Skywatching
People have been gazing into the night sky since ancient times. The way stars, planets, and other bodies move across the celestial dome is fascinating. Bright dots shine next to the Moon or pass close to each other. Here, you'll find everything you need to know about the best celestial shows: times, dates, observing tips, and more.
August 12, 2026: The Biggest Skywatching Day of the Year
Plan your August 12, 2026 skywatching marathon: planets before sunrise, a solar eclipse, and a moonless Perseid peak after dark.
12 August 2026 Solar Eclipse: Path and Time for the UK and Ireland
See the 12 August 2026 solar eclipse from the UK and Ireland; here you’ll find local times and Sun coverage, path maps, and the best viewing tips.
Night Sky Tonight: What to See This Week
Plan your stargazing week in August 2026! This guide updates daily with tonight’s best stargazing targets and viewing tips.
Starlink Tracker: How to Find Starlink Satellites Tonight
Learn how to find Starlink satellites from your location tonight and check the upcoming Starlink launches.
Spica (Alpha Virginis): Brightest Star in Virgo
Spica is the brightest star in Virgo. Learn how to see Spica, what type of star it is, how hot it is, and why it shines so bright.
What Planets Are Visible Tonight? August 2026 Sky Guide
See which planets are visible tonight, where to look, and when to spot Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Updated for August 1–15, 2026.
Venus in the Sky: When and How to See the Brightest Planet
See when Venus is visible in 2026, how to find it in the sky, and why it shines so brightly. Learn key facts and upcoming events featuring Venus.
Antares: Red Star Next to the Moon
Discover Antares, the red supergiant star in Scorpius. Learn how to find it in the sky and when the star will meet the Moon and planets in 2026.
Jupiter Facts for Skywatchers: What Does Jupiter Look Like From Space and From Earth?
Get a clear picture of Jupiter: how it looks to the naked eye and with optics, when to see it in the sky in 2026, what it’s composed of, and what makes this gas giant special.
Best August Astrophotography Targets: Brightest Messier Objects & More in August
Explore the best astrophotography targets in the August sky, including galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. Learn tips for capturing them!