Fall 2025 brings some of the year’s most anticipated celestial events.

Perseid Meteor Shower – Photo by CGTN

Don’t miss meteor showers that pierce the night sky, lunar spectacles that ignite awe, and a great way to share it all.

The season begins with the Orionids meteor shower, peaking October 22–23. With only a 2% illuminated moon, these swift meteors will streak across dark skies, offering excellent viewing conditions across the continent.

Next up are the Taurid meteor showers. The Southern Taurids peak November 3–4, and the Northern Taurids follow November 8–9. The Taurids are generally more noticeable around late October to early November when they overlap. Though a bright moon may dim the view, the showers are famed for their fireballs—bright flares often seen even in moonlight-polluted skies.

Mid-November (November 16–17) brings the Leonids, renowned for fast, bright meteors. Fortunately, moonlight is minimal (just 9%), making it a great opportunity for clear skywatching.

The end of fall brings us the Geminids, peaking December 13–14 with 39% moonlight—enough darkness to reveal over 100 meteors per hour, including many multicolored displays.

While North America will unfortunately miss the total lunar eclipse on September 7, seen primarily across Europe, Asia, and Australia, the season more than makes up for it with these dynamic meteor events.

 Best viewing tips:

• Choose a dark sky location away from city lights.
• Let your eyes adjust for 15–20 minutes.
• Dress warmly, and bring a reclining chair for comfortable all-night observation.
• Use star-map apps to track radiant points like Orion, Leo, and Gemini.
• Surprise a friend or loved one with their own star.

From serene starfields to explosive meteor displays, fall 2025 in North America is set to be a stellar season.

What Is a Unique Gift For The Summer Birthday Person?

Summer birthdays land between June and August, moments rich with sunshine, adventure, and outdoor fun. Unlike cooler months, this season invites gifts that echo warm-weather vibes—whether it’s enjoying the sun, creating lasting memories, or viewing the dark sky at your favorite vacation hide away. Favorite unique gifts include a picnic tote blanket for park days, balsamic vinegar sets for summer feasts, and your own personal star.

1. Experience Over Items
   

   Dark Sky Milky Way

Give the gift of an experience, instead of more stuff. Escape from the city lights and visit an International Dark Sky site to view the Milky Way in its summer glory. Sign up for a cooking class, hot-air balloon ride, or nature hike. For a more local twist, book a paint‑and‑sip session or outdoor mixology class to turn a summer evening into a shared memory.

2. Summer Essentials with Style

Pair practical and chic:

• Picnic blankets or portable beach tables—ideal for lakeside lounging.
• Fun pool & backyard gear like a Supersized Bubble Blaster or oversized pool towel.
• Portable tech: a neck fan or Bluetooth speaker brings summer comfort and sound wherever they roam.

3. DIY & Eco‑Friendly Gifts

Handmade gifts show care! Craft a jar of homemade jam with seasonal berries or assemble a garden basket with seeds, a planter, and tools. A custom can cooler with favorite photos is fun and practical in equal measure.

4. Creative & Artsy Surprises

For the creatively inclined, consider an ice-dye or embroidery kit—or a travel watercolor set. These foster creativity and align with summer’s relaxed energy.

5. Personalized Keepsakes

Add a heartfelt touch with personalized gifts: think engraved jewelry, monogrammed coolers, or name a star after them for the ultimate unique gift. A photo‑printed water bottle or custom puzzle filled with summer memories also captures moments perfectly.

Final Thoughts

A great summer birthday gift goes beyond wrapping—it celebrates sunshine, personality, and shared joy. Whether it’s a custom treasure, a weekend experience, or an accessory that doubles as an adventure, these ideas combine thoughtfulness with season‑specific fun. So next time you gift someone born under the summer sun, pick something that brightens their day—just like the season itself.

Happy gifting—and keep looking up!

Hey stargazers, find out what is happening in the February night sky.

It is a fantastic time to stargaze, as the night skies offer many exciting celestial events. Whether you’re an amateur or seasoned skywatcher, February 2025 brings an array of phenomena worth observing.

February 2025 Planetary Alignment

1. The Winter Constellations Winter offers clear skies and long nights, making it one of the best seasons to spot iconic constellations. In February, the brilliant constellations of Orion, Taurus, and Gemini dominate the southern sky. Orion, with its famous Belt, is easily recognizable and hosts a number of fascinating deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula (M42). Nearby, the Hyades star cluster and the Pleiades are also visible, with the latter offering a beautiful, misty look.
2. The Planets align on February 4^th. You may be able to see Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn. Act quick because Saturn will fade from site later in the month.
3. The Full Moon February 2025 features a “Snow Moon” on February 15, named for the time of year when heavy snowfall typically occurs in the northern hemisphere. The full moon will be visible across the world and is an excellent opportunity for lunar enthusiasts to observe its surface in detail, especially if you have a telescope. The full moon also influences the visibility of fainter stars and deep-sky objects.
4. Meteor Showers While February doesn’t bring a major meteor shower like the Geminids or Perseids, keep an eye out for occasional sporadic meteors. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a “shooting star” as Earth passes through leftover debris from comets.

