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Mira Brightening
The variable star Mira is brightening after months of being out of sight in the constellation Cetus the Sea Monster. Mira, root word for miracle, is different in that it is a prominent star in Cetus but is sometimes not visible. Observers can record its rising brightness and compare it to nearby comparison stars, then submit their results to the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO). An infographic from the Astronomical League gives guidance on how to fi
Jan 84 min read


Predicting the Stars in 2026
Astronomy is in the business of making predictions. Not the predictions of astrology and horoscopes, but the insights of science. In a simple form, we watch the sun rise and set, so we anticipate it following that tradition on ensuing days. Yet some cultures conceived that around the winter solstice the sun might not come back with its life-sustaining presence. All it takes is one non-occurrence for a scientific theory to be thrown into the tumult of uncertainty. As we l
Jan 13 min read


Corona Borealis Nightly
Above video shows Corona Borealis (CrB) images in anticipation of recurring nova from 2024 JUN 14 through 2025 OCT 14. That's over three hundred clear-enough nights in 30 seconds. Images below show images from 2024 JUN 14 through last update: 2025 AUG 23, with most recent first. Note: Unable to delete last two images on bottom, which are repeats.
Aug 16, 20251 min read


Dipper Scoops Ice Cream For Cone And Cup
For a summer vacation pursuit, launch a star watch to witness a rare visible nova . In the midst of summer ice cream, a new star may...
Jun 2, 20252 min read


Sheratan: The 60-Year Birthday Star
The star Sheratan in the constellation Aries is the Anniversary Star for anyone turning 60 years old. The light that left Sheratan 60...
Mar 29, 20254 min read


Alderamin: 50th Anniversary Star
Consider the star Alderamin to be the "Golden Anniversary Star" for those who celebrate a 50th year. Alderamin, in the constellation of...
Mar 20, 20253 min read


Grandpa Makes A Mouse
When Grandpa Fred would make and greatly animate a mouse made from a handkerchief, his antics never failed to entertain. Everyone always...
Jan 20, 20251 min read


Find Nova Site In Morning Sky
Corona Borealis (CrB) is visible in the morning sky, allowing stargazers to track the site of a rare upcoming nova visible to the naked...
Dec 10, 20242 min read


Campfire Becomes Sun With Orbiting Planets
Group activity around "campfire" simulates the zodiac and earth's motion. From Big Dipper find Polaris, Arcturus, and Corona Borealis.
Sep 29, 20243 min read


Photograph a New Star
Astronomers predict a new naked-eye star will emerge in the night sky in 2024. While the star may be newly visible to you and me, the...
Jun 17, 20244 min read












































































































