Lake Powell is shrinking toward ‘dead pool’ levels

The Bullfrog Basin portion of Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area of Utah. This pair of images from ESA’s Copernicus shows how low the water level has gotten in the past decade. Image via ESA/ Copernicus.

We’ve never needed good science more than we do right now. Support EarthSky in 2026 and help us keep it going strong.

Lake Powell is shrinking toward ‘dead pool’ levels

Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area of Utah. This pair of images from ESA’s Copernicus shows how low the water level has gotten in the past decade. Image via ESA/ Copernicus.” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Lake Powell is a human-made reservoir on the Colorado River that runs from Arizona into Utah. The building of Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River in 1972 led to the creation of Lake Powell. When full, it’s the 2nd-largest reservoir in the United States, behind Lake Mead. But drought over the past decades has caused Lake Powell to shrink. As of midsummer 2026, it had reached its lowest summer level ever, at only about 23% capacity.

At full capacity, it holds more than 23 million acre-feet of water (28 billion cubic meters). Currently, Lake Powell is holding just 5 million acre-feet of water. As of July 29, 2026, the lake level is at 3,522.78 feet. The record for the lowest level on Lake Powell is 3,519.92 feet, which it reached on April 13, 2023.

Lake Powell now stands at 152.78 ft above dead pool. Dead pool is when water in a reservoir drops so low that it can’t flow downstream from the dam. It would have serious consequences for the people and farmland downstream. There is also a turbine at the base of Glen Canyon Dam. If the water level were to drop low enough, the turbine would lose capacity to produce power. A July report from the Bureau of Reclamation said this could happen as early as spring 2027.

This was the view from the visitor center at Glen Canyon Dam in August of 2024. This dam created the reservoir known as Lake Powell, which extends from Arizona into Utah. Image via Lucy Whitt. Used with permission.

Why are Lakes Powell and Mead and the Colorado River shrinking?

There are a number of factors putting stress on these bodies of water. One is the increased demand as our population grows. The water downstream is used for drinking, but the majority of it is used in farming. And climate change has also been another big factor, leading to hotter weather, more evaporation, less precipitation and smaller snowpack. Plus, one major factor for the low water level this year is the incredibly dry winter this region of the country experienced in 2025-2026.

A water supply crisis

Lake Mead and Lake Powell hold nearly 60% of the Colorado River Basin’s water. Some 40 million people rely on this water. But currently, those lakes are at their lowest level in about 70 years. As the July report said:

Lake Powell and Lake Mead essentially comprise one gigantic reservoir, separated into two parts by the Grand Canyon.

Every day going forward, until runoff from the 2026-2027 winter snowpack begins next spring, a new record low will likely be set. This is a significant moment in the evolving Colorado River water supply crisis.

Is there hope for rain and snow?

We are entering not only an El Niño year, but very likely a supercharged one. Right now, the American Southwest is experiencing monsoon season, and there is some hope that rainfall could alleviate a small portion of the drought. And an El Niño year could lead to increased snowfall this winter. But at this point we still must wait to see how the seasons unfold.

Recreation continues on Lake Powell

Right now, there is still plenty of water in Lake Powell that recreational activities continue. Even so, the surrounding communities have taken a hit. It’s unclear whether the drop in tourism is due to visitors choosing to go elsewhere because of news of low lake levels or if it’s related to high gas prices or other reasons.

Marina owners have been extending their boat ramps to continue to have access to the lake. The boat ramp at Bullfrog Marina has been extended so much that at this point, an observer noted, it’s long enough for a small plane to land on it.

At the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Glen Canyon National Recreation Area website, it says:

Lake levels are changing; your adventure isn’t. Open access and a wide range of recreation continue all season long. Since 2001, declining water levels due to climate change and 20 years of drought have reshaped Lake Powell’s shoreline. Today we are experiencing low lake levels and their effects on boat ramp access points, on-lake facilities, and the landscape.

If you want to visit and bring your own boat, visit this page for the latest on lake levels.

Bottom line: Lake Powell is the 2nd-largest reservoir in the United States. But with climate and usage stresses, the lake is shrinking. It could reach dead pool by spring 2027.

Source: A Significant Moment in the Colorado River Water Supply Crisis

The post Lake Powell is shrinking toward ‘dead pool’ levels first appeared on EarthSky.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/eRJxuK5

The Bullfrog Basin portion of Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area of Utah. This pair of images from ESA’s Copernicus shows how low the water level has gotten in the past decade. Image via ESA/ Copernicus.

We’ve never needed good science more than we do right now. Support EarthSky in 2026 and help us keep it going strong.

Lake Powell is shrinking toward ‘dead pool’ levels

Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area of Utah. This pair of images from ESA’s Copernicus shows how low the water level has gotten in the past decade. Image via ESA/ Copernicus.” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Lake Powell is a human-made reservoir on the Colorado River that runs from Arizona into Utah. The building of Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River in 1972 led to the creation of Lake Powell. When full, it’s the 2nd-largest reservoir in the United States, behind Lake Mead. But drought over the past decades has caused Lake Powell to shrink. As of midsummer 2026, it had reached its lowest summer level ever, at only about 23% capacity.

At full capacity, it holds more than 23 million acre-feet of water (28 billion cubic meters). Currently, Lake Powell is holding just 5 million acre-feet of water. As of July 29, 2026, the lake level is at 3,522.78 feet. The record for the lowest level on Lake Powell is 3,519.92 feet, which it reached on April 13, 2023.

Lake Powell now stands at 152.78 ft above dead pool. Dead pool is when water in a reservoir drops so low that it can’t flow downstream from the dam. It would have serious consequences for the people and farmland downstream. There is also a turbine at the base of Glen Canyon Dam. If the water level were to drop low enough, the turbine would lose capacity to produce power. A July report from the Bureau of Reclamation said this could happen as early as spring 2027.

This was the view from the visitor center at Glen Canyon Dam in August of 2024. This dam created the reservoir known as Lake Powell, which extends from Arizona into Utah. Image via Lucy Whitt. Used with permission.

Why are Lakes Powell and Mead and the Colorado River shrinking?

There are a number of factors putting stress on these bodies of water. One is the increased demand as our population grows. The water downstream is used for drinking, but the majority of it is used in farming. And climate change has also been another big factor, leading to hotter weather, more evaporation, less precipitation and smaller snowpack. Plus, one major factor for the low water level this year is the incredibly dry winter this region of the country experienced in 2025-2026.

A water supply crisis

Lake Mead and Lake Powell hold nearly 60% of the Colorado River Basin’s water. Some 40 million people rely on this water. But currently, those lakes are at their lowest level in about 70 years. As the July report said:

Lake Powell and Lake Mead essentially comprise one gigantic reservoir, separated into two parts by the Grand Canyon.

Every day going forward, until runoff from the 2026-2027 winter snowpack begins next spring, a new record low will likely be set. This is a significant moment in the evolving Colorado River water supply crisis.

Is there hope for rain and snow?

We are entering not only an El Niño year, but very likely a supercharged one. Right now, the American Southwest is experiencing monsoon season, and there is some hope that rainfall could alleviate a small portion of the drought. And an El Niño year could lead to increased snowfall this winter. But at this point we still must wait to see how the seasons unfold.

Recreation continues on Lake Powell

Right now, there is still plenty of water in Lake Powell that recreational activities continue. Even so, the surrounding communities have taken a hit. It’s unclear whether the drop in tourism is due to visitors choosing to go elsewhere because of news of low lake levels or if it’s related to high gas prices or other reasons.

Marina owners have been extending their boat ramps to continue to have access to the lake. The boat ramp at Bullfrog Marina has been extended so much that at this point, an observer noted, it’s long enough for a small plane to land on it.

At the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Glen Canyon National Recreation Area website, it says:

Lake levels are changing; your adventure isn’t. Open access and a wide range of recreation continue all season long. Since 2001, declining water levels due to climate change and 20 years of drought have reshaped Lake Powell’s shoreline. Today we are experiencing low lake levels and their effects on boat ramp access points, on-lake facilities, and the landscape.

If you want to visit and bring your own boat, visit this page for the latest on lake levels.

Bottom line: Lake Powell is the 2nd-largest reservoir in the United States. But with climate and usage stresses, the lake is shrinking. It could reach dead pool by spring 2027.

