The Radiant of the Perseid Meteor Shower (Image Credit: Future) Every summer, Earth passes through a cosmic debris field, treating us to one of the most spectacular celestial events: the Perseid meteor shower. For astrophotographers, amateur astronomers, and stargazers alike, the Perseids offer a chance to witness a breathtaking display of shooting stars. But how can you make the most of this astronomical event in 2025? Let's dive into the details to help you plan your Perseid adventure. When to Catch the Show: Timing is Everything The Perseid meteor shower is active from July 17 to August 24, but the peak is the time you don't want to miss. In 2025, the peak activity is expected on August 12-13, with the International Meteor Organization predicting maximum activity around 13:15 GMT on August 12. Under ideal dark-sky conditions, you might see 50 to 100 meteors per hour! However, there's a catch: the Full Moon on August 9th, 2025, will create a bright waning gibbous pha...

Comet SWAN 25F taken by Chris Shur. Are you an astrophotographer or amateur astronomer looking for your next celestial challenge? Look no further than the captivating Comet SWAN25F! This newly discovered comet has been generating excitement in the astronomical community, and for good reason. With a little planning and the right equipment, you can observe and even photograph this icy wanderer from your own backyard. A Green Guest in the Dawn Sky, Comet SWAN25F, designated C/2025 F2 (SWAN), was discovered in late March 2025 and has quickly become a target of interest for stargazers. It was first identified through images captured by the Solar Wind Anisotropies (SWAN) instrument aboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), a joint mission between NASA and the European Space Agency. The discovery highlights the important role citizen scientists play in astronomy, with Australian amateur astronomer Michael Mattiazzo credited as the primary discoverer. Currently, Comet SWAN25...

This stunning image, skillfully captured and processed by Brian Puhl, showcases the mesmerizing intricacies of an emission nebula. Taken with the AFIL-40 telescope, located in the breathtaking Rio Hurtado Valley of Chile. Are you an astrophotographer dreaming of capturing breathtaking images of deep-sky wonders? Do you yearn for the pristine dark skies that unlock the universe's hidden beauty? Then prepare to be amazed! A stunning new image set of IC 1274 is now available on Starbase , offering a glimpse into the heart of this captivating nebula. IC 1274: A Celestial Gem IC 1274 is a luminous nebula nestled within the Lynds 227 molecular cloud in the constellation Sagittarius. Located approximately 5,900 light-years from Earth, this stellar nursery is a hotbed of star formation, energized by the intense radiation of the massive B0-class star HD 166033 (Hansonastronomy.com). The nebula's vibrant red hues, characteristic of ionized hydrogen, and intricate dust lane struct...

The Glow of the Solar Corona During the Totality of the February 16, 1980, Total Solar Eclipse from Kenya, Africa. All photos by Harry Hammond. The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, is set to be an awe-inspiring astronomical event that will mesmerize observers throughout North America. Several extraordinary phenomena will be unveiled when the Moon completely blocks out the Sun during the brief period of totality. The Solar Corona:  As the Moon's shadow covers the Sun, the solar corona, a radiant halo of superheated plasma, will become visible. Normally obscured by the Sun's intense brightness, the corona extends millions of kilometers into space. During totality, it will manifest as a delicate and ethereal crown encircling the obscured Sun. Its delicate tendrils, sculpted by the Sun's magnetic field, will extend outward, exposing the Sun's outer layers. Prominences and Filaments:  Watch for solar prominences, massive arches of hot gas, along the edge of the...

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks was imaged by Lukas Demetz and processed by Rolando Ligustri using Insight Observatory's affiliate remote telescope, AFIL-23 located in Nerpio, Spain. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, a captivating icy traveler named in honor of the remarkable comet hunters Jean-Louis Pons and William Robert Brooks, periodically graces our skies, leaving stargazers in awe. Let's explore the fascinating tale of this celestial phenomenon that has captured the imagination of astronomers and skywatchers alike. In the early 19th century, Jean-Louis Pons, armed with telescopes of his own design, established himself as a legendary astronomer figure by visually discovering an astonishing 37 comets. This record remains unbroken to this day. Among his discoveries was an enigmatic object spotted on July 12, 1812—a comet with no apparent tail. Over the following month, this mysterious celestial body brightened, becoming dimly visible to the naked eye. By August 15, it reached its peak brigh...

A discovery image of the new Uranian moon S/2023 U1 using the Magellan Telescope on November 4, 2023. Photo Credit: Scott Sheppard / Carnegie Institute for Science. Astronomy enthusiasts and stargazers alike have reason to rejoice as recent research has uncovered a trio of hidden gems swirling around the gas giants Uranus and Neptune. In a revelation that adds sparkle to our understanding of the outer solar system, astronomers have unveiled three previously undiscovered moons, each with its own unique story to tell. These newfound moons aren't just celestial bystanders; they represent fragments from a common parent object, adding a layer of complexity to our understanding of moon formation. With irregular orbits and intriguing distances from their host planets, they challenge conventional wisdom and beckon us to reconsider the dynamics of our cosmic neighborhood. Uranus, Shakespeare's inspiration for celestial naming, welcomes two new moons to its retinue: Cressida an...

