June 21. Enjoy seven cool (or, is it hot?) solstice facts—and see how many you know! If you ask friends what happens on the summer solstice, they’re...
View Article10 Cool Things about Venus, the Evening Star
The night’s brightest object is the Moon, of course. But the second-brightest? Surprisingly, most people don’t know. That’s why a dazzling apparition can now dominate the western sky, shining a hundred...
View Article10 Cool Things about Venus, our Evening Star
Venus watchers, our favorite planet is back in the night sky! What makes Venus special? She’s the nearest planet and neighbor, she’s the brightest of all the planets, and she’s our Evening Star. Did...
View ArticleQuarter Moon or a Half Moon? Clearing Up Confusion.
Only in astronomy does a Half Moon and a Quarter Moon mean the same thing! And the Quarter Moon is actually more interesting to view than the Full Moon. Bob explains the Moon phases! We’ve all looked...
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