Source: A Significant Moment in the Colorado River Water Supply Crisis

The post Lake Powell is shrinking toward ‘dead pool’ levels first appeared on EarthSky.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/eRJxuK5

Look for Mercury farthest from the morning sun on August 2

Mercury reaches its largest angular distance from the sun on August 2, 2026. This is called “Greatest Western Elongation.” Chart via EarthSky.

We live in uncertain times. But things are always so much more peaceful, looking up. Please help EarthSky keep going!

Mercury farthest from the sunrise on August 2

The innermost planet Mercury orbits the sun every 88 days. And Earth is moving, too. So Mercury ends up passing between us and the sun about every 116 days. It last did this on July 13, 2026, reaching the point astronomers call inferior conjunction. And since then, Mercury has been speeding ahead of Earth in orbit.

And now, as of mid-July, it’s started to re-emerge into our eastern morning sky. Look for it in the sunrise direction shortly before dawn. Mercury will reach its greatest morning elongation – its greatest apparent distance from the rising sun – on August 2, 2026. This morning apparition favors the Northern Hemisphere.

Mercury greatest elongation, August 2026

When to watch: Officially, Mercury emerged in mid-July in the morning sky. Look for it shortly before sunrise. At greatest elongation – August 2, 2026 – Mercury is farthest from the sunrise on our sky’s dome. And after that, when it’s edging back toward the sunrise, it’ll brighten a little bit more. That will make Mercury easier to spot in the morning twilight. A waxing crescent moon joins it on the morning of August 11, and it’ll have a close encounter with Jupiter on August 15.
Where to look: Look in the sunrise direction as the sky is getting lighter.
Greatest elongation – marking Mercury’s farthest point from the sunrise glare – is on August 2, 2026 at 8 UTC (3 a.m. CDT). Mercury will shine at magnitude +0.1 that morning. At that time, Mercury will be 19 degrees from the sun on our sky’s dome.
Through a telescope on and around August 2, Mercury appears 39% illuminated and 7.56 arcseconds across.
Note: After August 2, Mercury brightens a bit to magnitude -1.6 (bright, but competing with the morning twilight) until it slips away later in the month in the morning twilight.
Mercury and Jupiter conjunction: About 30 minutes before sunrise on August 15, look for Mercury and Jupiter lying near each other in the morning twilight. They’ll be 0.6 degrees apart. Binoculars might help spot them.

Late July finder charts

From the Northern Hemisphere, on the last 2 mornings of July, Mercury will shine low in the east in the bright twilight. Higher in the sky is the red planet Mars. Mercury will reach its greatest distance from the sun on the morning of August 2. Chart via EarthSky.

For Southern Hemisphere viewers, Mercury will lie low in the east during the last 2 mornings of July. Also, look for Mars higher in the sky. Mercury will reach its greatest distance from the sun on the morning of August 2. Chart via EarthSky.

For precise sun and Mercury rising times at your location:

Old Farmer’s Almanac (U.S. and Canada)
timeanddate.com (worldwide)
Stellarium (online planetarium)

Don’t miss the next unmissable night sky event. Sign up for our free newsletter for daily night sky updates, as well as the latest science news.

Mercury events in 2026

Jan 21, 2026: Superior conjunction (passes behind sun from Earth)
Feb 19, 2026: Greatest elongation (evening)
Mar 7, 2026: Inferior conjunction (races between Earth and sun)
Apr 3, 2026: Greatest elongation (morning)
May 14, 2026: Superior conjunction (passes behind sun from Earth)
Jun 15, 2026: Greatest elongation (evening)
Jul 13, 2026: Inferior conjunction (races between Earth and sun)
Aug 2, 2026: Greatest elongation (morning)
Aug 27, 2026: Superior conjunction (passes behind sun from Earth)
Oct 12, 2026: Greatest elongation (evening)
Nov 4, 2026: Inferior conjunction (races between Earth and sun)
Nov 21, 2026: Greatest elongation (morning)

Mercury charts from Guy Ottewell

Mercury’s greatest morning elongations in 2026 from the Northern Hemisphere as viewed through a powerful telescope. The planet images are at the 1st, 11th, and 21st of each month. Dots show the actual positions of the planet for every day. Chart via Guy Ottewell’s 2026 Astronomical Calendar. Used with permission.

Mercury’s greatest morning elongations in 2026 from the Southern Hemisphere as viewed through a powerful telescope. The planet images are at the 1st, 11th, and 21st of each month. Dots show the actual positions of the planet for every day. Chart via Guy Ottewell’s 2026 Astronomical Calendar. Used with permission.

A comparison of elongations

Mercury’s greatest elongations are not equal. Indeed, some are “greater” than others. For example, the distance of Mercury from the sun on our sky’s dome varies from about 28 degrees (maximum) to 18 degrees (minimum).

Also, Mercury’s elongations are better or worse depending on the time of the year they occur and your location on Earth. So, for both hemispheres, spring evenings and autumn mornings are best.

As an illustration, the chart below – from a Northern Hemisphere perspective – might help you visualize these differences.

Mercury elongations compared. Here, gray areas represent evening apparitions (eastward elongation). Blue areas represent morning apparitions (westward elongation). The top figures are the maximum elongations, reached at the top dates shown beneath. Curves show the altitude of the planet above the horizon at sunrise or sunset, for latitude 40 degrees north (thick line) and 35 degrees south (thin line). Likewise, maxima are reached at the parenthesized dates below (40 degrees north in bold). Chart via Guy Ottewell’s 2026 Astronomical Calendar. Used with permission.

Heliocentric solar system, August 2026

Heliocentric view of solar system, August 2026. Chart via Guy Ottewell’s 2026 Astronomical Calendar. Used with permission. Plus Guy Ottewell explains heliocentric charts here.

Seasons make a difference

So, in the autumn for either hemisphere, the ecliptic – or path of the sun, moon and planets – makes a narrow angle to the horizon in the evening. Conversely, it makes a steep slant, nearly perpendicular, in the morning. So – in autumn from either hemisphere – morning elongations of Mercury are best. Then, Mercury appears higher above the horizon and farther from the glow of the sun. Conversely, evening elongations in autumn are harder to see.

On the other hand, in the spring for either hemisphere, the situation reverses. Then, the ecliptic and the horizon meet at a sharper angle on spring evenings and at a narrower angle on spring mornings. So, in springtime for either hemisphere, evening elongations of Mercury are best. Meanwhile, morning elongations in springtime are harder to see.

Bottom line: Mercury will reach its greatest elongation – greatest distance from the sunrise – on August 2, 2026. Look east at dawn. It’ll disappear from the morning sky in late August. It’ll be close to Jupiter on August 15.

Do you love twilight? The 3 stages explained

Visible planets and night sky guide

The post Look for Mercury farthest from the morning sun on August 2 first appeared on EarthSky.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/GJLpMh7

Mercury reaches its largest angular distance from the sun on August 2, 2026. This is called “Greatest Western Elongation.” Chart via EarthSky.

We live in uncertain times. But things are always so much more peaceful, looking up. Please help EarthSky keep going!

Mercury farthest from the sunrise on August 2

The innermost planet Mercury orbits the sun every 88 days. And Earth is moving, too. So Mercury ends up passing between us and the sun about every 116 days. It last did this on July 13, 2026, reaching the point astronomers call inferior conjunction. And since then, Mercury has been speeding ahead of Earth in orbit.

And now, as of mid-July, it’s started to re-emerge into our eastern morning sky. Look for it in the sunrise direction shortly before dawn. Mercury will reach its greatest morning elongation – its greatest apparent distance from the rising sun – on August 2, 2026. This morning apparition favors the Northern Hemisphere.

Mercury greatest elongation, August 2026

When to watch: Officially, Mercury emerged in mid-July in the morning sky. Look for it shortly before sunrise. At greatest elongation – August 2, 2026 – Mercury is farthest from the sunrise on our sky’s dome. And after that, when it’s edging back toward the sunrise, it’ll brighten a little bit more. That will make Mercury easier to spot in the morning twilight. A waxing crescent moon joins it on the morning of August 11, and it’ll have a close encounter with Jupiter on August 15.
Where to look: Look in the sunrise direction as the sky is getting lighter.
Greatest elongation – marking Mercury’s farthest point from the sunrise glare – is on August 2, 2026 at 8 UTC (3 a.m. CDT). Mercury will shine at magnitude +0.1 that morning. At that time, Mercury will be 19 degrees from the sun on our sky’s dome.
Through a telescope on and around August 2, Mercury appears 39% illuminated and 7.56 arcseconds across.
Note: After August 2, Mercury brightens a bit to magnitude -1.6 (bright, but competing with the morning twilight) until it slips away later in the month in the morning twilight.
Mercury and Jupiter conjunction: About 30 minutes before sunrise on August 15, look for Mercury and Jupiter lying near each other in the morning twilight. They’ll be 0.6 degrees apart. Binoculars might help spot them.

