Quadrantids 2027: the short, strong meteor shower of January
The Quadrantids peak on January 4, 2027, at about 03:20 UTC. The peak is short, and the Moon is a thin crescent. Who gets the best view, and when to look.
Sky guides
The Christmas Eve full Moon 2026, the closest of the year
The full Moon of December 24, 2026 is the closest of the year, 356,738 km away. It looks a little bigger and brighter than usual. When to see it rise.
Uranus at opposition 2026: how to find the green-blue planet
Uranus reaches opposition on November 25, 2026, near the Pleiades. A full Moon is close that week, so early December is best. How to find it in binoculars.
The best dark-sky places in the United States
9 certified dark-sky places in the United States to see the Milky Way, from the deserts of the Southwest to the forests of Pennsylvania.
Leonids 2026: when to see the fast meteors from Leo
The Leonids peak on the night of November 17 to 18, 2026. The Moon sets near midnight, so the hours before dawn are best. When to look, where, and how.
Taurids 2026: the slow shower that brings fireballs
The Southern Taurids peak on November 5, 2026, the Northern Taurids on November 12. Both peaks have a dark sky. When to look for their slow fireballs.
Orionids 2026: how to see the meteors from Halley's Comet
The Orionids peak on October 21, 2026. A bright Moon lights the evening, so the best hours come before dawn. Here is when to look, where, and how.
The best dark-sky places in Europe
12 dark-sky places in Europe to see the Milky Way: dark-sky parks and reserves from Ireland to the Carpathians, the Canary Islands and the Arctic.
Geminids 2026: when to see the year's strongest shower
The Geminids peak on December 14, 2026. The Moon is a thin crescent that sets in the evening, so the late night is dark. Here is when to look, where, and how.