Science@NASA
Science News
Solar System, Sky Watching
Dec 1, 2022
What to look for: Mars disappears, and Pegasus rides to adventure Viewers in most of the U.S. and Europe can watch Mars slip behind the Moon on Dec. 7, and everyone can find the winged horse constellation Pegasus.
Additional information about topics covered in this episode of What's Up, along with... Read More
Earth, Sky Watching, Citizen Science
Oct 26, 2022
A flash of lightning, and then – something else. High above the storm, a crimson figure blinks in and out of existence. If you saw it, you are a lucky witness of a sprite, one of the least-understood electrical phenomena in Earth’s upper atmosphere. But if you caught it on camera, your photo could... Read More
Solar System, Sky Watching
Oct 1, 2022
What are some skywatching highlights in October 2022? Enjoy giant planets Jupiter and Saturn all night throughout the month. Then watch as Mars begins its retrograde motion, moving westward each night instead of eastward, for the next few months. Finally, check out the Orionid meteors overnight on... Read More
Solar System, Sky Watching
Sep 1, 2022
Mars is on the move this month, forming a "red triangle" with bright red stars Aldebaran and Betelgeuse. Saturn and Jupiter fly with the Moon on the 9th, and then the Moon slides over closer Jupiter in the morning sky on the 11th. At the end of the month, September 23rd brings the equinox, meaning... Read More
Solar System, Sky Watching
Aug 1, 2022
The daily parade of four naked-eye planets in the mornings comes to an end this month. But there are still lots of great highlights, especially if you have access to binoculars. Plus, Saturn and Jupiter are returning to nighttime skies! The outlook for the Perseid meteors isn't great due to a full... Read More
Solar System, Sky Watching
May 2, 2022
May 2022 skywatching highlights: Morning planets, a total lunar eclipse, and the second-closest open star cluster, which hangs out near the lion's tail.
Solar System, Planets of Our Solar System, Earth, Sky Watching
Dec 3, 2021
What's Up for December? Your early evening highlights, a chance to catch a comet, and the annual Geminid meteors.
Solar System, Sky Watching
Apr 7, 2021
Look for the rosy arch known as the Belt of Venus at sunset, then find the constellation Leo overhead on April evenings. Also check out Jupiter and Saturn with the Moon on April 6.
Solar System, Sky Watching
Jan 31, 2020
Scientists think planets, including the Earth, form inside giant disks of gas and dust that circle young stars. Observing these disks, called protoplanetary disks, teaches us how long it takes planets to form. Until recently astronomers thought that protoplanetary disks all faded away after just a... Read More
Solar System, Planets of Our Solar System, Sky Watching
Sep 9, 2019
Neptune will be at opposition in September, providing sky watchers and astronomers the opportunity to observe this planet that is invisible to the naked eye, but that scientists would love to see more clearly.
ISS, Sky Watching, Meteor Showers
Dec 13, 2018
The Geminids meteor shower will be viewed from above by the Meteor camera on the International Space Station, as well as from below by sky watchers on Earth.
Solar System, Sky Watching
Dec 12, 2018
People around the world have the opportunity to participate in the study of comet 46P/Wirtanen as it has a close approach with Earth in December of 2018
Sky Watching, Meteor Showers
Aug 10, 2018
The Perseid Meteor Shower peaks on the night of August 12 into the morning of August 13. With a clear sky, observers will be able to see up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak.
Sky Watching, Meteor Showers
Aug 10, 2018
The fireworks show you watched in July most likely lasted 20 minutes. But in August, you can watch some celestial fireworks that will last hours and hours. This is the Perseid Meteor Shower. With a clear sky, observers will be able to see up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak.