Late July finder charts

From the Northern Hemisphere, on the last 2 mornings of July, Mercury will shine low in the east in the bright twilight. Higher in the sky is the red planet Mars. Mercury will reach its greatest distance from the sun on the morning of August 2. Chart via EarthSky.

For Southern Hemisphere viewers, Mercury will lie low in the east during the last 2 mornings of July. Also, look for Mars higher in the sky. Mercury will reach its greatest distance from the sun on the morning of August 2. Chart via EarthSky.

For precise sun and Mercury rising times at your location:

Old Farmer’s Almanac (U.S. and Canada)
timeanddate.com (worldwide)
Stellarium (online planetarium)

Don’t miss the next unmissable night sky event. Sign up for our free newsletter for daily night sky updates, as well as the latest science news.

Mercury events in 2026

Jan 21, 2026: Superior conjunction (passes behind sun from Earth)
Feb 19, 2026: Greatest elongation (evening)
Mar 7, 2026: Inferior conjunction (races between Earth and sun)
Apr 3, 2026: Greatest elongation (morning)
May 14, 2026: Superior conjunction (passes behind sun from Earth)
Jun 15, 2026: Greatest elongation (evening)
Jul 13, 2026: Inferior conjunction (races between Earth and sun)
Aug 2, 2026: Greatest elongation (morning)
Aug 27, 2026: Superior conjunction (passes behind sun from Earth)
Oct 12, 2026: Greatest elongation (evening)
Nov 4, 2026: Inferior conjunction (races between Earth and sun)
Nov 21, 2026: Greatest elongation (morning)

Mercury charts from Guy Ottewell

Mercury’s greatest morning elongations in 2026 from the Northern Hemisphere as viewed through a powerful telescope. The planet images are at the 1st, 11th, and 21st of each month. Dots show the actual positions of the planet for every day. Chart via Guy Ottewell’s 2026 Astronomical Calendar. Used with permission.

Mercury’s greatest morning elongations in 2026 from the Southern Hemisphere as viewed through a powerful telescope. The planet images are at the 1st, 11th, and 21st of each month. Dots show the actual positions of the planet for every day. Chart via Guy Ottewell’s 2026 Astronomical Calendar. Used with permission.

A comparison of elongations

Mercury’s greatest elongations are not equal. Indeed, some are “greater” than others. For example, the distance of Mercury from the sun on our sky’s dome varies from about 28 degrees (maximum) to 18 degrees (minimum).

Also, Mercury’s elongations are better or worse depending on the time of the year they occur and your location on Earth. So, for both hemispheres, spring evenings and autumn mornings are best.

As an illustration, the chart below – from a Northern Hemisphere perspective – might help you visualize these differences.

Mercury elongations compared. Here, gray areas represent evening apparitions (eastward elongation). Blue areas represent morning apparitions (westward elongation). The top figures are the maximum elongations, reached at the top dates shown beneath. Curves show the altitude of the planet above the horizon at sunrise or sunset, for latitude 40 degrees north (thick line) and 35 degrees south (thin line). Likewise, maxima are reached at the parenthesized dates below (40 degrees north in bold). Chart via Guy Ottewell’s 2026 Astronomical Calendar. Used with permission.

Heliocentric solar system, August 2026

Heliocentric view of solar system, August 2026. Chart via Guy Ottewell’s 2026 Astronomical Calendar. Used with permission. Plus Guy Ottewell explains heliocentric charts here.

Seasons make a difference

So, in the autumn for either hemisphere, the ecliptic – or path of the sun, moon and planets – makes a narrow angle to the horizon in the evening. Conversely, it makes a steep slant, nearly perpendicular, in the morning. So – in autumn from either hemisphere – morning elongations of Mercury are best. Then, Mercury appears higher above the horizon and farther from the glow of the sun. Conversely, evening elongations in autumn are harder to see.

On the other hand, in the spring for either hemisphere, the situation reverses. Then, the ecliptic and the horizon meet at a sharper angle on spring evenings and at a narrower angle on spring mornings. So, in springtime for either hemisphere, evening elongations of Mercury are best. Meanwhile, morning elongations in springtime are harder to see.

Bottom line: Mercury will reach its greatest elongation – greatest distance from the sunrise – on August 2, 2026. Look east at dawn. It’ll disappear from the morning sky in late August. It’ll be close to Jupiter on August 15.

Do you love twilight? The 3 stages explained

Visible planets and night sky guide

The post Look for Mercury farthest from the morning sun on August 2 first appeared on EarthSky.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/GJLpMh7

What are star trails, and how do I photograph them?

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Rui Santos in Amor, Leiria, Portugal, shared this composite image of star trails on February 16, 2025, and wrote: ” We can’t feel it, but everything is in motion. Everything moves, even when it seems still. And nature is never the same twice, it is constantly changing, in a vivid and silent way.” Thank you, Rui!

We live in uncertain times. Look up! It’s peaceful. And please donate today to help EarthSky keep going.

What are star trails?

Star trails reveal the motion of the stars across the sky over minutes or even hours. With a steady mount, long exposures and a few other tricks, you can take images of star trails, too.

Often, the camera stays pointed at Polaris, the North Pole Star. That’s the star around which the whole northern sky turns. In the Southern Hemisphere, photographs can point at the south celestial pole, which is not marked by a single star. Then, with an open shutter, the camera records an image as Earth turns on its axis and the stars move overhead. There are also many variations on star trail photos, as you’ll see below!

Star trails reflect Earth’s rotation, or spin, around its axis. The Earth makes a complete rotation relative to the backdrop stars in a period of about 23 hours and 56 minutes. So, as seen from Earth, all the stars go full circle and return to the same place in the sky after this period of time. This revolution with respect to the stars is what astronomers call a sidereal day.

Earth’s spin makes star trails

What this means is that, if you’re standing out under the stars, you see them move across the sky as the night progresses. The stars – like the sun during the daytime – move from east to west across the sky every night.

Stars near the celestial poles produce the smallest circles, while those near the celestial equator produce the largest. Each and every star moves 15 degrees westward in one hour.

Star trails are really arcs, or partial circles, whose ever-circling motions forever tabulate the passage of time.

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Jeff Grubbs in Elgin, Arizona, took a long-exposure photo of the northern sky on May 22, 2025. It shows all the stars circling around Polaris, the North Star (or Pole Star). Thanks, Jeff!

What you need to capture star trails

EarthSky Facebook friend Ken Christison has some wonderful photos of star trails. He said the equipment needed for making star trails is pretty simple:

First, a camera that allows manual settings so you can set your f/stop and shutter speeds, as well as ISO.

Next, a wide-angle lens, the wider the better.

A good steady tripod is a must.

Some cameras will have a built-in intervalometer, which can be set to shoot the desirable number of frames. In some cases the intervalometer has a bit of lag between shots. This is the reason I use a separate remote attached to the camera that holds the shutter down. And when the camera is set in continuous shooting mode, it will shoot 100 frames in succession with very little gap.

The remote I use is a simple one that can be found on eBay and uses a couple of AAA batteries that last quite a while. I just use the remote controller attached to the 10 pin connector. There is no need to use the wireless receiver in this case.

I use a shutter speed of 30 seconds, ISO of 400 to 800, and – with my 14-24mm lens at 14mm – shoot it wide open at f/2.8.

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Eddie Little of North Carolina captured the stars circling around Polaris, the North Star, on January 2, 2025, and wrote: “I had a mostly cloudless, nearly moonless night on one of the longest nights of the year. Approximately 12 hours of shooting.” Thank you, Eddie!

How to photograph the timelapse streaks

Next, Ken said, you’re ready to capture your star trail:

Make sure the camera is level. After focusing on a star, make sure the autofocus is turned off. Then, using the settings mentioned above, click the shutter and stay around long enough to know that the shutter is actually actuating. I normally go back in the house, set the timer on our kitchen stove for 45 minutes, and do other things while the camera does its work.

When the timer sounds, go back out and reset the remote by turning it off, waiting for the shutter to close, then reset quickly.

