52 results

Planets

Catching the Messenger of the Gods

Mercury is a rewarding challenge for planetary astrophotographers, as this amazing image by Massachusetts amateur John Boudreau demonstrates.

Planets

Phenomena of Jupiter's Moons

Virtually any telescope will show Jupiter's four Galilean satellites and their interesting interactions with the planet or its shadow.

Sketch of Jupiter

Planets

Jupiter: The Ultimate Observing Guide

Viewing the solar system¹s largest planet can be more than fun — even with a modest telescope, you can make observations of lasting scientific value.

Celestial Objects to Observe

The Transit of Venus: Where to See It

For the first time since 1882, Venus will glide across the face of the Sun. Here's where you'll be able to watch this rare event on June 8, 2004.

Planets

Venus at Its Best

Venus is readily visible in the evening sky until late May during this most favorable apparition of its eight-year cycle.

Celestial Objects to Observe

Dust Storm on Mars

A large regional dust storm has enveloped several thousand square kilometers of the red planet and shows no signs of abating.

Celestial Objects to Observe

Mercury Transits the Sun

When this innermost planet passes between the Earth and the Sun on May 7th, it will appear as a tiny black "sunspot" in small telescopes.

Planets

Jupiter's Moon Dances

Every six years, for a few months at a time, Jupiter's satellites engage in a wonderful variety of alignments. They're starting up again.

Celestial Objects to Observe

An Observer's Guide to Mars

In 2001 the red planet swung closer to Earth than it had since 1988. It'll be even better in 2003. Here's an observer's guide from the 2001 opposition to whet your appetite for 2003.

Celestial Objects to Observe

Mercury Transit Tales

Mostly clear skies in Europe, the Far East, and Australia meant that many amateurs were able to view this rare event.

Planets

Viewing Mercury at Its Best

Fast-moving Mercury can be elusive. But spotting this sparkling little planet is easy if you know where and when to look.

Celestial Objects to Observe

Mars Glides Between Two Nebulae

During the predawn hours of March 5th and 6th, watch as Mars glides between a close pair of nebulae — the Lagoon (M8) and the Trifid (M20).