Tag: Stargazing tips
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First supermoon of 2026 to light up New Zealand skies
What is a supermoon and why should New Zealand skywatchers care? The term supermoon describes a full moon that appears larger and brighter because it reaches its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, a moment astronomers call perigee. When the moon aligns with perigee within the full phase, it can seem unusually prominent…
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Louisiana Skywatch: How to See the 1st 2026 Quadrantids Meteor Shower and Supermoon
Overview: A Bright Start to 2026 in Louisiana As the new year begins, Louisiana residents are in for a double celestial treat. The first meteor shower of 2026—the Quadrantids—will light up the night sky, paired with a striking supermoon. This rare pairing offers a spectacular, easily accessible skywatching opportunity for beginners and veteran observers alike…
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How to See the First Fiery Meteor Shower of 2026: Quadrantids Tips
What to expect from the Quadrantids 2026 The Quadrantids, typically one of the sky’s most exciting meteor showers, return in early January with bright fireballs and occasional bolides that light up the night. In 2026, stargazers can anticipate a lively display as Earth passes through the debris left by asteroid 2003 EH1. While the peak…
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Moon Phase Today: December 29 Fooled by the Night Sky? Understanding the Waxing Gibbous Moon
What Is the Moon Phase on December 29? As December 29 unfolds, the Moon is in a Waxing Gibbous phase. This means it is more than half illuminated by the Sun and growing toward a Full Moon. The Waxing Gibbous phase is typically the stage when the lunar disk appears bright and rounded, with increasing…
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Christmas 2025 Skywatching Guide: A Night Sky to Remember on Dec 25
Christmas 2025 Skywatching Guide: What to Look for on December 25 When December settles in and holiday lights glow, the winter night sky offers a different kind of magic. Whether you’re gathered with family after a festive meal or enjoying a quiet moment with friends, a little stargazing can turn Christmas into a shared, memorable…
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Ursid Meteor Shower 2025: Peak Tonight and What to Expect
Overview: A Yuletide Nighttime Spectacle The Ursid meteor shower, a reliable but modest annual display, is set to peak tonight as Earth passes through the dusty trail shed by comet 8P/Tuttle. For stargazers, this is the last major shooting-star event of 2025, offering a crisp, winter sky show with several bright streaks punctuating the darkness.…
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Moon Phase Today: What the Moon Will Look Like on December 18
Understanding the Moon Phase Today Moon phase today is a quick way to gauge what the Moon will look like in the night sky. As we approach December 18, observers can expect the Moon to be very close to the New Moon phase, marking the start of a fresh lunar cycle. The Moon’s phases—from New…
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December’s Overlooked Ursids Meteor Shower: What to Expect Next Week
Overview: Why the Ursids deserve a closer look While December’s sky often centers on the Geminids, the Ursids offer a quieter, but meaningful, meteor display. The Ursids originate from the debris trail left by comet Tuttle, and their activity typically peaks in late December. For many observers, the Ursids provide a gentler meteor shower experience…
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Saturn’s Rings Disappear Illusion on Nov. 23: How to Catch the Edge-On Trick
What you’ll see on November 23 Planetary observers will get a rare chance to witness an optical illusion when Saturn’s iconic rings appear to disappear. On the night of November 23, the rings will align edge-on with the planet’s equator, making them seem almost invisible through a modest telescope. This is not a dramatic planetary…
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Tonight’s Leonid Meteor Shower: How to See Shooting Stars Across the Sky
What to Expect This Year The Leonid meteor shower reaches its peak tonight as Earth traverses the debris trail left by comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. Observers can anticipate a brief but spectacular display of shooting stars, often in bursts of activity known as meteor storms when the conditions align perfectly. While peak rates vary from year to…