Author: Marshall Gunnell

The Moon passes right in front of a star or planet, making it disappear for a little while. This is called a lunar occultation. They happen pretty often, though most people wouldn’t notice. Unlike eclipses, which get all the attention, occultations are quick and subtle. Here’s what you need to know. What are Lunar Occultations? (And the Difference Between Transits and Eclipses) A lunar occultation happens when the Moon moves in front of a star or planet, blocking it from view for a short time. Since the Moon is much closer to us than most other objects in space, it…

It’s easy to get lost in a clear night sky full of stars. It can feel like a random mess of lights without a little guidance. Once you’re able to identify a few constellations though, the sky starts making a lot more sense. What Are Constellations? Donald R. Pettit/NASA Constellations are groups of stars that form patterns in the night sky. People have been connecting the dots for thousands of years. We’ve turned random star clusters into recognizable shapes like hunters, animals, and mythical creatures. These patterns have helped ancient civilizations navigate, tell stories, and keep track of the seasons.…