Finally, you’ll want to process your photo. Ken said:

This is one of the most important elements in making star trail images. The program I use is free, works well and is simple to use: Startrails.exe.

One other program that I have heard works well and is also free is StarStaX.

Thank you, Ken!

Visit Ken Christison’s Facebook page

Read more: Long exposure star trail photography

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Andrea Boyle of Medford, Oregon, submitted this composite image on May 10, 2024, and wrote: “About 150 30-second shots of nearby ‘Table Rock’ and the aurora on May 10, 2024, in Southern Oregon. Images were stacked in Photoshop with minor edits done to remove or darken lights in the foreground. The colors in the sky were not evident to the unaided eye, especially one that had been reading with a flashlight. It wasn’t until I reviewed my images that I saw the brilliant color.” Thank you, Andrea.

Star trails from our community

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Jose Palma made this composite from images captured on June 5, 2026, from Portugal. Jose wrote: “On the night of June 5, 2026, the old chimney of Achada do Gamo, Mina de São Domingos, stood framed between the luminous trails of Jupiter and Venus, the two brightest planets in the sky that night, as they slowly made their way toward the western horizon. The composition was carefully planned for this alignment between sky and earth.” Thank you, Jose!

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Meiying Lee submitted this composite image taken from New Zealand. Meiying wrote: “On the night of March 14, 2026, two auroral substorms occurred. I was incredibly fortunate to witness and capture the aurora at 45 degrees south latitude in Queenstown. This image also captures the rotation of the southern sky through star trails, dancing alongside the aurora. The slight wobble in the star trails is caused by vibrations from the wooden balcony floor where the camera was set up, along with the movement of excited onlookers nearby. This image is a stack of approximately 620 exposures taken over 4.5 hours.” Thank you, Meiying!

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Jose Palma of Portugal made this composite image on May 8, 2024, and wrote: “The trails of stars across the sky captures the timeless journey of the stars as they ‘cross’ the heavens, while the fireflies below, at this time of year, add a touch of earthly magic to this wonderful scene. Together, they weave a story of harmony between the natural world and the cosmos, reminding us of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us every night.” Thank you, Jose!

A star trails video

EarthSky’s own Raúl Cortés captured this video of star trails on July 13, 2023, from Monterrey, Mexico. The bright orange streak near the horizon is the star Antares in the constellation Scorpius the Scorpion.

Moon and sun trails from our community

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | This image was captured by David Hunter on March 3, 2026, from California. David wrote: “This photograph was taken in the early morning hours of March 3 from about 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. I let the camera run for the next 4 hours taking continuous shots for 4 hours every 25 seconds. You wouldn’t normally see star trails in a time-lapse involving the bright full moon, but in this photo the majority of the star trails captured nearest the moon were taken during the eclipsed period allowing them to come through to the camera sensor and then show up during the stacking process in post.” Thank you, David!

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Aqib Ali captured this image on June 29, 2026, from India, and wrote: “This image captures the rising moon above Jal Mahal in Jaipur, Rajasthan, using the lunar drift technique. Instead of a single exposure, I photographed the moon continuously and combined more than 190 sequential images to reveal its apparent motion across the twilight sky. The resulting trail illustrates the moon’s slow journey while preserving its detailed surface in each position.” Thank you, Aqib!

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Meiying Lee in Taipei, Taiwan, shared this sun trail with Venus and Mercury from December 24, 2022. Can you find all the solar system objects as they set? The sun, Mercury, Venus and moon are all captured in this composite. Thank you, Meiying!

Bottom line: Star trails are photographs of the sky taken with long exposures. The result is an image with stars trailing across the sky in concentric streaks, often whirling around one of the celestial poles. But you can also take photos of sun trails, moon trails, or trails of the planets.

The post What are star trails, and how do I photograph them? first appeared on EarthSky.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/iGVIsvk

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Rui Santos in Amor, Leiria, Portugal, shared this composite image of star trails on February 16, 2025, and wrote: ” We can’t feel it, but everything is in motion. Everything moves, even when it seems still. And nature is never the same twice, it is constantly changing, in a vivid and silent way.” Thank you, Rui!

We live in uncertain times. Look up! It’s peaceful. And please donate today to help EarthSky keep going.

What are star trails?

Star trails reveal the motion of the stars across the sky over minutes or even hours. With a steady mount, long exposures and a few other tricks, you can take images of star trails, too.

Often, the camera stays pointed at Polaris, the North Pole Star. That’s the star around which the whole northern sky turns. In the Southern Hemisphere, photographs can point at the south celestial pole, which is not marked by a single star. Then, with an open shutter, the camera records an image as Earth turns on its axis and the stars move overhead. There are also many variations on star trail photos, as you’ll see below!

Star trails reflect Earth’s rotation, or spin, around its axis. The Earth makes a complete rotation relative to the backdrop stars in a period of about 23 hours and 56 minutes. So, as seen from Earth, all the stars go full circle and return to the same place in the sky after this period of time. This revolution with respect to the stars is what astronomers call a sidereal day.

Earth’s spin makes star trails

What this means is that, if you’re standing out under the stars, you see them move across the sky as the night progresses. The stars – like the sun during the daytime – move from east to west across the sky every night.

Stars near the celestial poles produce the smallest circles, while those near the celestial equator produce the largest. Each and every star moves 15 degrees westward in one hour.

Star trails are really arcs, or partial circles, whose ever-circling motions forever tabulate the passage of time.

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Jeff Grubbs in Elgin, Arizona, took a long-exposure photo of the northern sky on May 22, 2025. It shows all the stars circling around Polaris, the North Star (or Pole Star). Thanks, Jeff!

What you need to capture star trails

EarthSky Facebook friend Ken Christison has some wonderful photos of star trails. He said the equipment needed for making star trails is pretty simple:

First, a camera that allows manual settings so you can set your f/stop and shutter speeds, as well as ISO.

Next, a wide-angle lens, the wider the better.

A good steady tripod is a must.

Some cameras will have a built-in intervalometer, which can be set to shoot the desirable number of frames. In some cases the intervalometer has a bit of lag between shots. This is the reason I use a separate remote attached to the camera that holds the shutter down. And when the camera is set in continuous shooting mode, it will shoot 100 frames in succession with very little gap.

The remote I use is a simple one that can be found on eBay and uses a couple of AAA batteries that last quite a while. I just use the remote controller attached to the 10 pin connector. There is no need to use the wireless receiver in this case.

I use a shutter speed of 30 seconds, ISO of 400 to 800, and – with my 14-24mm lens at 14mm – shoot it wide open at f/2.8.

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Eddie Little of North Carolina captured the stars circling around Polaris, the North Star, on January 2, 2025, and wrote: “I had a mostly cloudless, nearly moonless night on one of the longest nights of the year. Approximately 12 hours of shooting.” Thank you, Eddie!

How to photograph the timelapse streaks

Next, Ken said, you’re ready to capture your star trail:

Make sure the camera is level. After focusing on a star, make sure the autofocus is turned off. Then, using the settings mentioned above, click the shutter and stay around long enough to know that the shutter is actually actuating. I normally go back in the house, set the timer on our kitchen stove for 45 minutes, and do other things while the camera does its work.

When the timer sounds, go back out and reset the remote by turning it off, waiting for the shutter to close, then reset quickly.

Finally, you’ll want to process your photo. Ken said:

This is one of the most important elements in making star trail images. The program I use is free, works well and is simple to use: Startrails.exe.

One other program that I have heard works well and is also free is StarStaX.

Thank you, Ken!

Visit Ken Christison’s Facebook page

Read more: Long exposure star trail photography

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Andrea Boyle of Medford, Oregon, submitted this composite image on May 10, 2024, and wrote: “About 150 30-second shots of nearby ‘Table Rock’ and the aurora on May 10, 2024, in Southern Oregon. Images were stacked in Photoshop with minor edits done to remove or darken lights in the foreground. The colors in the sky were not evident to the unaided eye, especially one that had been reading with a flashlight. It wasn’t until I reviewed my images that I saw the brilliant color.” Thank you, Andrea.

Star trails from our community

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Jose Palma made this composite from images captured on June 5, 2026, from Portugal. Jose wrote: “On the night of June 5, 2026, the old chimney of Achada do Gamo, Mina de São Domingos, stood framed between the luminous trails of Jupiter and Venus, the two brightest planets in the sky that night, as they slowly made their way toward the western horizon. The composition was carefully planned for this alignment between sky and earth.” Thank you, Jose!