The total solar eclipse will be visible along a narrow track stretching from Texas to Maine on April 8, 2024. A partial eclipse will be visible throughout all 48 contiguous U.S. states. Are you ready for a spectacular celestial show? The 2024 solar eclipse is gearing up to grace North America with its awe-inspiring presence. This rare event promises an unforgettable experience for those fortunate enough to witness it. But hold your horses, eager sky-gazers! To truly savor the magic of this cosmic phenomenon, a little preparation goes a long way. Here's your go-to guide on how to bask in the brilliance of the 2024 solar eclipse: Hunt Down the Perfect Spot: Picture this: Mexico, the United States, and Canada are all in the eclipse's path of totality. The duration of totality? Well, that varies depending on where you're stationed. Luckily, the internet is your trusty sidekick here. Dive into online resources, like the insightful video by NASA Science on YouTube, for a bre...

NGC 6726 - A reflection and emission nebula in the constellation Corona Australis processed by Jon Gascoyne from image data acquired on Insight Observatory's remote telescope, ATEO-3 located at Deep Sky Chile. Image data by Franck Jobard. If you cast your gaze towards the constellation Corona Australis, you might just catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing NGC 6729, affectionately known as Caldwell 68. This celestial spectacle, a reflection/emission nebula, was first discovered by the keen eyes of Johann Friedrich Julius Schmidt in the year 1861. Let's embark on a cosmic journey to unravel the secrets held within the folds of this captivating nebula. NGC 6729 takes center stage as a small yet enchanting segment of the Corona Australis Molecular Cloud positioned approximately 400 light-years away from our vantage point on Earth. Imagine a fan-shaped nebula unfolding its celestial wings, reaching out from the radiant R Coronae Australis to the distant T CrA in the southeast. Th...

SN2024gy imaged on 01/11/2024 by Luis Velasquez is from 2.25 hours of LRGB data from Insight Observatory's affiliate remote telescope AFIL-3 located in Hakos, Namibia. In the vast expanse of the cosmos, an extraordinary event unfolded on January 4, 2024 – the discovery of Supernova 2024gy in the galaxy NGC 4216. This celestial marvel was unveiled to the world by the keen eyes of Koichi Itagaki, a passionate Japanese amateur astronomer. SN2024gy belongs to the exclusive category of Type Ia supernovae, a type that originates in binary star systems. What makes these stellar explosions particularly captivating is their role as "standard candles" in the cosmic distance measurement toolkit. The consistent brightness exhibited by Type Ia supernovae allows astronomers to precisely calculate their distance from Earth, offering a unique window into the mysteries of the universe. The significance of this discovery extends beyond the cosmic spectacle itself; it signifies the c...

The author's artistic rendition of the "Great Fireball of '66". At around 7:15pm, on Sunday, April 24, 1966 – fifty-seven years ago this past April - I was 8 years old, and I just happened to be passing by the open front door to our house, in Falmouth, Massachusetts, facing, due, West...If I had been doing anything else - other, than that – I could not be writing this today… This is my digital painting/impression of the “Fireball”, as I observed it from my front door-step, super-imposed onto a photo of the Mullen-Hall School, in Falmouth, as seen from my perspective. I remember that the sky was still light, and absolutely cloudless (about 30 minutes after sunset) when I noticed a bright ball of light about the size and brightness of the full moon approaching from my left in my field of view (toward the South). I remember being, "frozen", in place, as I watched this bight, "thing” – I first thought it was maybe a burning aircraft, moving parallel wit...

Messier 42 and Running Man Nebula processed by Utkarsh Mishra using 1 hour of image data captured on Insight Observatory's 16" f/3.75 Dream astrograph reflector (ATEO-1) telescope located in New Mexico, USA. The final image is a combination of separate images captured through luminance, red, green, and blue (LRGB) filters. The constellation Orion, with its distinctive shape resembling a hunter, is a treasure trove for astronomy enthusiasts seeking to explore the depths of the night sky. Within this iconic constellation lies a myriad of deep sky objects, including nebulae, star clusters, and even a supernova remnant. One of the most famous deep sky objects in Orion is the Orion Nebula (M42), a stellar nursery located in the "sword" of Orion. Visible to the naked eye, this nebula is a stellar cradle where new stars are born, making it a breathtaking sight through telescopes. Adjacent to the Orion Nebula is the Running Man Nebula, a complex of gas and dust that adds...

Amateur astronomers make significant contributions to the field of astronomy, and their observations of variable stars serve as a valuable asset to the profession. Variable stars are celestial objects that exhibit periodic changes in brightness, and their study provides critical insights into stellar properties, evolution, and the larger universe. Amateur astronomers, with their passion and increasingly advanced equipment, offer a unique set of advantages in this domain, complementing the work of professional astronomers and expanding our understanding of these fascinating objects. One of the key advantages of amateur astronomers observing variable stars is their sheer numbers. The global community of amateur stargazers is vast, and their collective efforts result in a continuous stream of observations. This extensive dataset complements the work of professional astronomers, enabling them to monitor more variable stars than they could alone. The collaboration between amateurs and ...

