The Sun with trees in the foreground

Sun

Meet The Sun, Our Home Star

In this installment of Meet the Stars, we get to know the nearest one: our Sun. Its properties — like its stability — likely led to life on Earth.

Naked eye sunspots

Explore the Night with Bob King

How to Observe and Measure Naked-eye Sunspots

As Solar Cycle 25 ticks up, naked-eye sunspots are becoming more frequent. They're not only fun to observe, but with this simple method you can determine just how big they are. We also have news on a bright supernova!

Halpha sun with prominences

Sun

How to Safely See a Solar Eclipse

Our star is an amazing object to observe, whether by eye or with optical aid. These time-tested tips will let you see the solar disk worry-free.

Annular eclipse

Celestial News & Events

A Sunrise Annular Solar Eclipse

Even if you're not in the path of annularity during the June 10th solar eclipse, get ready for a sunrise spectacle.

Stargazer's Corner: Adventures Under the Night Sky

95 Sunrises Along the Columbia Riverbank

Margaret Greenwood explores the changing location of sunrises throughout the year.

Sun

AAS's Advice for Safe Solar-Eclipse Viewing

Due to alarming reports of potentially unsafe eclipse viewers as eclipse day approaches, the American Astronomical Society has revised its safety advice.

Magnetic manifestations

Eclipses

Fun in the Sun: A White-Light Guide to Our Nearest Star

We examine the fascinating solar phenomena that anyone with a small scope and safe solar filter can see, whether the Sun's in eclipse or not.

active region 1520

Sun

How Astronomers Count Sunspots

A multi-year investigation revealed errors in our understanding of the Sun.

Monster in our midst

Explore the Night with Bob King

Observer's Guide to the H-alpha Sun

Want to see a star rock in real time? Observe the Sun in the crimson light of hydrogen alpha and watch it come alive.

Faculae along solar limb on July 18, 2014

Sun

Blank Sun? Faculae to the Rescue!

Fascinating faculae provide a way for anyone with a small telescope to track the ups and downs of the solar cycle — even when there are no sunspots.

Celestial Objects to Observe

Safe Solar Observing

When it comes to observing the Sun, remember — safety first!

Sun

Solar Filters for Safe Sun Observing

Before an eclipse occurs the media often provides information on how to watch the event safely. Unfortunately, despite the best intentions, inaccurate or confusing information on safe observing techniques is often provided. Here are the facts.

Sunspots across the solar face

Celestial Objects to Observe

How to Sketch Sunspots Using Projection

Looking for a daytime astronomy project to pursue? Why not set your sights on our nearest star?

solar prominence

Hobby-based Q&A

Why do you need a hydrogen-alpha filter to see solar prominences?

If I can see solar prominences with the naked eye during a total eclipse, why do I need a hydrogen-alpha filter to see them at other times? During a total eclipse the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s photosphere, or visible “surface,” allowing prominences (and the corona) to shine in all…

Sun

A Solar Observing Refresher Course

With modest equipment and attention to safety, you can enjoy observational astronomy throughout the day.

Sun through hydrogen-alpha filter

Sun

Observing the Sun Safely: Sunspots, Faculae, and Flares

The surface of the Sun is a dynamic, living place that can change unpredictably from day to day.