All articles tagged with #viewing tips
Space.com is live with updates for the Aug. 27–28 deep partial lunar eclipse, where up to 96.2% of the Moon will be in Earth's umbra at maximum, likely taking on a rusty reddish hue. This is the deepest partial lunar eclipse visible until the end of 2028, with the best views expected from the Americas and viewing tips provided for skywatchers.
Space.com previews the Aug. 27-28, 2026 deep partial lunar eclipse, when up to 96.2% of the Moon will be immersed in Earth's umbra and take on a rusty-red hue; visible worldwide with best views in the Americas, the article shares viewing tips and will provide live updates.
Space.com’s live coverage explains that the Aug. 27–28, 2026 partial lunar eclipse will see up to 96.2% of the Moon enter Earth's umbra, producing a deep reddish hue and marking the deepest such event until 2028. Visible across the Americas, Europe, Africa and parts of western Asia, it’s a skywatching can’t-miss that will require clear, dark skies and a good view of the western horizon; Space.com will provide latest news and practical viewing tips for peak viewing.
A 96% partial lunar eclipse will darken about 96% of the Moon on Aug 27–28, with the maximum around 12:12 a.m. EDT (0412 GMT). Viewers worldwide on the night side can expect a reddish hue as Earth’s shadow sweeps over the Moon; no special equipment is required, though binoculars or a small telescope enhance the view, and timings vary by location.
An almost-total lunar eclipse will turn about 96% of the Moon’s disc copper-red as it passes through Earth’s shadow on Aug 27-28, 2026, visible across the USA and Canada, peaking around 04:13 UTC; viewing is safe with the naked eye, while binoculars or a small telescope reveal more detail, with best views from dark skies and an eastern horizon.
From July 17 to Aug 23, the Perseids meteor shower peaks around Aug 12–13, offering roughly 50–100 meteors per hour in clear, dark skies. Northern Hemisphere observers will have the best view in predawn hours; gaze toward Perseus to see the shooting stars, and lie flat away from light pollution after darkening your eyes for about 30 minutes. The shower originates from debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle, and its bright meteors and fireballs make it a standout sky show this summer.
Astronomy enthusiasts should look out for a rare blue micromoon in late May 2026, a rare alignment where a micromoon coincides with a blue moon. The piece explains what a blue micromoon is, when to view it, and offers tips on optimal viewing conditions and locations to maximize the chance of seeing this unusual celestial display.
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower peaks tonight into early Wednesday pre-dawn, with the best views in the last hours before dawn. Viewing is stronger in the Southern Hemisphere (up to about 40 meteors per hour in ideal conditions) and hampered in the Northern Hemisphere by a bright Moon. For best results, seek dark skies away from city lights, lie back to gaze upward, and give your eyes about 45 minutes to adjust. The meteors come from Halley’s Comet, streaking at ~40 miles per second; a future peak isn’t expected until 2061.
The 2026 Lyrid meteor shower peaks tonight (April 21–22) and will run through April 30, with best viewing in the Northern Hemisphere after moonset and before dawn; meteors radiate from Lyra and fireballs may appear, with good activity for about three nights around the peak. The Eta Aquariids, from Halley’s comet debris, peak May 5–6 and remain visible through late May, offering faster meteors (up to ~50 per hour) and are best seen from the Northern Hemisphere as Earth encounters their debris trail.
A total lunar eclipse, known as a blood moon, will grace California’s pre-dawn skies with partial viewing starting at 1:50 a.m., total eclipse from 3:05 to 4:03 a.m., ending around 5:17 a.m. The Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland hosts a public viewing with telescopes from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.; tickets are $15 adults, $7 kids (free for members). You don’t need special gear—binoculars help, but aren’t required; NASA advises tripod-based long-exposure photos. The Moon’s red hue comes from sunlight filtered by Earth’s atmosphere; partly cloudy skies shouldn’t ruin the view. This is the last similar eclipse visible in the Bay Area until Oct. 8, 2033, and scientists caution against astrology claims about the event.
NOAA forecasts a bright aurora borealis display tonight across 12 U.S. states due to intensified solar activity, offering a rare Valentine’s Day sky show. The best viewing window is 10 p.m.–midnight local time, with the possibility of the lights lingering until dawn in northern areas; colors like green, red, and purple are expected, and New York and Michigan could see it despite being typically too far south. To maximize visibility, seek dark skies away from city lights, and check local weather for clear skies. The event is linked to the sun’s approaching solar cycle maximum.
The aurora borealis, or northern lights, are colorful atmospheric phenomena caused by solar particles interacting with Earth's magnetic field, primarily visible in the auroral zone during clear, dark nights, especially around the equinoxes and solar maximum periods. They can also be observed on other planets with magnetic fields, and guided tours are available for optimal viewing. Patience, proper clothing, and photography equipment enhance the experience.
A strong forecast from NOAA indicates that the northern lights could be visible across many northern U.S. states along the Canada border on Monday and Tuesday nights, with the best viewing times between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. in areas with minimal light pollution, and increased activity due to the solar cycle.
The NOAA forecasts that residents in seven northern U.S. states and parts of Canada and Alaska may see the Northern Lights tonight, despite no major geomagnetic storms, with the best viewing conditions between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. local time, especially from high vantage points away from light pollution.
The NOAA forecasts a potential viewing of the Northern Lights in up to 10 northern U.S. states tonight, especially in Canada and Alaska, with the best viewing conditions between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. from high, dark vantage points, although no significant solar activity is expected to enhance visibility.