Earth’s unusually large Moon may have formed in just five hours following a cataclysmic collision with a Mars-sized protoplanet named Theia, according to new high-resolution computer simulations published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. The findings reshape the long-standing giant impact hypothesis by demonstrating that the physical strength and temperature of early planetary bodies played a … Read more
Stargazers tracking planetary alignments and lunar conjunctions can observe brilliant planet Venus gliding past the bright star Spica low in the west during evening twilight, according to astronomical data provided by Alan Dyer and Universal Images Group via Getty Images. This early September event launches a busy week of naked-eye sights, with the waning moon … Read more
Skywatchers across Europe will witness a deep partial lunar eclipse in the early hours of Friday morning, offering a striking celestial display just two weeks after a total solar eclipse captivated the continent, according to astronomical data. During the phenomenon, an imperfect alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon causes a Full Moon to pass … Read more
A partial lunar eclipse with a magnitude of 0.93 will be visible across Spain on 28 August, occurring just 16 days after a historic total solar eclipse, according to data from the National Geographic Institute (IGN). The upcoming celestial event requires no special protective eyewear or instruments for safe observation with the naked eye. Understanding … Read more
According to research published in Science Advances on July 23, 2026, rocks collected from the Moon’s far side by China’s Chang’e-6 mission show that the early Solar System’s asteroid bombardment faded slowly over billions of years rather than ending in a single catastrophic spike. Scientists analyzed tiny impact-melt rock fragments to reconstruct more than three … Read more
Wisconsin skywatchers can experience a busy lineup of celestial events starting with the Sturgeon Moon, the peak of the Perseids meteor shower, and two eclipses, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac and NASA. Clear skies over Milwaukee and across the state provide prime conditions for viewing these upcoming astronomical phenomena. Perseids Meteor Shower Peak Dates … Read more
A 35-day eclipse season is currently underway as the Sun, Earth, and Moon line up in space, bringing two major celestial events within just over a fortnight of each other, This orbital alignment window occurs roughly every six months. Total Solar Eclipse Path and Viewing Details A total solar eclipse will take place on 12 … Read more
The July full Moon—widely known as the Buck Moon—will peak at 15:36 BST on 29 July, marking the second of three full Moons of the summer season. While the exact moment of maximum fullness occurs just below the UK horizon, the Moon will still appear fully illuminated to the naked eye overnight on Tuesday and … Read more
Stargazers across North America and mid-northern latitudes can use the moon as a celestial guide this week to locate two of the night sky’s most prominent features: the blue-white star Spica and the red supergiant Antares. According to data provided by Stellarium, the moon’s position relative to these stars offers an accessible entry point for … Read more
A four-tonne upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is projected to collide with the Moon on August 5, 2026, according to calculations by astronomer Bill Gray of Project Pluto. While lunar impacts occur frequently, NASA scientists consider the chances of observing this specific, unplanned event from Earth to be extremely low. The Mechanics … Read more