Messier 101 - Pinwheel Galaxy with Supernova SN 2023ixf imaged and processed by Craig Stocks at Utah Desert Remote Observatories. One of the most notable ways amateur astronomers contribute is through extragalactic supernova searches. Supernovae are crucial for understanding the evolution of galaxies, and amateur astronomers often participate in systematic monitoring of distant galaxies to detect these brilliant cosmic explosions. Their unique advantage lies in the time and dedication they can commit, often using their own equipment. The observations and data collected by amateur astronomers provide a wealth of information that can complement professional research, aiding in the study of supernova properties and their impact on galactic ecosystems. Exoplanet research is another field where amateurs can play a pivotal role. While professionals have access to state-of-the-art telescopes and instruments, amateur astronomers can contribute by regularly monitoring stars for the telltale...

Leonid Meteors Image Credit: Getty Images/Science Photo Library RM Each year, stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts mark their calendars for meteor showers, and in 2023, the Leonid meteor shower promises to be one of the most spectacular celestial events to grace our night sky. The Leonid meteor shower occurs annually in November, peaking around November 17th. To make the most of this celestial spectacle, here are some tips on how to observe the 2023 Leonid meteor shower. The Leonid meteor shower, renowned for its stunning meteor displays, originates from the debris left behind by the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. This comet, which takes approximately 33 years to complete its orbit around the Sun, sheds dust and small rock particles as it travels through our solar system. Over time, these remnants disperse along its orbital path, forming what is known as the Leonid meteoroid stream. When Earth intersects this stream each year in November, the particles collide with our planet's atmos...

Use a red light torch to help you see your planisphere as this will help preserve your dark-adapted vision. Photo by VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images. Astronomy is a captivating hobby that allows individuals to connect with the wonders of the universe, and one of the key tools for navigating the night sky is an astronomical planisphere. A planisphere is essentially a star chart that provides a dynamic view of the stars and constellations for any given date and time. It's a fantastic resource for beginners and seasoned stargazers alike who wish to identify the brightest stars and constellations in the night sky. Using a planisphere is straightforward. Start by adjusting the device to match your current date and time. This is crucial for accurate star positioning because the night sky changes as the Earth orbits the Sun. Once set, hold the planisphere above your head with the northern horizon on the device aligned with the actual northern horizon. This aligns the c...

NGC 7635 - The Bubble Nebula processed by Brian Puhl from image data acquired on Insight Observatory's CDK500 remote telescope located in Spain (AFIL-7). NGC 7635, commonly known as the Bubble Nebula, is one of the most fascinating and visually striking objects in our night sky. Situated in the constellation Cassiopeia, this celestial wonder is a massive emission nebula, and its nickname is derived from its distinctive bubble-like appearance. The Bubble Nebula is particularly renowned for its unique characteristics, which have captivated the curiosity of astronomers and stargazers alike. One of the most distinctive features of the Bubble Nebula is the enormous, nearly spherical shell of gas and dust that envelops a central, massive star named BD+60°2522. This star's intense ultraviolet radiation ionizes the surrounding hydrogen gas, causing it to emit a brilliant red glow, typical of emission nebulae. The expanding shell of the Bubble Nebula, created by the powerful solar ...

The Mauna Kea Observatories (MKO) are a group of independent astronomical research facilities and large telescope observatories that are located at the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii, United States. Image By Leijurv - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 Astronomy has long held a fascination for people of all ages, and the United States is home to several world-renowned astronomical observatories that offer the public a chance to explore the cosmos. These observatories are not only places of scientific research but also popular destinations for visitors eager to peer into the universe. Here, we'll explore some of the most popular astronomical observatories in the United States, providing a glimpse of the wonders that await the curious stargazer. Griffith Observatory, perched atop the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, is a beloved icon of astronomical exploration. With its stunning architecture and breathtaking panoramic views of the city, it's...

Some good seeing for this image of Jupiter from La Palma close to sunrise. Europa's elongated shadow is just exiting the disk while the GRS has appeared on the other side. Imaged with an ASA 80cm RC with ASI462MC CMOS Camera. Image acquired and processed by E. Enzmann and D. Peach on 09-08-2023. Unlocking the enigmatic beauty of our celestial neighbors, such as Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, has never been more accessible than with CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) cameras. These advanced imaging tools offer astronomers of all levels an exciting chance to delve into planetary photography. In this article, we'll explore the steps to image these bright planets with CMOS cameras and unveil the breathtaking details of our cosmic companions. The journey begins with the right equipment selection. A high-quality CMOS camera with a large sensor and excellent sensitivity is a must for capturing the intricate features of these planets. A telescope with a long focal l...