The controversy between astronomers and astrologers over the validity of astrology has raged for centuries, the latter claiming it’s factual and the former that’s its pure pseudo-science with no basis in fact. There’s fault on both sides for this situation, with astronomers typically not having the time or patience to explain their position to astrologers …

The Scientifics Star and Planet Locator (often referred to as the “rotating star-wheel” since it consists of a round star chart contained within a square housing) is one of the simplest, least expensive, and yet most useful devices ever offered beginning stargazers. It’s a compass, calendar, clock, celestial roadmap, sky previewer and planet finder all …

On the morning of April 22nd, the crescent Moon will sideswipe the crescent planet Venus in a spectacular pre-dawn show for portions of North America. Seen from the western two-thirds of the country, our lovely satellite will actually cover (or occult) the radiant planet, while those in the East will see a striking “near miss.” …

The magnificent ringed-planet Saturn is now well placed for viewing in the southeastern sky on March evenings. Unfortunately, for many who will be looking at it for the first time during this very active International Year of Astronomy, it will be a disappointment in small telescopes-for it will be seen nearly ringless! Twice during each …

A striking encounter of Jupiter and Mars, followed by another of the crescent Moon with those two planets plus Mercury all lined up in a row, will occur just before dawn above the southeastern horizon this month. Despite the hour and Winter chill, it will be well worth rising early and taking a look at …

One of the richest yet most ignored annual displays of “shooting stars” starts off the new year with a bang celestially. It’s the Quadrantid Meteor Shower, which promises to put on a fine show this year during the early morning hours of January 3rd. Seen during its peak activity under very dark-sky conditions away from …

Visible in the western sky after sunset on the first evening of December will be a stunning meeting of the three brightest objects in the heavens after the Sun itself—the planets Venus and Jupiter, and the crescent Moon. If it’s clear on that date, you simply must not miss out on seeing this amazing celestial …

Each of the four seasons has an asterism or distinctive group of stars associated with it that can be used to find the constellations visible at their respective times of the year. Late evenings in November offer stargazers the opportunity of viewing three of them simultaneously—those of the Summer, Fall and Winter sky. Many skywatchers …

This month we touch on an amazing aspect of stargazing largely unknown to most of those who turn their eyes skyward on clear nights. It’s called the “Photon Connection” and once you make it you’ll never look at celestial objects the same way again — guaranteed! Seeing the wonders of the heavens firsthand is certainly …

For an unprecedented fourth time this year, the Moon will occult the bright naked-eye Pleiades Star Cluster, more popularly known as the “Seven Sisters.” Depending upon your actual geographic location, this will be seen as either a spectacular covering-and-then-uncovering of the cluster’s stars — or as a fascinating “close encounter” with them. In either case …