The September 2026 starry sky offers early falling darkness, Saturn on its way to opposition, Neptune at its best, and a wonderfully dark moon window around September 11. This is your viewing guide for the month.
Astronomy 101
Stars and Planets April 2026: Comets, Meteors, and the Leap to the Moon
The stars and planets in April 2026 mark a particularly turning point for anyone who likes to look up. As iconic winter constellations such as Orion and Taurus finally disappear beyond the western horizon, a window opens to the deep universe that often remains hidden during the humid summer months. For owners of a Dobson [...]
Dwarf Mini vs Seestar S30: a comparison
Dwarf Mini vs. Seestar S30 marks a new era in astronomy: that of the ultra-portable, smart telescope. Where we used to talk about systems that fit in a backpack, we are now talking about devices that you literally carry in your coat pocket to a dark location. This miniaturization is impressive, but it also brings specific physics challenges [...].
Starry sky February 2026: what can be seen in the night sky?
Starry Skies February 2026 offers a unique window for anyone who takes visual astronomy seriously, or has a passion for the night sky! As winter slowly turns into spring, the northern hemisphere's most iconic objects are in their best positions. For owners of a Dobson telescope, this is a month [...]
Planetary alignment February 2026: a special planet parade
What makes the February 2026 planetary alignment so special? The February 2026 planetary alignment is one of the most striking planetary conjunctions of this decade. On and around Feb. 28, 2026, six planets are on the same side of the Sun at the same time, making them appear in the evening sky, as seen from Earth, within one wide arc. What [...]
Starry sky January 2026: what can be seen in the sky in January 2026?
The January 2026 starry sky: recognizable, and lots happening! The January 2026 starry sky brings one of the most recognizable celestial scenes of the year. As soon as darkness falls, a backdrop forms that almost every stargazer instinctively recognizes: Orion in the south, the Pleiades high in the east, Auriga and Gemini above you, and in [...]
3I Atlas gets closer...everything we know so far
Very occasionally, an object appears at the edge of our solar system that breaks through everything we are used to. 1I/ʻOumuamua did it in 2017. 2I/Borisov did it again in 2019. And in 2025 it will happen for the third time: 3I ATLAS, a visitor from outside our solar system, will pass by. Since its discovery on [...]
Neptune through a telescope: a distant, blue dot
Viewing Neptune through a telescope feels like seeing something not actually meant for the naked eye. This ice giant is so far from Earth that it barely stands out among the stars, and that's exactly what makes it special. Where Jupiter makes an immediate impression and Saturn welcomes you with its rings, Neptune remains silent [...].
Viewing Uranus through a telescope: what does this mysterious planet look like?
Viewing Uranus through a telescope is an experience for those looking beyond the familiar planets. This icy giant is much further from Earth than Jupiter or Saturn and is therefore less conspicuous. Nevertheless, with proper preparation and a suitable telescope, Uranus is easily distinguishable from the background stars. Precisely because it is so subtly [...]
Viewing Mercury through a telescope: what does this planet look like?
Viewing Mercury through a telescope is possible, but requires more preparation than for almost any other planet. Mercury is always close to the sun and is therefore visible only briefly, low above the horizon and often surrounded by twilight. This makes it tricky, but also just as special. Those who have observed Mercury properly once know that [...]
Viewing Venus through a telescope: clearly explained
Viewing Venus through a telescope is one of the first true planetary observations for many people. Not because Venus shows much detail, but because it is extremely bright and shows distinct phases. This is precisely what makes Venus instructive: you see with your own eyes how a planet behaves differently from stars and how our [...]
Mars through a telescope: what do you see during opposition?
Seeing Mars through a telescope is a magical moment for many people. Not just because it is a nearby neighboring planet, but because with the right time, good settings and a little patience (very important!) you can actually observe details on the surface. Think polar caps, dark areas and even seasonal changes. But what do you see [...]