Jupiter Dazzles at Opposition on August 20th

Jupiter comes to opposition on August 20th, when it will shine brighter and closer than at any other time this year. With nights starting earlier and cooler temperatures arriving, there’s no better time to make the most of the planet. The post Jupiter Dazzles at Opposition on August 20th appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

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Recurrent Nova RS Ophiuchi Just Blew its Top!

The recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi just went into outburst — its first burst in 15 years — and it’s bright enough to see with the naked eye The post Recurrent Nova RS Ophiuchi Just Blew its Top! appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

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Fine Show Expected from the Perseid Meteor Shower

With no interference from the Moon, this year’s Perseid meteor shower should be excellent. Find a dark location and enjoy every flash. The post Fine Show Expected from the Perseid Meteor Shower appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

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Dazzling Doubles for Compromised Skies

For many, smoke from wildfires has transformed summer nights, blotting out stars and familiar deep-sky sights. But through it all double stars keep on shining. The post Dazzling Doubles for Compromised Skies appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

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In Heaven with M7, a Portal Into the Deep

M7 in Scorpius is one of the brightest, most beautiful open clusters in the sky. It’s also “home” to a half-dozen other delectable deep-sky sights. The post In Heaven with M7, a Portal Into the Deep appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

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Noctilucent Cloud Show, a Mercurial Nova, and More

Summer only lasts so long. Like everything, it’s transient. That will be our theme as we explore wispy noctilucent clouds, a nova that can’t sit still, and a supernova in NGC 5427 in Virgo. The post Noctilucent Cloud Show, a Mercurial Nova, and More appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

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Summer Nights Offer Splendid Sights in Lyra

Lyra, the Lyre, offers a wonderful assortment of double stars and deep-sky objects to keep you up at night. Break out your binoculars and telescope and join me for a summertime ramble. The post Summer Nights Offer Splendid Sights in Lyra appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

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Bright Nova in Hercules on a Roller Coaster Ride

A new bright nova discovered in Hercules at 8th magnitude briefly rose to naked-eye visibility. It’s currently easily visible in a pair of binoculars. The post Bright Nova in Hercules on a Roller Coaster Ride appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

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A Sunrise Annular Solar Eclipse

Even if you’re not in the path of annularity during the June 10th solar eclipse, get ready for a sunrise spectacle. The post A Sunrise Annular Solar Eclipse appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

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