Latest articles by Jamie Carter
I resisted smart telescopes for years — then one changed my life
The last dark skies of spring are the perfect time to get to know a new smart telescope and go deep-sky stargazing.
August 2026 lunar eclipse: Everything you need to know about the 96% 'blood moon'
A deep partial lunar eclipse on August 27-28, 2026, will be visible in North America and will be the best lunar eclipse anywhere on Earth until New Year's Eve 2028.
Spain's total solar eclipse 2026 comes with a catch — here's how to avoid ruining your view
With the eclipse occurring near sunset over a complex landscape, eclipse chasers must do their research before the big moment on Aug. 12, 2026. Here's what to do.
How to observe the sun safely (and what to look for)
Reference The sun is a great skywatching target but you should NEVER look at it without protection. Here we explain how to view the sun safely and what to look out for.
10 easy places to see the total solar eclipse 2026 from Spain's major vacation destinations
From urban beaches and hidden capes to lighthouses and mountain peaks, here's where to see the total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026, if you're on Spain's east coast or in the Balearic Islands.
How to catch the perfect full moonrise — just in time for the Blue Moon show on May 30
A rare second full moon arrives this week — and if you get the timing wrong, you'll miss its magic. Here's how to plan it precisely.
How one disappointing night changed the way I plan my astrotourism adventures
With May's new moon fading and summer twilight looming, now is the time to plan a dark-sky escape — where location, timing and weather all collide.
What's that bright light after sunset? Venus is dazzling the evening sky right now
As dazzling Venus dominates the evening sky, May is the perfect moment to start a months-long love affair with the brightest planet.
Total solar eclipse 2026 vs 2027 — Which one should you choose?
From volcanic landscapes and a sunset eclipse to six-minute totality, here are the pros and cons of the next two total solar eclipses.
Learn the night sky without an app: May's easiest star-hops for beginners
Forget apps — May's bright stars and classic spring constellations make this the perfect time to learn the sky the old-fashioned way, one star-hop at a time.
10 hidden spots in Spain to see the rare sunset total solar eclipse on Aug. 12
From desert badlands to hilltop villages, these off-the-beaten-track locations offer clear views of Spain's rare sunset total solar eclipse.
7 things nobody tells you about stargazing (that make a huge difference)
From chasing the Milky Way to using your eyes as nature intended, here are some often-overlooked truths that make all the difference under the night sky.
A guide to observing deep-sky objects with binoculars, telescopes and more
Find out what deep-space objects are, what optics you’ll need to see them and how to plan your observing.
Want to know my secret for learning the night sky? Welcome to sidewalk stargazing
Being aware of the night sky even as you walk, even through a city, can give you a grounding in learning bright stars, constellations and how the night sky changes.
15 expert-checked places to see the 2026 total solar eclipse in Spain, Iceland and Greenland
From Arctic fjords and volcanic craters to medieval castles and coastal cliffs, here's where to get a clear line of sight to the total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026.
The Lyrids are coming! How I watch meteor showers from the middle of a city
A little patience, luck and a well-placed camera can still deliver a dazzling fireball — even from a city.
'God of Chaos' asteroid Apophis will blaze across the sky on April 13, 2029 — here's why this once-in-a-lifetime event is worth traveling for
A rare stargazing spectacle will unfold on Friday, April 13, 2029, as the asteroid Apophis passes closer than satellites over Europe and Africa in a true once-in-a-lifetime event.
From spa to boat party: 10 epic events for the Aug. 12, 2026, total solar eclipse in Spain and Iceland
Experience the Aug. 12, 2026 total solar eclipse from Spain and Iceland with festivals, spa sessions and skywatching events along the path of totality.
Why I'm hunting for Comet PanSTARRS right now — before it's too late
A rare long-period comet is here — here's how to find comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) before sunrise this April, with key dates, viewing tips and the best mornings to look.
Best star projectors 2026: The top projectors and planetariums this year
Buying Guide Here are the best star projectors to enjoy a night sky experience from the comfort of your couch. They are often reduced, so keep your eyes open.
Why do some places wait 1000 years for a solar eclipse, while others get two in a decade?
Why do some places wait 1,000 years to see a total solar eclipse while others get two in a decade? The surprising orbital mechanics behind where eclipses happen — and don't.
Night sky tonight — What you can see tonight
Find out what you can see in the night sky for tonight, from planets and stars to dazzling meteor showers.
Fireball sightings are surging across the US — here's what's really going on
With bright meteors sighted over Ohio, Texas, and Europe, you might wonder what's going on. Is meteor activity really increasing, or is there just a surge in reporting?