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Meiying Lee submitted this composite image taken from New Zealand. Meiying wrote: “On the night of March 14, 2026, two auroral substorms occurred. I was incredibly fortunate to witness and capture the aurora at 45 degrees south latitude in Queenstown. This image also captures the rotation of the southern sky through star trails, dancing alongside the aurora. The slight wobble in the star trails is caused by vibrations from the wooden balcony floor where the camera was set up, along with the movement of excited onlookers nearby. This image is a stack of approximately 620 exposures taken over 4.5 hours.” Thank you, Meiying!

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Jose Palma of Portugal made this composite image on May 8, 2024, and wrote: “The trails of stars across the sky captures the timeless journey of the stars as they ‘cross’ the heavens, while the fireflies below, at this time of year, add a touch of earthly magic to this wonderful scene. Together, they weave a story of harmony between the natural world and the cosmos, reminding us of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us every night.” Thank you, Jose!

A star trails video

EarthSky’s own Raúl Cortés captured this video of star trails on July 13, 2023, from Monterrey, Mexico. The bright orange streak near the horizon is the star Antares in the constellation Scorpius the Scorpion.

Moon and sun trails from our community

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | This image was captured by David Hunter on March 3, 2026, from California. David wrote: “This photograph was taken in the early morning hours of March 3 from about 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. I let the camera run for the next 4 hours taking continuous shots for 4 hours every 25 seconds. You wouldn’t normally see star trails in a time-lapse involving the bright full moon, but in this photo the majority of the star trails captured nearest the moon were taken during the eclipsed period allowing them to come through to the camera sensor and then show up during the stacking process in post.” Thank you, David!

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Aqib Ali captured this image on June 29, 2026, from India, and wrote: “This image captures the rising moon above Jal Mahal in Jaipur, Rajasthan, using the lunar drift technique. Instead of a single exposure, I photographed the moon continuously and combined more than 190 sequential images to reveal its apparent motion across the twilight sky. The resulting trail illustrates the moon’s slow journey while preserving its detailed surface in each position.” Thank you, Aqib!

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Meiying Lee in Taipei, Taiwan, shared this sun trail with Venus and Mercury from December 24, 2022. Can you find all the solar system objects as they set? The sun, Mercury, Venus and moon are all captured in this composite. Thank you, Meiying!

Bottom line: Star trails are photographs of the sky taken with long exposures. The result is an image with stars trailing across the sky in concentric streaks, often whirling around one of the celestial poles. But you can also take photos of sun trails, moon trails, or trails of the planets.

The post What are star trails, and how do I photograph them? first appeared on EarthSky.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/iGVIsvk

It’s Katmai bear cam season! Livestream here

Watch a bear cam above or visit Explore.org for all bear cams.

Love wildlife and the natural world? Get the latest animal stories – as well as space and night sky updates – delivered to your inbox.

Bear cam livestream happening now

The world-famous bear cam livestream at Katmai National Park in Alaska returns for a 14th season on June 23, 2026. The bear cams go live at 11 a.m. Alaska Daylight Time, or 2 p.m. CDT (19 UTC).

Explore.org established the bear cams in 2012. The cams are situated along the Brooks River and at Brook Falls, where brown bears await salmon swimming upstream. The live cameras capture the action as bears compete for their supper. But you can also see other wildlife on the livestream, from eagles to gulls to the occasional wolf.

Brown bears come to Brooks Falls starting in late June because that’s when the salmon start migrating. By late summer, the salmon spawn and begin to die. So in September and October, bear activity moves to the lower Brooks River. There, the bears search for dead and dying salmon near the mouth of the river. The most active months on the bear cams are July and September.

Bears are diurnal, meaning they’re most active during the day. And a bear at Brooks Falls can catch and eat more than 30 salmon a day!

When we reach the fall, don’t forget to follow along with Fat Bear Week. That’s when the park shares before-and-after pictures showing how much the bears have plumped up over a summer of engorging themselves. The public gets to vote on which bear they think did the best job of preparing for winter.

The brown bears at Brooks Falls begin actively feeding on salmon in late June. You can watch them on the Katmai bear cam. Image via National Park Service.

Brown bears on the bear cam

Alaska’s brown bears are those that live near the coast and eat salmon. Sometimes, people confuse them with grizzly bears. But grizzly bears in Alaska live farther inland. All grizzly bears are brown bears. However, not all brown bears are grizzly bears. The brown bears of Alaska are larger than the inland grizzlies.

Sometimes brown bears snorkel for fish. Image via M. Fitz/ National Park Service.

Brooks Falls in Katmai

Brooks Falls has long been a popular spot to view brown bears in Alaska. The National Park Service hosts visitors at Brooks Camp on the Brooks River, where they’ve built boardwalks and viewing platforms for easier access to bear-gazing. There are north and south platforms near the camp at the mouth of the river and Naknek Lake, plus platforms at the falls itself and one downstream in the riffles, where less competitive bears come for meals. The National Park Service estimates there are about 2,200 bears in the park, with more bears than people living on the Alaskan Peninsula.

See that white patch near the center of this river? That’s Brooks Falls on the Brooks River in Katmai National Park, Alaska. Water flows from Lake Brooks at the right to Naknek Lake on the left. Image via Roy Wood/ National Park Service.

Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes

But Katmai is more than just bear territory. The U.S. government first set aside the land of Katmai in 1918 to protect the area around Novarupta volcano. In 1912, Novarupta exploded in the largest volcano eruption of the 20th century. For 60 hours, starting on June 6, the volcano spewed magma and ash, eventually releasing more than 30 times the output of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.

Scientist Robert F. Griggs visited the area four years later and was awed by the devastation, giving the area its nickname of Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Griggs wrote:

The sight that flashed into view … was one of the most amazing visions ever beheld by mortal eye. The whole valley as far as the eye could reach was full of hundreds, no thousands – literally tens of thousands – of smokes curling up from its fissured floor … It was as though all the steam engines in the world, assembled together, had popped their safety valves at once and were letting off surplus steam in concert.

Our feeling of admiration [for the Valley] soon gave way to one of stupefaction. We were overawed. For a while we could neither think nor act in a normal fashion.

NASA used this decimated landscape to train Apollo astronauts in 1965 and 1966.

Explore.org shared this clip of the bears at Katmai on social media on July 27, 2026, and wrote: “Bearapalooza at Brooks Falls!”

Bottom line: The world-famous Katmai bear cam season begins on June 23, 2026. Find the livestream here and learn more about brown bears and Katmai National Park.

Read more: Brown bears in central Italy are becoming less aggressive

Read more: Salmon, coming home after a century, are our lifeform of the week

The post It’s Katmai bear cam season! Livestream here first appeared on EarthSky.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/vgCuGEJ

Watch a bear cam above or visit Explore.org for all bear cams.

Love wildlife and the natural world? Get the latest animal stories – as well as space and night sky updates – delivered to your inbox.

Bear cam livestream happening now

The world-famous bear cam livestream at Katmai National Park in Alaska returns for a 14th season on June 23, 2026. The bear cams go live at 11 a.m. Alaska Daylight Time, or 2 p.m. CDT (19 UTC).

Explore.org established the bear cams in 2012. The cams are situated along the Brooks River and at Brook Falls, where brown bears await salmon swimming upstream. The live cameras capture the action as bears compete for their supper. But you can also see other wildlife on the livestream, from eagles to gulls to the occasional wolf.

Brown bears come to Brooks Falls starting in late June because that’s when the salmon start migrating. By late summer, the salmon spawn and begin to die. So in September and October, bear activity moves to the lower Brooks River. There, the bears search for dead and dying salmon near the mouth of the river. The most active months on the bear cams are July and September.

Bears are diurnal, meaning they’re most active during the day. And a bear at Brooks Falls can catch and eat more than 30 salmon a day!

When we reach the fall, don’t forget to follow along with Fat Bear Week. That’s when the park shares before-and-after pictures showing how much the bears have plumped up over a summer of engorging themselves. The public gets to vote on which bear they think did the best job of preparing for winter.

The brown bears at Brooks Falls begin actively feeding on salmon in late June. You can watch them on the Katmai bear cam. Image via National Park Service.