Final Thoughts February is the perfect time to give that special friend or loved one their very own star from Name a Star.  Stargazing in February 2025 is sure to be a rewarding experience with a little patience and clear skies. So, grab a blanket or telescope, head outside, and immerse yourself in the wonders of the cosmos!

Find bargains for the perfect gift for the skywatcher or astronomer on your 2024 Holiday gift list. Check out the ideas below from Name a Star. Stargazers  from beginner to advanced and young to old.

Know someone who is dreaming of becoming an astronaut, but currently a couch potato?  You could start that special person with a good pair of binoculars. If they are ready for a telescope, don’t waste your money on one that is difficult to assemble or too complicated. Here is a list of quality telescopes ranging from $100 to $2,000.

Don’t be confused by terms like focal length, aperture, reflector, and refractor. A reflector telescope uses mirrors and a refractor telescope uses lenses. A Catadioptric telescope combines the best of all of these features.

There are even travel telescopes, so stargazers can take their passion with them. They are lightweight, compact, and easy to set up. If the recipient lives in an apartment or space is at a premium, then this may be the best choice for them.

A gift of the stars is a great way to involve kids in science and a hobby that could last a lifetime. Get t the whole family off the couch  with the book 50 Things To See With A Telescope.

Not all gifts need to be wrapped. Why not plan an entertaining, yet educational group activity, like learning why the moon has craters? Make a dough out of flour and oil, then drop pebbles on this “moon surface” to see what kind of craters they make.

If your loved one has all of the gear they need, then take them on a dark sky vacation. One of my favorites is Kartchner Caverns. Whether it is a visit to your back yard or a trip to Arizona, get outside to enjoy the night sky.

If you really want to send that special person into space, name a star after them. Name a Star offers a variety of Holiday gifts. You can even put a special message on the certificate of registration letting them know what a special friend they are.

Find the perfect Valentines gift for the star gazer or astronomy buff. Whether they are a beginner or expert, there are plenty of options that will leave them starry-eyed.

Are you looking for a perfect gift for your special someone who loves astronomy? Here are some ideas to help you find the best gift for your astronomy lover this Valentine’s Day. 

Telescope 

A telescope is a classic and essential tool for any astronomy enthusiast. It allows them to observe the night sky and discover the wonders of the universe. There are different types of telescopes, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You should consider the size, portability, magnification, and accessories of the telescope before buying one. You can find a range of telescopes for different budgets and skill levels.

Star Chart  (Planisphere)

Star charts are a great way to learn the constellations and identify the bright stars. Many versions are available. A star chart from Name a Star is a personalized and romantic gift that shows the alignment of the stars and constellations on the date of your choice. You can choose the date of your anniversary, first kiss, or any other meaningful moment in your relationship. You can also name a star for your loved one.

Astronomy Book 

A book is a great gift for anyone who loves to learn and explore new topics. There are many books about astronomy that cover various aspects of the science, history, and culture of the field. Some examples are: 

 Cosmos by Carl Sagan: A classic and influential book that introduces the reader to the vast and awe-inspiring cosmos, from the origins of life to the future of humanity. 

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson: A concise and witty book that explains the fundamental concepts and mysteries of astrophysics in an accessible and entertaining way. 

50 Things To See With A Small Telescope by John A Read: explores the planets, stars, galaxies and nebulae visible from your own backyard including easy to follow star maps and eclipse charts.

Astronomy Experience 

If you want to give something more memorable and adventurous, you can treat your loved one to an astronomy experience. This can be anything from a visit to a planetarium, observatory, or museum, to a night of stargazing, camping, or glamping in a National Park.

The most romantic star naming gift is the double star, which is two stars so close together, they are considered one star.

December 2023 is an exciting month for skywatchers with the most meteors and the brightest asteroid. Learn how to view these special events.

December 1-2 starts your opportunity to see Asteroid Vesta, the brightest asteroid visible from Earth. 

It is at opposition, meaning it is directly on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun, and at its closest and brightest for the year. This is a good time to try viewing it with binoculars or a small telescope. Look for it to move northward in the sky between Gemini and Orion during the month. Use your favorite skywatching app to locate its precise position on the night you’re observing.

December 7-10 Venus rises in the morning.

Catch the slimming crescent of the Moon each morning over four days, as it rises together with Venus and bright star Spica, in the east during the couple of hours before sunrise. The planet Venus will be at its greatest western elongation, meaning it will be visible in the morning sky for a longer duration than usual.

December 13-14 the peak of Geminids meteor showers.

August’s Perseids may have the nicer weather, but the Geminids have the numbers. The Geminids meteor shower occurs all month, but peaks December 13–14. The dates correspond with the new moon, so the view could be amazing. Check them out both at night and pre-dawn. It is one of the most reliable meteor showers of the year and is known for producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour.

December 21 the longest night of the year is great for skywatching and sleeping.

The winter solstice will occur on this day, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

December 22-23 Ursid meteor shower in the early morning hours.

The peak of the Ursid meteor shower will occur on these days. This meteor shower is known for producing around 5-10 meteors per hour .

