That bright "star" in the west after sunset is Venus, often called the "Evening Star". It will shine brightly for most of the rest of 2026, peaking in August.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. An award-winning reporter writing about stargazing and the night sky. Skywatchers looking east a couple of hours after dark this ...

We went outside and I asked him to find the Big Dipper, the easily identifiable pattern of stars that make up a portion of the constellation Ursa Major. I reminded him that we could always see the Big ...

On a cool night in August, more than 100 people gathered in a dark corner on Frisco Main Street. The lights at the Frisco Historic Park were out. Phones were tucked away, out of sight. People lay on ...

From a total solar eclipse to "star-beds" on an African safari, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for travel. These ...

A series of striking celestial events will unfold in the night sky during the second half of March 2026. From rare planetary ...

According to our recent weather forecasts, the return of Red-winged Blackbirds, and sights of robins, spring is here. However ...

Visibility and timing depend on your exact location, with the event unfolding between roughly 8:40 and 10:05 p.m. EST for those in the viewing zone On Monday, Feb. 2, a rare celestial alignment will ...

Each spring, amateur astronomers attempt the ultimate stargazing challenge—an overnight quest to spot every galaxy, nebula, ...

Everyone likes to stare at the sky at night, and when we look at the stars, it makes us feel at ease, which can help us sleep better; however, few of us take the time to consider how the twinkling sky ...

Capturing the Milky Way doesn't require thousands of dollars in gear. Here is my simple guide to using your smartphone—or camera—and the dark sky to take professional-quality photos.