Brown bears on the bear cam

Alaska’s brown bears are those that live near the coast and eat salmon. Sometimes, people confuse them with grizzly bears. But grizzly bears in Alaska live farther inland. All grizzly bears are brown bears. However, not all brown bears are grizzly bears. The brown bears of Alaska are larger than the inland grizzlies.

Sometimes brown bears snorkel for fish. Image via M. Fitz/ National Park Service.

Brooks Falls in Katmai

Brooks Falls has long been a popular spot to view brown bears in Alaska. The National Park Service hosts visitors at Brooks Camp on the Brooks River, where they’ve built boardwalks and viewing platforms for easier access to bear-gazing. There are north and south platforms near the camp at the mouth of the river and Naknek Lake, plus platforms at the falls itself and one downstream in the riffles, where less competitive bears come for meals. The National Park Service estimates there are about 2,200 bears in the park, with more bears than people living on the Alaskan Peninsula.

See that white patch near the center of this river? That’s Brooks Falls on the Brooks River in Katmai National Park, Alaska. Water flows from Lake Brooks at the right to Naknek Lake on the left. Image via Roy Wood/ National Park Service.

Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes

But Katmai is more than just bear territory. The U.S. government first set aside the land of Katmai in 1918 to protect the area around Novarupta volcano. In 1912, Novarupta exploded in the largest volcano eruption of the 20th century. For 60 hours, starting on June 6, the volcano spewed magma and ash, eventually releasing more than 30 times the output of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.

Scientist Robert F. Griggs visited the area four years later and was awed by the devastation, giving the area its nickname of Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Griggs wrote:

The sight that flashed into view … was one of the most amazing visions ever beheld by mortal eye. The whole valley as far as the eye could reach was full of hundreds, no thousands – literally tens of thousands – of smokes curling up from its fissured floor … It was as though all the steam engines in the world, assembled together, had popped their safety valves at once and were letting off surplus steam in concert.

Our feeling of admiration [for the Valley] soon gave way to one of stupefaction. We were overawed. For a while we could neither think nor act in a normal fashion.

NASA used this decimated landscape to train Apollo astronauts in 1965 and 1966.

Explore.org shared this clip of the bears at Katmai on social media on July 27, 2026, and wrote: “Bearapalooza at Brooks Falls!”

Bottom line: The world-famous Katmai bear cam season begins on June 23, 2026. Find the livestream here and learn more about brown bears and Katmai National Park.

Read more: Brown bears in central Italy are becoming less aggressive

Read more: Salmon, coming home after a century, are our lifeform of the week

The post It’s Katmai bear cam season! Livestream here first appeared on EarthSky.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/vgCuGEJ

Juno measures fiery Io’s subsurface temperature for 1st time

NASA’s Galileo spacecraft obtained this image of Jupiter’s moon Io on June 28, 1997. Here, an active volcano erupts on the moon’s horizon at the top. Now, the Juno orbiter has measured Io’s subsurface temperature for the 1st time. Image via NASA/ JPL/ University of Arizona.

• Io, a moon of Jupiter, is the most volcanically active body in the solar system. So it is hot on the inside, despite being freezing cold on the near-airless surface.
• NASA’s Juno spacecraft, orbiting Jupiter, has now measured the temperature of Io just below the surface.
• Juno found that the temperature rose by more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit every few feet going deeper into the crust.

Millions come to EarthSky for night sky news and trusted science. Your donation keeps us free and accessible for all.

Measuring Io’s subsurface temperature

Jupiter’s moon Io is the most volcanically active body in the solar system. The gravity of Jupiter squeezing Io generates massive amounts of heat within the moon, powering the volcanoes that burst through its crust. And finally, scientists have obtained the first temperature measurements from below Io’s surface.

NASA said on July 22, 2026, that the Juno spacecraft found significant heating in the shallow subsurface of Io during two flybys of the moon.

Io sometimes is referred to as the “pizza moon” because its surface resembles a pizza, with its colorful surface pockmarked by its volcanoes and other volcanic features. The Voyager, Galileo and Juno probes have all taken images of some of Io’s volcanoes actually erupting, too.

The researchers published their peer-reviewed findings in the journal JGR Planets on July 22, 2026.

Io’s temperature below the surface

We know Io is naturally hot inside. This comes from tidal heating, which powers the moon’s many volcanoes. As Io orbits Jupiter, the giant planets pulls and squeezes Io, creating heat inside the moon.

But scientists hadn’t been able to determine the temperature of Io’s subsurface until this new study. The new measurement comes courtesy of the Microwave Radiometer instrument on the Juno spacecraft.

Co-author Scott Bolton, at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio, Texas, said:

The Juno Microwave Radiometer directly observed Io’s heat output by looking below the surface. The surprising discovery that we could see below a rocky moon’s surface has important implications for studying Earth’s volcanoes. Juno has taught us that if we look with a Microwave Radiometer-type instrument near a volcano on Earth, we might see a similar signature in the subsurface temperature gradient, providing new information on how terrestrial volcanoes work.

View larger. | This map from Juno‘s Microwave Radiometer instrument shows the areas with the most heat below the surface (hottest is in red). Image via NASA/ JPL-Caltech/ SwRI/ USGS.

View larger. | The areas sampled by Juno‘s Microwave Radiometer instrument on Io. Image via NASA/ JPL-Caltech/ SwRI/ USGS.

A hot new technique

Scientists originally designed the Microwave Radiometer to examine the deep atmosphere of Jupiter itself. It has six microwave antennas, which work together to detect microwave radiation. But in Juno’s extended mission phase, it has also looked at the moons Ganymede, Europa and Io. As Bolton explained:

The technique is novel in that each wavelength explores different depths, providing a new way to characterize the deep atmosphere of giant planets and the subsurface crusts of icy and rocky moons. At Ganymede and Europa, we explored tens of miles below the surface, assuming their ice shells were mostly pure water, but the ability to probe into the volcanic rock at Io was an unexpected discovery.

The Microwave Radiometer measured Io’s thermal emission: the process where an object with a temperature above absolute zero gives off energy as thermal radiation, mainly in the form of infrared waves. The measurements ranged from a few inches to 10s of feet below the surface. Shannon Brown, lead author of the new paper at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California and Caltech, said:

Everywhere we looked, we found the temperature rising by more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit just several feet into the surface; a gradient far steeper than solar heating alone can explain.

View larger. | NASA’s Juno spacecraft captured this view of Io on December 30, 2023. Image via NASA/ JPL-Caltech/ SwRI/ MSSS/ Gerald Eichstädt.

Where is the excess heat coming from?

The researchers found that Io has an unexpected extra background flow of heat in its interior. The background heat flow itself is small, 1 to 3 watts per square meter. But when measured across the entire moon, the amount is much greater, about 30 time that of Earth on average.

Where is the excess heat coming from? The researchers present two possibilities. The first is that the heat is steadily rising upward through a conductive crust. The other possibility is that the heat is coming from cooling lava flows. These lava flows are about 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters) below a layer of solidified crust.

Overall, Io provides valuable values as to how tidal heating works on different bodies in the solar system and beyond. Bolton explained:

Io provides a unique window into learning how tidal heating works throughout the cosmos, a fundamental process that provides energy and heat to worlds that are far from their parent star. This process can not only create the most volcanic body in the solar system, in the case of Io, but also fuels the subsurface oceans on the moons of giant planets, such as Europa and Ganymede. Up until this point we could only observe the heat escaping at the surface or through eruptions. Now we can characterize how the heat is moving from the interior toward the surface.

Shannon Brown at JPL and Caltech is the lead author of the new paper about Io. Image via IEEE Explore.

A smooth world

Juno also found that Io is quite smooth, overall. It does have mountains and volcanoes, but there are also vast smooth patches that extend 60 miles (100 km) or more. The surface material is also of surprisingly low density. Brown said:

Away from its mountains, the surface is more like the Great Plains of North America, and even though Io is a rocky body, the surface material has a very low density, more like pumice or a fluffy volcanic ash than solid rock.

What would it be like to walk on that surface?

Bottom line: NASA’s Juno spacecraft has measured Jupiter’s moon Io’s subsurface temperature for the 1st time, providing new clues about the tidally-heated volcanic world.

