What's Up? The Space Place

 Hey, Space Placers! Sky Safari Pro App of Night Sky If you want to watch the sky in 2026 here are some "must see" events. I will continue blogging on the 1st of each month to give you the highlights that are happening. You can also get a more personalized notice of what's happening in the sky through the NASA Skywatching website.   This is a treasure trove of free skywatching information and much, much more, Be sure to check it out. I also HIGHLY recommend that you get a "planetarium app" for your smartphone/tablet/computer. I have Sky Safari Pro on all of my digital devices and it is essential. I can input location, time, date to get a real time view of the sky and what is visible. Plus it provides vital astronomical information on stars, planets, deep sky object and more. Just do a search on "planetarium app" or check the app store for your device(s). Read the reviews and pick one.  Enjoy the sky in 2026! Sky Guy in VA

 Hey, Space Placers! WOLF'S LAIR Greg Redfern iPhone 17 PRO I have mentioned often how clouds can powerfully enhance our view and imaging of the night sky. This image is one of my all time favorites because it is surreal. I call it "Wolf's Lair" because the multiple cloud layers surround the brilliant almost Full Wolf Supermoon. Taken at 9 pm EST 1/3/26, the Moon was 99.2% illuminated. BOTTOM LINE: Don't give up checking out the sky just because clouds are in the forecast. Sky Guy in VA

 Hey, Space Placers! The January full moon is the  Wolf Moon  and it’s a  supermoon . It’ll occur overnight on January 2-3. The crest of the full moon falls at  10:03 UTC  on January 3. That’s 4:03 a.m. CST for folks in central North America. So the moon will be at its fullest on the morning of January 3, but it will appear full on both nights, January 2 and 3. It will glow near bright Jupiter and the twin stars of  Gemini ,  Castor  and  Pollux . The sky is off to a great start for 2026 as Saturday holds four sky events for stargazers, including a rare celestial coincidence involving the sun and moon. First up on Saturday morning is the full wolf supermoon that occurs at 5:03 am EST https://www.almanac.com/content/full-moon-january   and can be seen in the West before dawn. Brilliant Jupiter will be nearby too. You can also use this website to determine moonrise/moonset for your location. This is the fourth in a row full super...

 Hey, Space Placers! Nebula Moon - Last Astropic of 0025 Greg Redfern iPhone HAPPY NEW YEAR! Get off to a good skywatching start for 2026. Here is the January lineup of sky sights. Sky Guy in VA

 Hey, Space Placers! GREG REDFERN As we usher out 2025 to greet 2026, there are concerns and hopes for the new year. If you care about NASA and our country's space efforts, this is an article worth reading. Only time and the upcoming midterm voting will tell what happens. CHINA is not mired in space politics and is full speed ahead for getting Taikonauts to the Moon by 2030. Artemis II is scheduled for launch 2/1/26-4/30/26. I will be there to see it. I will keep you up to speed as always..... Have a safe and joyous New Year....... Sky Guy Greg

 Hey, Space Placers! FLAME TREE AND HORSEHEAD NEBULAS IN ORION Greg Redfern As we wind down 2025, here is a nice article to preview what 2026 skies have in store for Earthlings. I also preview the first of the month on my blog what the sky has in store for us. May your New Year celebrations be safe and joyful. Sky Guy in VA