Never miss a full moon, eclipse, or meteor shower with reminders from the Almanac Daily newsletter.
This Week's Amazing Sky
June 1, 2023
This June brings Venus at her best showing since 2015. Find out why—and see Earth’s sister planet in her final weeks of brilliance. Here’s more information from Bob Berman.You’ve surely seen Earth’s sister planet, that dazzling “star” in the west after sunset? The fact that the “Evening Star” hasn’t been this bright in 8 years is no accident. Some cool and easy…
May 23, 2023
Can you balance an egg on the autumnal equinox? Does the Sun rise due east and set due west for all of us on Earth? Why did the date of the equinox change? How is it related to the Harvest Moon? Bob separates autumnal equinox facts from fiction.We have an equinox coming up on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Read all about the Autumnal Equinox!There are a number of questions and…
May 22, 2023
The next Blue Moon occurs on August 30, 2023—and it’s a supermoon, too! What is a Blue Moon, exactly? Read all about the different types of Blue Moons.What Is a Blue Moon?Need a refresher on what a Blue Moon is? We get a lot of questions about the term, including:Is “Blue Moon” a scientific term used in astronomy?Did this term originate with Native American folklore,…
May 11, 2023
The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse will be the most watched celestial event in our lifetime, given how many millions are on or near the path. See the map of the “path of totality” across the U.S. to find out if you’re nearby. It’s not too early to plan for nature’s most awesome experience.Many of you may remember the 2017 “Great American Eclipse” which gave many Americans the chance to see their…
May 11, 2023
Can you look at a solar eclipse? No, not even for a minute. Here is information on how to watch an eclipse safely, why you can’t look, and proper eye protection (not sunglasses!) for eye safety.Do Not Look at the Partial EclipseThe “partial” eclipse is the hour-long prologue to a total solar eclipse. You can NOT safely look at any of it. Not with sunglasses, not with binoculars,…
May 6, 2023
Welcome the summer solstice with a fun 10-question solstice quiz. Then read Bob Berman’s seven cool (or, is it “hot”?) solstice facts to celebrate the start of summer!The solstice on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, happens at the same instant for all of us, everywhere on Earth; only our clocks are different. In the eastern United States, the solstice occurs at 10:58 AM EDT.Sure,…
April 16, 2023
It’s a “Black Moon”! This sounds ominous but it’s not. Find out what a Black Moon is, when the next Black Moon occurs, and special symbolism and folklore.What is a Black Moon?A Black Moon is a special kind of New Moon, just as a Blue Moon is a special kind of Full Moon. Neither are astronomical terms; both are catch phrases for an unusual lunar calendar occurrence. For this…
April 1, 2023
You get an automated phone solicitation. What are they peddling? It’s a glimpse of the planet Mercury. Not a chance, right? But give me a couple minutes and I’ll wager you’ll be “sold” and desperately want to see the fast-moving “winged” Mercury.Mercury’s Best Appearance of 2023The facts: April 1 to 15, 2023 is the best opportunity to spot the elusive planet Mercury—usually too…
March 24, 2023
You may have heard the news: “Five planets will align! Don’t miss it!” A planetary line-up this coming week sounds fascinating. But despite much media hype, the real story, the “inside word,” is: sleep through this one. Or, better yet, pull up a chair and hear two tips that will break this celestial event into two worthwhile segments. Ready?As I mention in my March Sky Watch, forget…
March 23, 2023
Learn how the Moon affects planet Earth. From tides to weather, there are many ways that our one and only natural satellite works in tandem with our planet. Plus, let’s dispel some myths about powers that our Moon does NOT have!How the Moon Affects TidesOcean TidesOf course, high tides and low tides are caused by the Moon’s gravitational pull. People…
March 15, 2023
Ever noticed that you can sometimes see the part of the Moon that isn’t lit up? The dark portion of the Moon (the area unlit by the Sun) seems to glow. This phenomenon is known as “Earthshine.” Historically, this was called “the new Moon in the old Moon’s arms.” Learn more about Earthshine.What is Earthshine?When you can see the dark, unlit portion of the crescent Moon (the area…
March 14, 2023
On this March equinox, does the Sun rise due east and set due west? Are day and night of equal duration? Some of these answers are quite contrary to common wisdom. Bob Berman brings the fun facts to celebrate the first day of spring!On the vernal equinox (March 20), the Sun will cross the celestial equator—an imaginary line in the sky above Earth’s equator—from south to north. This instant…