This Week's Amazing Sky
July 17, 2020
In most of the Northern Hemisphere, July is the hottest month. But when folks grumble about feeling uncomfortable, they often say, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” That’s so true. Look up to the skies to know it’s going to be humid! Here’s how.
How Can You Tell That It’s Humid?
You can quickly judge moisture by glancing up.
A deep blue sky means dry air.
A light blue sky with a nearly white horizon means average humidity.
A sky that’s milky overhead is very humid. That’s the... more
June 23, 2020
Normally, our sky explorations involve the Moon and planets. But the practical effects on our lives come from very different sky components—the ones called clouds. And now that summer’s officially here, the clouds have changed. Wherever you are right now, let’s walk outside or look out the window for some cloud gazing.
We take clouds for granted because the sky is part of nature and is always above us. But take a moment to watch these fluffy shapes form in the sky.
We’re not going to quiz you... more
June 1, 2020
On Friday, June 5, the Moon will pass through the edge of Earth’s shadow, resulting in a “penumbral eclipse.” It’s one of four penumbral eclipses in 2020! Yep, a weird penumbral quartet. What is a penumbral eclipse, anyway, and how does it occur? Bob Berman explains.
*Note: The June 5 eclipse is visible only from the western Pacific Ocean and parts of Australasia, Asia, Antarctica, Europe, Africa, and South America, not North America. So read on only if interested in this strange world of... more
May 22, 2020
For astronomers, a new Moon means no Moon! For many cultures, however, the new Moon carries special meaning. Discover more about the new Moon.
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 being illuminated by the Sun, giving the Moon its bright, glowing appearance. During a new Moon, however, we see the side of the Moon that is not being illuminated by the Sun, which makes the Moon blend in with the dark night... more
May 16, 2020
Ever noticed that you can sometimes see the part of the Moon that isn’t lit up? That’s earthshine! Historically, this is called “the new Moon in the old Moon’s arms.” Learn more about earthshine.
What is Earthshine?
When the crescent Moon appears in twilight, a strange but famous feature becomes visible: The dark unlit portion of the Moon (the area unlit by the Sun) seems to glow!
This phenomenon is aptly called earthshine.
It’s sunlight that’s been reflected off of Earth, then bounced off... more
May 15, 2020
“Closest black hole” is the astro-news this past week. And let’s briefly explore it, just so you know the real story behind this scary-sounding object. Because black holes are headline-grabbers and objects of public fascination, but the truth about them is more fascinating than the hype.
First let’s be clear: They’ve had very bad “PR” – which makes people think a black hole goes around sucking everything into them. Actually you’d have to venture right up to a black hole’s edge, its so-called “... more
April 24, 2020
April 27, 2020 (EDT), or April 28, 2020 (UT), is officially the planet’s brightest evening in years—though the planet will dazzle you anytime this week. It’s so unusually high and brilliant, it’s safe to say that you’ve never seen it looking better, not in your whole life.
How to Find Venus
After the Moon, Venus is easily the night sky’s brightest object all of April 2020—and she’s now shining at her very best of the year.
While Venus shows up every two years or so, it’s usually rather low, and... more
April 15, 2020
What’s the most spectacular sky object? A bright comet is certainly on my top-five list. A few weeks ago, you may have heard about Comet ATLAS. If not, no matter. It fizzled. And you’ll probably hear about new comets in the skies, like Comet SWAN. But how often do bright comets truly appear?
Certainly, a bright comet is something amazing to behold. Of all the sky objects you can see without a telescope, my full Top-Five list includes: a total solar eclipse, a vivid aurora display, an exploding... more
April 6, 2020
Let’s set the record straight about the Harvest Moon . It’s not bigger than other full Moons. It’s not brighter. So why is it special? That’s the question for October 1 this year, and through the weekend!
The Harvest Moon, together with the Hunter’s Moon, are the year’s only full Moons that have official names.
Sure, in January you may hear things like, “Look for the full Wolf Moon this weekend!” But is that really the name of the January full Moon? It was, to Anglo-Saxons. But the Lakota... more
March 3, 2020
Who hasn’t heard of the Dog Star, Sirius? It’s the brightest star in the sky in late winter and early spring. And boy, is it easy to find. Just face south at 8 P.M. and look for Orion. Plus, you also have a chance to see its pup! Yes, it’s a two-dog night.
How to Find Sirius
Simply locate Orion. See its famous belt made up of three bright stars? The belt points downwards towards Sirius.
Follow the stars down and left. They point to the most brilliant star, which has a distinct blue-white color... more
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Welcome to “This Week’s Amazing Sky,” the Almanac’s hub for everything stargazing and astronomy. Bob Berman, longtime and famous astronomer for The Old Farmer’s Almanac, will help bring alive the wonders of our universe. From the beautiful stars and planets to magical auroras and eclipses, he covers everything under the Sun (and Moon)! Bob, the world’s mostly widely read astronomer, also has a new weekly podcast, Astounding Universe!
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