What a spectacular aurora we had on the night of May 10th. So often we see the news about auroras only to be disappointed, but not this time — it was awesome. Yes, we photographed it by making a video of the aurora above Mt Rainier.... take a look... ➜

On September 17, Saturn will be occulted by the Moon for nearly an hour. Watch the Moon approach Saturn in our sky and then cover it completely. This is a rare and 'not to be missed' event in the Starry Hill region. ➜

The last months of 2024 offer a very cool challenge for stargazers: it will be possible to view five planets at the same time. If you are interested in adding this rare feat to your list of stargazing accomplishments, then check this out... ➜

If you'd like an interesting challenge, then the Partial Lunar Eclipse on September 17, 2024 may be for you. At maximum eclipse, the Moon will be low in the sky, bathed in twilight with only a tiny part of the Moon turning red. This will be a difficult stargazing challenge indeed! ➜

On December 17, two wise -- very old -- worlds, Mars and the Moon, will arrive at the star cluster known since antiquity as the Praesepe, Latin for manger. How appropriate for this time of year. This rare event will be best viewed with a binocular or small telescope. ➜

On August 14, Mars will be passing Jupiter in our sky. Although this happens about every 27 months, this year they will appear incredibly close -- less than half the width of a Full Moon. They won't be this close again for over nine years. ➜

Remember the wonderful total solar eclipse in August of 2017? The good news is that the USA will be experiencing another one on April 8, 2024. Just like last time, to experience totality, one has to be within the path of totality. The not-so-good news for us in the Starry Hill region, the path won't be nearby. So, unless you are willing to travel a couple thousand miles east, this eclipse will be only partial. ➜

Yes, we'll be having a penumbral lunar eclipse on March 24/25. Will the moon be turning a 'blood' red color? Sorry, no. A penumbral eclipse is actually much more subtle and easily missed unless you are a careful observer. ➜