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This Week's Amazing Sky

The Pleiades Star Cluster: The Seven Sisters

What are the Seven Sisters? These are stars in the Pleiades star cluster—one of the most noticeable star patterns. This tiny dipper of six stars appears at nightfall, lowish in the west, directly above where the Sun sets in the spring. So, wait, why are they called the Seven Sisters? Read on!Why is the Pleiades called the Seven Sisters?The seven sisters come from Greek…

What Is a New Moon? When Is the Next New Moon?

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 …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…

Happy Pi Day 2025, My Friends!

Make a pie to celebrate Pi Day on March 14, 2025! 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 π …The date 3/14 reminds everyone that the Greek letter π, always representing the ratio between any circle’s…
regulus

Remarkable Blue Star Regulus

All about the famous blue star Regulus! Here are viewing tips, plus learn about the remarkable Regulus, the “little king” of the stars.Regulus is one of the brightest stars in the night sky. And while it appears as a single star to the human eye, Regulus has three unseen companion stars, two of which can be seen in telescopes.Regulus is also the brightest object in Leo. The “Sickle of…

7 Facts About the June Solstice—Plus, a Solstice Quiz!

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 Thursday, June 20, 2024, 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 4:51 PM EDT.Sure, you may…
Solar system planets in order

Discover the Planets in Order From the Sun

Long ago, everyone knew the odd mnemonic phrase, “My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pancakes.” The first letter evokes each planet in order from the Sun. We also must now abandon the Pancakes! Learn more.In 2006, Pluto was demoted to a dwarf planet, not a normal, regular one. So should we now say our mom “…Served Us Nothing” and stop there? Or, perhaps, “Served Us Nachos”? Let’s go…
sunset

After the Summer Solstice, How Fast are We Losing Daylight?

Summer, bring it on! After the summer solstice (June 20, 2024), we start to lose daylight. How fast? Bob Berman talks about solstices and sunsets—and you can find out how rapidly the times change where you live.First, here is a refresher: The summer solstice is the first day of summer, according to astronomy. The word solstice comes from the two Latin words “sun” and “stoppage.” Makes sense…
2017 Eclipse Alexander

Looking Back at the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse

Looking back at the 2017 total solar eclipse gives us a taste of what’s to come during the even bigger, longer 2024 total solar eclipse. From totality’s eerie darkness to seeing the diamond ring effect, the eclipse makes for incredible memories.August 2017 brought the first total solar eclipse visible from the U.S. since 1979 and the first to cross the country in 99 years. One popular destination…
Space junk

Space Junk Around Earth. Is It a Problem or Not?

Space junk—we hear about it on the news occasionally. Is it a problem? Or nothing to be concerned about? What does space junk mean, anyway, and how much is floating around Earth? Read on for Bob Berman’s latest musings …I love watching my garbage hauled away. Maybe it’s a guy thing; I don’t know. Whatever the reason, I get a thrill when the weekly truck arrives. I watch them…
Total Solar Eclipse Corona Details

An Eclipse Day Checklist and Last-Minute Thoughts

Now that the April 8 total solar eclipse is upon us, here are ten last-minute tips—and an eclipse day checklist if you’re headed out. 10 Eclipse Tips and MusingsFirst, remember that this event isn’t about astronomy as much as quality of life, meaning the chance to have the deepest experience in life. Many people weep from the emotional impact! Do not waste time trying to take…
total solar eclipse guide, where when and what to expect in 2024 total eclipse of the sun

Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Path of Totality Across Americas!

Why is the April 8 total eclipse a big deal? Totality lasts over four minutes, and 32 million Americans will be on the path! Totality won’t happen again on U.S. soil for 20 years. See Bob Berman’s excellent guide with eclipse times and more information.Your next chance in the U.S. won’t happen until August 12, 2045. Learn how often solar eclipses occur.The 2024 Total Eclipse GuideTo me…

What to Look For During the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: 10-Minute Countdown!

Bob Berman presents his 10-minute countdown to the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. If you’re wondering exactly what to look for, here’s what you’ll see at 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minute, and totality!First things first. If you plan to see the total solar eclipse from beginning to end (as captured in the above photo), I assume by now that you know it’s essential to be 100%…

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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