LATEST NEWS
Vera Rubin, “Mother of Dark Matter,” Dies
The holidays brought sad news to astronomers across the world after they learned that Vera Rubin, whose pioneering work led to the confirmation of dark matter, passed away.
The Year 2016 Will Be One Second Longer
Ring in the New Year a little late, thanks to the decision of an international agency to add a leap second to December 31st.
Learn black hole facts, such as what we mean by “singularity” and “ergosphere,” and why we think black holes are real.
OBSERVING HIGHLIGHTS
This Week’s Sky at a Glance, December 30 – January 7
Can you spot the fingernail-thin crescent Moon in twilight tonight? And as twilight fades on New Year’s Eve, catch the crescent Moon, Venus, and Mars forming a diagonal, gently curving line in the southwest.
Mars Meets Neptune on New Year’s Eve
Doing anything on New Year’s Eve? Before you start toasting, don’t miss an exceptionally close conjunction of Mars and Neptune.
Catch the Quadrantid Meteors (If You Can)
The Quadrantids, which peak on the morning of January 3rd, is one of the year’s best meteor showers. But this shower isn’t spread out over several days — most of the action takes place over just a few hours.
What to See with Your New Telescope
Maybe this gift-giving season you got a shiny telescope to call your own. Follow these tips to get the most out of your first observing session with your new toy.
Tour January’s Sky: Spot Two Star Clusters
Download our monthly astronomy podcast to spot Venus and Mars in the west – and two star clusters high up – after sunset.
COMMUNITY
Get Funds for 2017 Eclipse Outreach Projects
Thanks to some timely NSF support, the American Astronomical Society is offering dozens of small grants to U.S. groups that offer outreach programs tied to the 2017 solar eclipse.
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