Source: Io Sub-Surface Temperature Profile Observed by the Juno Microwave Radiometer

Via NASA

Read more: Jupiter’s moon Io has a new volcano! See pics here

Read more: Jupiter’s moon Io as you’ve never seen it

The post Juno measures fiery Io’s subsurface temperature for 1st time first appeared on EarthSky.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/hACnyX3

NASA’s Galileo spacecraft obtained this image of Jupiter’s moon Io on June 28, 1997. Here, an active volcano erupts on the moon’s horizon at the top. Now, the Juno orbiter has measured Io’s subsurface temperature for the 1st time. Image via NASA/ JPL/ University of Arizona.

• Io, a moon of Jupiter, is the most volcanically active body in the solar system. So it is hot on the inside, despite being freezing cold on the near-airless surface.
• NASA’s Juno spacecraft, orbiting Jupiter, has now measured the temperature of Io just below the surface.
• Juno found that the temperature rose by more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit every few feet going deeper into the crust.

Millions come to EarthSky for night sky news and trusted science. Your donation keeps us free and accessible for all.

Measuring Io’s subsurface temperature

Jupiter’s moon Io is the most volcanically active body in the solar system. The gravity of Jupiter squeezing Io generates massive amounts of heat within the moon, powering the volcanoes that burst through its crust. And finally, scientists have obtained the first temperature measurements from below Io’s surface.

NASA said on July 22, 2026, that the Juno spacecraft found significant heating in the shallow subsurface of Io during two flybys of the moon.

Io sometimes is referred to as the “pizza moon” because its surface resembles a pizza, with its colorful surface pockmarked by its volcanoes and other volcanic features. The Voyager, Galileo and Juno probes have all taken images of some of Io’s volcanoes actually erupting, too.

The researchers published their peer-reviewed findings in the journal JGR Planets on July 22, 2026.

Io’s temperature below the surface

We know Io is naturally hot inside. This comes from tidal heating, which powers the moon’s many volcanoes. As Io orbits Jupiter, the giant planets pulls and squeezes Io, creating heat inside the moon.

But scientists hadn’t been able to determine the temperature of Io’s subsurface until this new study. The new measurement comes courtesy of the Microwave Radiometer instrument on the Juno spacecraft.

Co-author Scott Bolton, at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio, Texas, said:

The Juno Microwave Radiometer directly observed Io’s heat output by looking below the surface. The surprising discovery that we could see below a rocky moon’s surface has important implications for studying Earth’s volcanoes. Juno has taught us that if we look with a Microwave Radiometer-type instrument near a volcano on Earth, we might see a similar signature in the subsurface temperature gradient, providing new information on how terrestrial volcanoes work.

View larger. | This map from Juno‘s Microwave Radiometer instrument shows the areas with the most heat below the surface (hottest is in red). Image via NASA/ JPL-Caltech/ SwRI/ USGS.

View larger. | The areas sampled by Juno‘s Microwave Radiometer instrument on Io. Image via NASA/ JPL-Caltech/ SwRI/ USGS.

A hot new technique

Scientists originally designed the Microwave Radiometer to examine the deep atmosphere of Jupiter itself. It has six microwave antennas, which work together to detect microwave radiation. But in Juno’s extended mission phase, it has also looked at the moons Ganymede, Europa and Io. As Bolton explained:

The technique is novel in that each wavelength explores different depths, providing a new way to characterize the deep atmosphere of giant planets and the subsurface crusts of icy and rocky moons. At Ganymede and Europa, we explored tens of miles below the surface, assuming their ice shells were mostly pure water, but the ability to probe into the volcanic rock at Io was an unexpected discovery.

The Microwave Radiometer measured Io’s thermal emission: the process where an object with a temperature above absolute zero gives off energy as thermal radiation, mainly in the form of infrared waves. The measurements ranged from a few inches to 10s of feet below the surface. Shannon Brown, lead author of the new paper at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California and Caltech, said:

Everywhere we looked, we found the temperature rising by more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit just several feet into the surface; a gradient far steeper than solar heating alone can explain.

View larger. | NASA’s Juno spacecraft captured this view of Io on December 30, 2023. Image via NASA/ JPL-Caltech/ SwRI/ MSSS/ Gerald Eichstädt.

Where is the excess heat coming from?

The researchers found that Io has an unexpected extra background flow of heat in its interior. The background heat flow itself is small, 1 to 3 watts per square meter. But when measured across the entire moon, the amount is much greater, about 30 time that of Earth on average.

Where is the excess heat coming from? The researchers present two possibilities. The first is that the heat is steadily rising upward through a conductive crust. The other possibility is that the heat is coming from cooling lava flows. These lava flows are about 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters) below a layer of solidified crust.

Overall, Io provides valuable values as to how tidal heating works on different bodies in the solar system and beyond. Bolton explained:

Io provides a unique window into learning how tidal heating works throughout the cosmos, a fundamental process that provides energy and heat to worlds that are far from their parent star. This process can not only create the most volcanic body in the solar system, in the case of Io, but also fuels the subsurface oceans on the moons of giant planets, such as Europa and Ganymede. Up until this point we could only observe the heat escaping at the surface or through eruptions. Now we can characterize how the heat is moving from the interior toward the surface.

Shannon Brown at JPL and Caltech is the lead author of the new paper about Io. Image via IEEE Explore.

A smooth world

Juno also found that Io is quite smooth, overall. It does have mountains and volcanoes, but there are also vast smooth patches that extend 60 miles (100 km) or more. The surface material is also of surprisingly low density. Brown said:

Away from its mountains, the surface is more like the Great Plains of North America, and even though Io is a rocky body, the surface material has a very low density, more like pumice or a fluffy volcanic ash than solid rock.

What would it be like to walk on that surface?

Bottom line: NASA’s Juno spacecraft has measured Jupiter’s moon Io’s subsurface temperature for the 1st time, providing new clues about the tidally-heated volcanic world.

Source: Io Sub-Surface Temperature Profile Observed by the Juno Microwave Radiometer

Via NASA

Read more: Jupiter’s moon Io has a new volcano! See pics here

Read more: Jupiter’s moon Io as you’ve never seen it

The post Juno measures fiery Io’s subsurface temperature for 1st time first appeared on EarthSky.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/hACnyX3

Jimothy the raccoon is a survivor! Here’s why

• Jimothy the raccoon, a viral sensation from Seattle, likely has a rare spinal condition. He has defied the odds by surviving and thriving despite significant physical challenges.
• His survival highlights the remarkable adaptability of raccoons. Their highly developed brains, dense neurons and dexterous forepaws help them solve problems and navigate complex environments.
• Jimothy’s devoted mother also deserves a lot of credit. She likely provided extended care and hands-on teaching to help him develop the skills needed to survive independently.

By Kelly Lambert, University of Richmond

Science matters. Wonder matters. You matter. Join our 2026 Donation Campaign today.

The extraordinary story of Jimothy the raccoon

As a neuroscientist who studies raccoons and rats, I see the viral story of Jimothy the raccoon as a compelling tale of an animal overcoming disability and surviving in the wild.

Jimothy, the unique-looking raccoon living in Seattle, became an internet celebrity over the course of a week in July 2026. That was thanks to a viral Instagram post that has amassed millions of views and thousands of comments cheering for the proverbial underdog. Jimothy has even been honored with a city proclamation.

Something about him was obviously different. His body and tail were unusually short and his back was curved. Although Jimothy hasn’t been officially examined by a veterinarian, he’s thought to have a rare congenital spinal malformation known as short spine syndrome. A handful of cases have been seen in dogs. These animals are born with a condition that prevents their vertebrae from fully developing. With less physical space in the body, organs are crowded into a smaller space than usual and can lead to mobility issues.

Adaptations are essential for these animals to navigate their environments and obtain the resources they need to thrive. How did Jimothy beat the odds and emerge as a survivor?

Challenges of survival

It’s easy to imagine a pet dog that’s under the close care of human pet parents surviving a challenging condition such as short spine syndrome. But the probability of a disabled or injured wild animal successfully living in the uncertain outdoors is a different story.

Even for a healthy raccoon, it’s a challenge to survive the harrowing time of being a helpless newborn. Up to half of young kits die without emerging from the natal den. If an individual raccoon is among the fortunate to leave the den as a juvenile or young adult, life’s challenges don’t stop there. Typically there are no safe zones that are reliably protected from predators.

To survive, a raccoon has to be vigilant, persistent and physically agile. It has to navigate the physical and mental challenges of life in the wild. In fact, it’s so dangerous out in the wild that many raccoons only live two to five years. That’s despite the capacity to live for around 12 years in captivity.

