Massive ‘X’ and ‘V’ shapes will appear on the moon tonight — here’s how to see them

Here’s when to see a pair of massive letters shining on the lunar surface around May’s first quarter moon phase.

Don’t wait for the full moon: Here’s when the moon looks best through a telescope

Long before the full moon rises, shifting sunlight transforms the lunar surface into one of the sky’s best telescope targets.

An ancient solar storm left clues in tree rings and a famous poet’s diary: ‘Red lights in the northern sky’

A Japanese poet wrote in his diary that “red lights” appeared in the sky over Kyoto. An analysis of tree rings suggests a powerful solar storm created the sight.

The moon will ‘swallow’ a star on May 23. But will you be able to see it?

The moon will pass in front of Regulus for some observers on May 23, blocking its light.

Nikon Action 16×50 binoculars review

We tested Nikon’s new Action 16×50 binoculars for up-close stargazing, and saw lunar craters and Orion’s belt in sharp contrast

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.

Venus and the crescent moon dazzle in a spectacular post-sunset show (photos)

The moon and Venus met in the western sky on May 18-19, setting the stage for a dramatic photoshoot.

The moon shines with a swarm of stars tonight as Jupiter, Venus and Mercury line up nearby

The moon glows with the Beehive Cluster on May 21, as a trio of planets form up in the evening sky.

See Jupiter glow beside the waxing moon after sunset on May 20

The moon dances with the king of the planets, with the horizon as their stage.

Northern lights may be visible in several US states tonight as 3 CMEs race toward Earth

Forecasts say up to three glancing CME impacts could trigger G1 and possible G2 geomagnetic storms through May 20, boosting aurora chances across parts of the northern U.S.