Jamie is an experienced science and travel journalist, stargazer and eclipse chaser who writes about exploring the night sky, solar and lunar eclipses, the Northern Lights, moon-gazing, astro-travel, astronomy and space exploration. He is the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com, author of A Stargazing Program For Beginners, co-author of The Eclipse Effect, and a senior contributor at Forbes.
Latest articles by Jamie Carter

What equipment do you need to observe the total lunar eclipse tomorrow, March 3?
By Jamie Carter published
Get a closer look at the "blood moon" this March 3.

The total lunar eclipse tonight will be the last until New Year's Eve 2028
By Jamie Carter last updated
After this 'blood moon,' our natural satellite will not fully disappear into Earth's shadow again for nearly three years — until a rare trifecta of total lunar eclipses in 2028–29 ends the drought.

Best optics that you will use long after the total lunar eclipse
By Jamie Carter published
Get a great view of the "blood moon" with these optics and level up your stargazing for the future.

Why does the moon turn red during a total lunar eclipse?
By Jamie Carter last updated
We explore why the lunar surface turns a beautiful reddish color to become a "blood moon" during the totality phase of a total lunar eclipse.

What gear do you need to see February’s 'planetary parade’ in 2026?
By Jamie Carter published
Here’s how to use optics to get the most from February's planetary parade.

10 best places to see the 'blood moon' total lunar eclipse on March 3
By Jamie Carter last updated
From dark-sky parks to remote deserts, these locations offer prime views of the March 3, 2026, blood moon.

Total lunar eclipse March 2026: A complete guide to the next 'blood moon'
By Jamie Carter last updated
A total lunar eclipse on March 3-4, 2026, will be visible in North America and will be the last total lunar eclipse anywhere on Earth until New Year's Eve 2028-2029.

Best premium skywatching gear you should consider in 2026
By Jamie Carter published
This premium stargazing kit will help you take your stargazing experience to the next level.

Why solar and lunar eclipses come in pairs — and what an eclipse season really is
By Jamie Carter published
Eclipses don't happen at random — they arrive in pairs, on schedule, and 2026 brings two spectacular seasons to prove it.

February's 'rare planetary alignment' is coming — here's what to expect from the planet parade
By Jamie Carter published
Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Jupiter will appear together shortly after sunset on Feb. 28 — but is this the "planet parade" we've been waiting for?

See the moon eclipse one of the brightest stars in the sky during rare alignment tonight
By Jamie Carter published
One of the brightest stars in the night sky will vanish as seen from North America and Europe in a rare event.

Why binoculars are best for beginner astronomers to stargaze
By Jamie Carter published
Here's why a pair of binoculars is your best option for stargazing as a beginner.

Best binoculars for kids 2026: Small and lightweight binoculars for children of any age
By Jamie Carter last updated
Buying Guide The best binoculars for kids provide closer views and are designed to be convenient for smaller hands and faces.

Total solar eclipse 2030: Everything you need to know about totality in southern Africa and southeast Australia
By Jamie Carter published
Reference The total solar eclipse on Nov. 25, 2030, will mainly cross the Indian Ocean, but views will be possible from Australia, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Lesotho.

Annular solar eclipse 2026: Everything you need to know about the 'ring of fire'
By Jamie Carter last updated
Reference The next annular solar eclipse will occur on Feb. 17, 2026.

Best monoculars in 2026 — lighter, smaller and cheaper than binoculars
By Jamie Carter last updated
Buying Guide The best monocular devices on the market offer a lightweight alternative to binoculars. Try using one this month to view the full moon.

2026 begins a golden age of solar eclipses: How to see 3 total solar eclipses and 3 'ring of fire' eclipses in 3 years
By Jamie Carter published
Earth is about to see three total solar eclipses in just under two years, with each successive path of totality moving west to east across the globe. Here's everything you need to know to plan an exquisite triple-header.

Will Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) be the 'great comet' of 2026?
By Jamie Carter published
In late April 2026, a long-period comet will swing through the inner solar system. It will likely be visible with binoculars, and there's a small chance it could be seen with the naked eye.

15 skywatching events you won't want to miss in 2026
By Jamie Carter published
Our 2026 skywatching guide includes a total solar eclipse, a "blood moon" and a festive supermoon. Here are the dates you need to know.

13 must-see moon events in 2026: Eclipses, supermoons, conjunctions and more
By Jamie Carter published
Here are the best lunar events to see in 2026, including eclipses, supermoons and conjunctions.

What should I look at with my new telescope?
By Jamie Carter published
From the moon and Jupiter to famous nebulae and galaxies, here’s your beginner-friendly guide to what to point your brand-new telescope at.

Best targets to observe between Christmas and New Year 2025
By Jamie Carter published
From a crescent moon and a 'Christmas Star' to deep sky delights, the wonders of the holiday night sky are yours to explore.

10 times the sky amazed us in 2025
By Jamie Carter published
A bevy of comets, a "blood moon" total lunar eclipse and impressive northern lights were just three of the skywatching highlights in 2025. Here's how they unfolded.
Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!


