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Astronomy Essentials
Earth farthest from sun – at aphelion – July 6, 2026
Earth farthest from sun - aka aphelion - on July 6. That's despite the fact that it's summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
Sun
Sun news: X flare! Sun-stuff speeding to Earth?
Sun news for July 1, 2026: X1.1 flare erupts from AR4479! This huge flare seems to have sent a blast of sun-stuff toward Earth.
Space

Rubin Observatory begins 10-year timelapse of the universe

The Rubin Observatory has now begun its Legacy Survey of Space and Time. This 10-year survey will create a timelapse record of the universe.
Astronomy Essentials
Tonight

Visible planets and night sky guide for July

EarthSky's visible planets and night sky guide. Earth will soon be at its farthest from the sun. But it's hot summer. How can this be? Join today's livestream.
Astronomy Essentials
Brightest Stars

Epsilon Lyrae is the famous Double Double star

To the unaided eye, Epsilon Lyrae appears as 1 star. But it’s actually a system with at least 5 stars. Learn how to find them here.
Human World

July birthstone: The rare and precious ruby

The July birthstone is the ruby, one of the most prized precious stones. It is also one of the hardest gemstones, and is chemically related to the sapphire.
Space

A passing star may have unleashed a comet deluge

Scientists think a passing star 2.5 million years ago might have sent a wave of comets in toward the sun. Some of those comets could still be arriving today.
Earth

Extreme heat impacting millions across eastern half of US

A dangerous, extreme heat wave is forecast for the Midwest and East Coast of the United States this week into the holiday weekend. Get the details here.
Brightest Stars

Is Zubeneschamali a green star? Pros say no … sky-watchers say yes

Professional astronomers can explain to you why stars can’t look green. Yet many stargazers insist that Zubeneschamali proves otherwise. What's the truth?
Earth
Space

The Tunguska explosion rocked Siberia 118 years ago

The Tunguska explosion on June 30, 1908, is the largest asteroid impact in recorded history. Researchers are preparing for future Tunguska-sized events.

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