Author Archives: Cort Vaughan

May brings two full moons and a Supermoon to celebrate Mother’s Day. Read on to learn surprising facts about these extraordinary moon phases and find the perfect Mother’s Day gift. A Supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to our planet during its elliptical rotation around earth. May’s Supermoon occurs on the 16th and it will be invisible! How can that be possible? Because May 16th will bring us both a Supermoon and a New Moon or a Super New Moon. The moon will be completely in earth’s shadow, so none of the moon will be lit […]

Don’t miss the two newly discovered comets visible this month!  Learn how to view these exciting new comets and how they were discovered. October 2025 will be a memorable month of celestial viewing. Stargazers can spot two comets, C/2025 R2 (SWAN) and C/2025 A6 (Lemmon), as they make their closest approach to Earth. While binoculars are recommended for the best view, there is a chance the comets may brighten enough to be seen with the naked eye. Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) Named for the Solar Wind Anisotropies (SWAN) instrument that detected it, this comet is brightening for Northern Hemisphere viewers […]

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 […]

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. Experience Over Items Give the gift of an experience, instead of more stuff. Escape from the city lights and visit an International Dark Sky site […]

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. 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]