If the winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, why does the earliest sunset occur two weeks prior? We explain.

This glossary includes definitions of astronomical terms that are commonly used in the Farmers’ Almanac and on FarmersAlmanac.com. APHELION: For an object in the solar system, this is the farthest point in its orbit to the Sun  (Perihelion is the object’s closest point from the Sun). APOGEE: For an object circling Earth, this is the farthest

Learn more about what causes these unusual visions in the sky!

When is the first day of summer and why does it differ each year? Plus see the interesting traditions for this change of seasons!

Learn when the Earth is closest and farthest from the Sun.

There's talk that Betelgeuse's recent strange pulsating might be a signal that the star is about to blow apart and become a supernova. But is it true? We explain.

Quick Reference: The Apollo 11 Moon Landing Date: Sunday, July 20, 1969. Time of landing: 4:17 p.m. Eastern Time. First step on moon: 10:56 p.m. Eastern Time, July 20, 1969. Crew: Neil Armstrong (commander), Buzz Aldrin (lunar module pilot), Michael Collins (command module pilot). Mission length: 8 days, 3 hours. Anniversary: celebrated each July 20

Quick Reference Moon halo: A 22-degree ring of light around the Moon, formed by moonlight refracting through ice crystals. Moonbow: A faint nighttime rainbow created by moonlight reflecting through water mist. Folklore: A halo around the Moon means rain or storms within 24 hours. Best moonbow spots: Niagara Falls (NY), Yosemite Falls (CA), Cumberland Falls

Quick Reference: 2026 Equinoxes and Solstices Spring (Vernal) Equinox: Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10:46 a.m. EDT (14:46 UTC) Summer Solstice: Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 10:24 p.m. EDT (02:24 UTC on June 21) Fall (Autumnal) Equinox: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 2:05 p.m. EDT (18:05 UTC) Winter Solstice: Monday, December 21, 2026 at 10:50

Balance a broom? Stand an egg on end? We separate fact from fiction when it comes to the moment that marks the spring season. How many of these do you believe?