Science ❯ Astronomy ❯ Observation Techniques

Viewing Conditions

Light Pollution Night Sky Observation Dark Sky Locations Binoculars and Telescopes Best Practices for Stargazing Equipment Recommendations Binoculars Best Practices for Comet Observation Best Practices Naked Eye Observation

Eta Aquariids Near Peak Next Week as Bright Moon Dulls the Show

Bright moonlight this year will sharply cut visible meteors for most observers.

Venus Brushes Uranus a Day After Moon-Jupiter Show

Lyrids Peak Overnight Across Latin America With Best Viewing Before Dawn

Comet Pan‑STARRS Reaches Perihelion Sunday, Closing a Brief Pre‑Dawn Viewing Window

Four-Planet Dawn Lineup Peaks Saturday With Mercury, Mars, Saturn and Neptune

Rare Comet Pan‑STARRS Now Glows Before Dawn for a Short Northern Viewing Window

Six-Planet Parade Visible After Sunset on Feb. 28

Six-Planet Parade Peaks Feb. 28 After Sunset: When, Where and How to Watch

Six-Planet Evening Alignment Will Peak on February 28

Quadrantid Meteor Shower Peaks Under Bright Supermoon

Quadrantid Meteor Shower Peaks This Weekend as Supermoon Cuts Visible Rates

Geminids Peak Overnight Dec. 13–14 With Dark Skies Boosting Views

Geminids Peak This Weekend Under Darker Skies, With Forecasts of 120–150 Meteors Per Hour

Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks Dec. 13–14 Under Moon-Friendly Skies

Leonids Peak Before Dawn With Best Views Early Nov. 18

Leonids Peak Sunday Night Into Monday With Dark Skies

Comet Lemmon Enters Peak Viewing Window for Naked‑Eye Spectacle Oct. 25–31

Comet Lemmon Enters Peak Visibility After Close Pass to Earth

Orionids Peak Lights Up Brazil’s Night Sky Under Favorable New Moon

Orionids Peak Under New-Moon Skies Tonight