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This Week's Amazing Sky | Almanac.com
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This Week's Amazing Sky

If you’re a stargazer, discover the surprising world of stars. What are stars made of, and what color are they, really? Bob Berman shares five surprising facts about stars. How many do you know?As an almanac, we often share seasonal star facts. Like, if it’s summer and a single bright star hovers directly overhead, it’s Vega, which, despite its fame, is rarely correctly pronounced as VEE-ga…
Can you look at a solar eclipse safely? Solar eclipses are rare, so it’s truly incredible that we’ll experience one in a few months. Find out if you can stare at the Sun and how to protect your eyes. Pull up a chair: there’s a lot of misinformation out there.First, when is the upcoming eclipse?  There’s the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024! See my 2024 Eclipse Guide.Now, let’s talk…
Water shouldn’t really be wet! It shouldn’t be liquid. It should be a gas. After all, all other similar molecules are gases at room temperature. Bob explains why water—beyond its obvious life-giving properties—is truly astonishing. It’s hard not to appreciate water, despite it being the most common compound in the cosmos. Water usually takes the form of ice or…
The April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse will be a stunningly long eclipse with over 32 million people living on the path of totality. It will be the most-watched celestial event in our lifetime. Get all the details about when, where, and what to expect in Bob Berman’s total solar eclipse guide.     Miss the 2024 total solar eclipse; your next chance in the U.S. won’t happen…
When we gaze up at the night sky, it appears as a still-life scene. The one exception is when a streaking meteor suddenly pierces the sky. We’re talking about shooting stars. Would you believe a shooting star is just the size of a raisin? Learn all about these streaks of light—and how to see one!The stars appear motionless. You’d have to leave and return ten minutes later to notice that the…
Planet Mercury is odd in so many ways; it’s hard to find aspects that aren’t strange. What color is Mercury, really? And does it have the hottest surface temperature? See 10 fun facts about the smallest planet in our solar system. 10 Facts about Planet MercuryMercury’s orbit may be nearest to the Sun, so you’d think it was also the hottest planet. Nope! It’s the second hottest…
Mark your calendars because 2024 promises to be a phenomenal year for skywatchers! Bob has a short list of 6 celestial events that everyone can view without special equipment. Plus, he debunks the hype around some overhyped “events” that you can skip. Let’s focus on the truly magnificent shows in the night sky. The universe does not pretend to offer equality when it comes to Earth’s sky…
At noon now in midwinter, the Sun stands a bit higher each day. Most of us do not notice the slow changes in the sky, like daylight increasing by just seconds a day,  and what that does to us. Let’s explore these often unseen natural wonders.1. Note the Sun’s position rising—over five times its width every week.Each day, the Sun moves eastward against the stars. Being in Aquarius,…
Make a pie to celebrate Pi Day on March 14, 2024! The date 3/14 honors the never-ending number 3.14159. This is the sort of holiday only celebrated by number fanatics, like yours truly (and pie lovers). Let’s have fun with numbers and a nice piece of Ď€ â€¦The date 3/14 reminds everyone that the Greek letter Ď€, always representing the ratio between any circle’s…
When the local weather station (or your weather app) says that there is an “80% chance of rain,” do you assume that this means you have an 80% chance of getting rained on? Not true. Bob Berman explains what a “chance of rain” really means!If you’re a sky watcher like yours truly, the first step in observing the sky is having decent weather. We probably all check the forecast from time…
It’s a new Moon! For astronomers, a new Moon means no Moon to look at. For many cultures, however, the new Moon carries special meaning. So, when will the new moons be in 2024? What does a new Moon look like? Let’s explore, fellow Moon lovers â€¦What Is a New Moon?A new Moon is essentially the opposite of a full Moon. During a full Moon, we see the side of the Moon that is…
This year, the full Hunter’s Moon rises on Thursday, October 17, 2024! This is one of the two full Moons that enjoy an official astronomical name. So, will it be bigger, brighter, and redder? Here’s all you need to know!What Is the Hunter’s Moon?People like objects to have names. While the full Moon is always recognizable—and indeed the only phase that’s out all…