The Orion constellation conjures deep imagination and wonder with just one glance. Something about the placement of the Orion stars ties the entire picture together. Almost every culture in the ancient world associated these stars with a hunter, a giant, or an all-around he-man. His origin story in the Greek myths is murky at best

Quick Reference: The Daytime Moon How often: the moon is up during daylight about half the lunar month. Best phases: waxing gibbous (afternoons, eastern sky) and waning gibbous (mornings, western sky). Worst phases: new moon (too close to sun) and full moon (rises at sunset, sets at sunrise). Why visible: the moon’s reflected sunlight is

When two full Moons appear in a single month, the second one is usually called a Blue Moon. However, there is proof that this popular definition may be a misunderstanding picked up by mainstream media in the 1940s! Learn about different definitions for a Blue Moon, when the next one will occur, superstitions, and ways

We are being visited by a comet from another solar system. Here’s why it’s historic and what to expect.

Quick Reference: Lunar Eclipses Frequency: 2-3 lunar eclipses per year. Total eclipses (red moon) about once per year. Why red: sunlight refracts through Earth’s atmosphere and bends red light onto the moon. Visibility: the entire night side of Earth at the moment of eclipse. Duration: totality lasts 1-2 hours; the whole event 3-5 hours. 2026

Quick Reference: Daylight Saving Time 2026 DST 2026 status: In effect right now. Clocks sprang forward Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 2:00 a.m. Next time change (Fall Back): Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 2:00 a.m. (2:00 a.m. becomes 1:00 a.m.) Spring Forward 2027: Sunday, March 14, 2027 at 2:00 a.m. US rule: Second Sunday in

Quick Reference: Orionid Meteor Shower Peak 2026: the predawn hours of October 21-22, 2026. Active dates: October 2 to November 7. Rate at peak: 15 to 25 meteors per hour under dark skies. Radiant (where they appear to come from): the constellation Orion, near the upraised club of the Hunter. Parent body: Halley’s Comet (1P/Halley).

Bundle up and head outside to watch the December Geminids, considered the best of the annual meteor displays. Learn more about this active meteor shower coming to a backyard sky near you!

Quick Reference: Celebrating the Harvest Moon When: the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. In 2026, September 15. Why celebrate: the Harvest Moon’s bright light traditionally let farmers work past sunset to bring in the crop. Seasonal foods: corn, squash, apples, pears, grapes, root vegetables. Traditional activities: moon-viewing dinner outdoors, harvest blessing, candle-lit gratitude

Ever look at the Moon and see a bright star shining beside it? Chances are it’s a planet (usually Venus or Jupiter). Farmers’ Almanac teams up with expert astronomer Dean Regas for this go-to guide to tell you which visible planets are shining tonight (or tomorrow morning) and which direction to look. Visible Planets 2026