#skywatching

[nasa]

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is only the third object we've ever seen passing through our solar system from elsewhere in the galaxy. 3I/ATLAS doesn't pose a threat to Earth, and the closest it'll get to our home planet (on Dec. 19) is about 170 million miles—nearly twice the distance between Earth and the Sun.

That doesn't mean our scientists aren't keeping a close eye on it, though! Interstellar objects like 3I/ATLAS give us a unique opportunity to learn more about what solar systems beyond ours are made of, so NASA spacecraft, satellites, and even our Mars rovers have been watching the comet as it arcs through our neighborhood.

This image of 3I/ATLAS was taken by our Hubble Space Telescope on Nov. 30, when the comet was about 178 million miles from Earth. Follow the latest updates on our 3I/ATLAS blog.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[steven-sandner]

Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England - this composite took 35 images to create

More about me & prints https://linktr.ee/steven.sandner

[jameswebb-discoveries]

Venus and Jupiter are about to have their closest evening encounter of 2026.

On June 9, the two brightest planets in our night sky will appear just 1.5° apart above the western horizon after sunset — close enough to fit comfortably in the same binocular view.

Learn more - here.

For a few evenings around the event, you'll be able to step outside and see a stunning planetary pairing with your own eyes:

✨ Venus blazing at magnitude -4.2 ✨ Jupiter shining nearby at magnitude -1.7 ✨ One of the most beautiful naked-eye astronomy events of the year

No telescope required.

Just find a clear view toward the west-northwest horizon about 30–60 minutes after sunset and look for the two brilliant lights hanging together in the twilight.

If you have binoculars, the view becomes even better, with Jupiter's four largest moons potentially visible as tiny points of light beside the giant planet.

Events like this remind us that some of the most spectacular sights in astronomy don't require expensive equipment—just a clear sky and a few minutes of attention.

🌌 June 9, 2026 🔭 Venus–Jupiter Conjunction 📍 Low in the WNW after sunset

Who's planning to watch?

[sushi11]

Make a wish✨

[missedmilemarkers]

The moon stands bright and detailed against the dark night sky, its craters and surface illuminated in a stunning close-up. This breathtaking view of our lunar neighbor captures the beauty and mystery of space, offering a moment to reflect on the wonder of the universe. A perfect image for those who love to explore the skies and gaze at the stars.

[moonlight-lightning]

Lightning A great lightning storm passed over the town last night by Andy Stones https://flic.kr/p/2jrX5iN

[itsfullofstars]

[kostastsi4]

Blood Moon Eclipse in Motion, Greece 2025 🌖

The sky paused, the moon turned red, and for a moment it felt like we were standing inside a dream.