 You can’t buy a Geminids Meteor, but you can Name a Star.

Planets, stars, meteors, and longer nights for your November skywatching pleasure.

Learn why Jupiter is so bright that you can see its moons, then later this month watch meteors, more planets, and a star cluster. The nights will be longer, so you will have more time to enjoy your favorite constellations.

Jupiter was in opposition last night (November 2-3). What does it mean when a planet is in opposition? The Earth and Jupiter are revolving around the sun at different rates. Every 13 months, the earth moves in between Jupiter and the sun. This is also the time when Jupiter is closest to Earth. So close that you can easily see some of Jupiter’s moons with ordinary binoculars. Jupiter will continue to be one of the brightest objects in the night sky, so get out there and have a look.

Make a point of getting away from light pollution on Friday night (Nov 3) to view Jupiter and the Taurids meteor showers. The Southern Taurids peak between Nov. 4 and Nov. 5, and the Northern Taurids peak between Nov. 11 and Nov. 12. 

The Leonids will send meteors soaring through the night sky, throughout November, with the peak of activity hitting Nov. 17-18. A dim, five-day-old waxing crescent moon will help, as will a viewing spot with a dark sky. Look just right of the constellation Leo to spot the meteors.

November 9 brings us a stunning, don’t-miss conjunction. Wake up early, grab a cup of coffee, bundle up, then head outside for the amazing show. Look about 24° above the horizon at 5 AM, the crescent Moon and Venus, the night’s most brilliant bodies, meet up.

Your best chance to see Uranus is on November 13 when it reaches its annual opposition. Remember what you learned about opposition earlier in this article? Uranus will appear as a greenish dot between Jupiter and the star cluster Pleiades. Best viewed with binoculars or a telescope.

But wait there is more. To the left of Jupiter will be the “Seven Sisters” of the Pleaides star cluster, one of the most popular sights in the night sky. It should reach it’s highest point on November 18, but should be visible all month.

You can’t buy a star in the Pleaides Cluster, but you can Name a Star.

An annular solar eclipse is coming on October 14. Get ready!

 Learn about the annular eclipse that will cross from Oregon to Texas on October 14, 2023. A great skywatching opportunity before winter sets in.

Junior Ranger views the eclipse at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. Photo by George Garbeck, Graphics Coordinator Department of Communications, Paterson Public Schools

What is an annular solar eclipse?  An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, but does not completely cover the sun. Instead, the moon covers most of the sun, leaving its outer edge visible as a bright ring or “annulus” around the darkened moon. This ring is often called a “ring of fire”. An annular eclipse occurs when the moon is at its farthest point away from Earth. Because the moon is farther away from Earth, it appears smaller than the sun and does not completely cover the sun. 

 When is the next annular solar eclipse : The next annular solar eclipse will occur on October 14, 2023. It will be visible in parts of the United States, Mexico, and across North, Central, and South America. In the United States the path of the  annular solar eclipse crosses through Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas

Is it safe to watch the eclipse?  During an annular eclipse, it is never safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing, such as special-purpose solar filters, like eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers. Remember the only safe time to look at the sun without solar filters is during the 2-4 minutes of total eclipse. It is never safe to look at the sun without solar filters during any other phases of the eclipse, or if you are viewing a partial or annular eclipse.

You can’t buy part of the moon, but you can Name a Star.

Lurid Tales of Constellation Pegasus the Winged Horse 

Join us as we learn the lurid tale of the constellation Pegasus the Winged Horse, which is one of the largest constellations in the sky.

 Symbolism: Pegasus the Winged Horse

 Mythology: In Greek mythology, Pegasus is a white winged horse that sprang from the neck of the Gorgon Medusa when Perseus beheaded her. Medusa was a beautiful young woman before she was turned into a monster by the goddess Athena after being caught being defiled by the sea god Poseidon in the goddess’ temple. Athena turned Medusa’s hair into snakes and made her face so ugly that anyone who looked at her immediately turned to stone. Perseus was sent to defeat Medusa by King Polydectes of Seriphus. He who was the brother of Dictys, the man who took Perseus and his mother Danaë in and raised Perseus as his own son. Polydectes wanted Danaë for himself and Perseus stood in his way because Perseus defended his mother from the king’s advances. Polydectes did not expect the hero to come back from his mission alive. When Perseus defeated Medusa, Pegasus and the warrior Chrysaor sprang from her neck, both of them offspring of Poseidon.

When is it visible? This beautiful figure can be seen high in the sky starting near the end of summer and continuing through autumn if you live in the Northern Hemisphere. If you are below the Equator, look for Pegasus in late winter and through spring.

 How to find it? The easiest way to spot the Constellation of Pegasus would be to look high in the southern sky to locate the asterism collection of stars known as the great square of Pegasus. It is often described as a box with legs sticking out of it. 

 History and Science: It was first catalogued by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century. The constellation is known for the Great Square of Pegasus, a familiar asterism in the northern sky, as well as for a number of bright stars and deep sky objects.

You can’t buy a star in the Constellation Pegasus, but you can Name a Star.