The Perseids are back! One of the year’s brightest and most popular meteor showers has been ramping up since early July and will sparkle in the skies through the end of August. The shower reaches its peak on the night of Aug. 12 into the early morning of Aug. 13, and its visibility should be […]
We’re at the onset of summer skywatching, with a double feature of the Southern Delta Aquariids and alpha Capricornids in July and the dazzling Perseids approaching in August. Before we step outside to enjoy the celestial fireworks, we’re kicking off the season by observing Meteor Watch Day and Asteroid Day, both today, June 30. Meteors […]
Sometimes, space comes to us! Texas, Ohio, California, Michigan – these are just a few of the states where folks have recently seen the skies illuminate with bright streaks of light. For those lucky enough to spot a fireball, or “shooting star,” the moment can feel awe-inspiring and exciting, and many of you have been sharing stunning visuals from these events. At NASA, where watching the skies is part of our everyday mission, we’ve noticed […]
For two decades, NASA’s Automated Lunar and Meteor Observatory has helped scientists track meteors, observe impacts on the Moon, and better understand the space environment future explorers will face. For a fraction of a second, a tiny rock traveling through space can strike the lunar surface or streak across the sky producing a brief burst […]
This year will be busy for avid skywatchers, with some incredible opportunities to view meteor showers, planets, and the Moon in the night sky. In 2026, we will also mark the 20th anniversary of NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s Observatory. Originally established as an engine test site in 1958, it was converted to a solar […]
