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Orbit of Comet PanSTARRS (C/2017 U1)

Solar System

Astronomers Spot First-Known Interstellar "Comet"

Telescopes only picked it up a week ago, but it's likely been traveling through interstellar space for millions of years.

Neutron star collision

Stellar Science

Astronomers Catch Gravitational Waves from Colliding Neutron Stars

Spacetime ripples from the neutron star smash-up usher in the age of multi-messenger astronomy.

Solar Eclipse 2017

Astronomy and Society

Millions of Americans Viewed August Solar Eclipse

The 2017 solar eclipse could easily be the most watched event in US history. Can we learn something from it?

Thirty Meter Telescope at night

Professional Telescopes

Hawai'i Gives Go-Ahead to Thirty Meter Telescope

After protests and a judge's ruling brought the colossal Thirty Meter Telescope project to a halt, a state panel has cleared the way for its construction atop Mauna Kea to proceed.

Mrk 533 in Hickson 96 compact group of galaxies

Black Holes

Supermassive Black Holes Discovered in Close Tango

Astronomers have found what could be the closest known pair of supermassive black holes detected via direct imaging, orbiting each other only a light-year apart.

Cassini Grand Finale

Solar System

As Cassini Takes Its Final Plunge, What Will We Learn?

As Cassini dives into Saturn's atmosphere this Friday, ending 13 years of exploration, expect to probe the ringed planet's mysteries as never before.

Voyager 1

Solar System

Cheers to 40 Years! Voyagers 1 and 2 Going Strong

Scientists and astronomy enthusiasts are coming together to celebrate two spacecraft, billions of miles beyond Earth, as they head for the stars.

Totality on August 21, 2017

Interviews & Excerpts

After Totality: Eclipse Reactions Video

On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse cast its shadow across the US. Sky & Telescope was there, and we captured some of your eclipse reactions.

Eclipse Vs Solar

Celestial News & Events

Total Eclipse vs Solar Power

In addition to clogged roads and crowded hotels, the 2017 solar eclipse had another big effect on U.S. infrastructure: reduced solar power production.

Celestial News & Events

How Will the Sun's Corona Look at Totality?

Updated 8/16 to include Predictive Science, Inc.'s predictions. The total solar eclipse is less than three weeks away, but researchers already have a good indication of how the Sun’s corona will look when it comes into view.

Explore the Night with Bob King

Will Monday's Total Eclipse Change Your Life?

Total eclipses have the power to touch us deeply and reverberate through our life in unexpected ways.

Resources and Education

10 Things You Might Forget You Need on Eclipse Day

So you think you’re prepared for your eclipse viewing experience. But may I submit, dear reader, that you might have forgotten to pack a few things...

Umbra from the ISS

Space Missions

Chasing the Total Solar Eclipse From Orbit

While millions will watch the August 21 total solar eclipse from the ground, International Space Station crew will have an amazing view high from overhead.

Celestial News & Events

What Kind of Solar Eclipse Will You See?

From the makers of SkySafari comes an eclipse widget that lets you see the circumstances of the August 21st solar eclipse for any location.

StarShot

Astronomy in Space with David Dickinson

Breakthrough Starshot Takes to Space

Six Sprites, "the world's smallest spacecraft" have entered low-Earth orbit, a small milestone for Breakthrough Starshot's plan for interstellar voyage.

Total solar eclipse seen from Apollo 11

solar eclipse 2017

Buzz Aldrin, Moonwalker and Eclipsophile, Saw Totality Twice from Space

Buzz Aldrin experienced totality twice in space — once on Gemini XII, then on Apollo 11. Next up: Idaho.

Wyoming

Astronomy & Observing News

Still Making Eclipse Travel Plans? Camping Might be the Answer

Think the total solar eclipse is "sold out"? Think again — and grab your camping gear. Private campsites and RV parks within the long path of totality are still available for those willing to travel.

Spotless Sun

Solar System

Is Our Sun Slowing Down in Its Middle Age?

The Sun, now halfway through its life, might be slowing its magnetic activity, which could lead to permanent changes in the sunspots and auroras we see.

Mayak

Space Satellites

New Satellite "Mayak" Might Light Up the Sky

Russia's first crowd-funded satellite, named Mayak (Russian for "beacon of light"), promises to be the “brightest object in the night sky next to the Moon.”

Star-forming region RCW 38

Stellar Science

100 Billion Brown Dwarfs in the Milky Way?

A new study of a nearby cluster of newly formed stars reveals that brown dwarfs may rival stars in the Milky Way in number, with one brown dwarf for every two bona fide stars.