It’s difficult to imagine how Jimothy has navigated life’s challenging terrain to survive in the wild. However, if any mammal can transcend the limitations of a disability, a raccoon would be at the top of my list.

The sophisticated raccoon brain

Very few studies have been conducted on the raccoon brain. But my lab’s limited research has revealed the neuroarchitecture of a complex and sophisticated brain. Raccoons have exceptionally high neuron densities. They resemble those of small primates. More neurons lead to greater flexibility in behavior, a characteristic that is likely facilitating Jimothy’s survival.

My team also identified the presence of specialized and fast-conducting brain cells called von Economo neurons. These are typically located in the areas of the brain involved in emotional, social and internal processing in people.

And perhaps the neuroevolutionary pièce de résistance of the raccoon: their hands. The forepaws of raccoon are extremely dexterous and sensitive. They occupy a large portion of their brain’s motor cortex, like that of people. This investment in hand movement takes raccoon learning abilities to the next level. It explains why Toronto paid roughly US$24 million to develop raccoon-proof trash bins.

These brain capabilities likely give Jimothy some neural backup as he navigates narrow fences, climbs trees, searches for food and scopes out places for rest and refuge.

If you look on Amazon, you can find lots of Jimothy the raccoon tees. This one is available for sale here.

Jimothy the raccoon and his mom, the hero

Equally impressive as Jimothy’s own adaptations is the continuous care provided by his mother.

As challenging as the raccoon mother’s role is while raising her young, raising a kit with special needs likely requires extra energy and patience. For raccoon families, the mother is very much a single parent. Not only does she not have help from the father, but she often moves the litter to different dens to escape the threat of males potentially harming the kits. She also needs to be an efficient forager to prevent excessive time away from her vulnerable offspring.

Unlike many mammals whose young become independent soon after weaning, raccoon mothers continue taking care of their kits for much longer. Although nursing typically ends around 16 weeks, raccoon youngsters often remain with their moms for up to nine months. From weaning to leaving the natal den, maternal raccoons take their family through something like homeschooling.

One of my favorite examples appears in the PBS documentary Raccoon Nation. In it, a raccoon mom takes her kits on a field trip to teach them how to collapse their spines to slide past a wooden garage door. For hours, she models the behavior for her young. Then she observes their attempts, catching them when they fall and nudging them to try again.

It’s apparent that Jimothy’s mother was no exception to the prototypical raccoon mother, serving as nurturer, protector and teacher. Based on the videos of older Jimothy running across a field, navigating fences and exploring his world, it appears that his mom’s hard work resulted in a remarkable return on her investment.

Jimothy the raccoon may be the one who captured attention, but his mother is the quiet hero behind his journey. Her care and guidance helped him overcome challenges and thrive in the wild. Image via Kiana Hall/ The Conversation.

Evolutionary perseverance

Even though the odds were stacked against Jimothy from the day of his birth, he persevered.

Jimothy is being celebrated for being different. But, in my opinion, the most interesting aspects of his story are two remarkable evolutionary achievements that all mammals share: a brain capable of adapting to an imperfect body and other life challenges, and a patient and caring mother or guardian who translates her offspring’s capabilities into abilities.

Jimothy’s mom celebrated his value long before his video debut and viral following.

Jimothy’s survival is a testament not only to the adaptability of the raccoon brain, but also to the power of maternal care in shaping an animal’s ability to survive and thrive. Image via Nika Elashvili/ Pexels.

Kelly Lambert, Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Richmond

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Bottom line: Jimothy the raccoon has an inspiring story. It showcases how an animal can adapt – especially with the help of his mother – to overcome extraordinary challenges.

Read more: The red panda looks like a cross between a bear and a raccoon, but it’s neither!

Read more: Meerkats are our adorable and sociable lifeform of the week

The post Jimothy the raccoon is a survivor! Here’s why first appeared on EarthSky.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/vZrlAoX

• Jimothy the raccoon, a viral sensation from Seattle, likely has a rare spinal condition. He has defied the odds by surviving and thriving despite significant physical challenges.
• His survival highlights the remarkable adaptability of raccoons. Their highly developed brains, dense neurons and dexterous forepaws help them solve problems and navigate complex environments.
• Jimothy’s devoted mother also deserves a lot of credit. She likely provided extended care and hands-on teaching to help him develop the skills needed to survive independently.

By Kelly Lambert, University of Richmond

Science matters. Wonder matters. You matter. Join our 2026 Donation Campaign today.

The extraordinary story of Jimothy the raccoon

As a neuroscientist who studies raccoons and rats, I see the viral story of Jimothy the raccoon as a compelling tale of an animal overcoming disability and surviving in the wild.

Jimothy, the unique-looking raccoon living in Seattle, became an internet celebrity over the course of a week in July 2026. That was thanks to a viral Instagram post that has amassed millions of views and thousands of comments cheering for the proverbial underdog. Jimothy has even been honored with a city proclamation.

Something about him was obviously different. His body and tail were unusually short and his back was curved. Although Jimothy hasn’t been officially examined by a veterinarian, he’s thought to have a rare congenital spinal malformation known as short spine syndrome. A handful of cases have been seen in dogs. These animals are born with a condition that prevents their vertebrae from fully developing. With less physical space in the body, organs are crowded into a smaller space than usual and can lead to mobility issues.

Adaptations are essential for these animals to navigate their environments and obtain the resources they need to thrive. How did Jimothy beat the odds and emerge as a survivor?

Challenges of survival

It’s easy to imagine a pet dog that’s under the close care of human pet parents surviving a challenging condition such as short spine syndrome. But the probability of a disabled or injured wild animal successfully living in the uncertain outdoors is a different story.

Even for a healthy raccoon, it’s a challenge to survive the harrowing time of being a helpless newborn. Up to half of young kits die without emerging from the natal den. If an individual raccoon is among the fortunate to leave the den as a juvenile or young adult, life’s challenges don’t stop there. Typically there are no safe zones that are reliably protected from predators.

To survive, a raccoon has to be vigilant, persistent and physically agile. It has to navigate the physical and mental challenges of life in the wild. In fact, it’s so dangerous out in the wild that many raccoons only live two to five years. That’s despite the capacity to live for around 12 years in captivity.

It’s difficult to imagine how Jimothy has navigated life’s challenging terrain to survive in the wild. However, if any mammal can transcend the limitations of a disability, a raccoon would be at the top of my list.

The sophisticated raccoon brain

Very few studies have been conducted on the raccoon brain. But my lab’s limited research has revealed the neuroarchitecture of a complex and sophisticated brain. Raccoons have exceptionally high neuron densities. They resemble those of small primates. More neurons lead to greater flexibility in behavior, a characteristic that is likely facilitating Jimothy’s survival.

My team also identified the presence of specialized and fast-conducting brain cells called von Economo neurons. These are typically located in the areas of the brain involved in emotional, social and internal processing in people.

And perhaps the neuroevolutionary pièce de résistance of the raccoon: their hands. The forepaws of raccoon are extremely dexterous and sensitive. They occupy a large portion of their brain’s motor cortex, like that of people. This investment in hand movement takes raccoon learning abilities to the next level. It explains why Toronto paid roughly US$24 million to develop raccoon-proof trash bins.

These brain capabilities likely give Jimothy some neural backup as he navigates narrow fences, climbs trees, searches for food and scopes out places for rest and refuge.

If you look on Amazon, you can find lots of Jimothy the raccoon tees. This one is available for sale here.

Jimothy the raccoon and his mom, the hero

Equally impressive as Jimothy’s own adaptations is the continuous care provided by his mother.

As challenging as the raccoon mother’s role is while raising her young, raising a kit with special needs likely requires extra energy and patience. For raccoon families, the mother is very much a single parent. Not only does she not have help from the father, but she often moves the litter to different dens to escape the threat of males potentially harming the kits. She also needs to be an efficient forager to prevent excessive time away from her vulnerable offspring.

Unlike many mammals whose young become independent soon after weaning, raccoon mothers continue taking care of their kits for much longer. Although nursing typically ends around 16 weeks, raccoon youngsters often remain with their moms for up to nine months. From weaning to leaving the natal den, maternal raccoons take their family through something like homeschooling.

One of my favorite examples appears in the PBS documentary Raccoon Nation. In it, a raccoon mom takes her kits on a field trip to teach them how to collapse their spines to slide past a wooden garage door. For hours, she models the behavior for her young. Then she observes their attempts, catching them when they fall and nudging them to try again.

It’s apparent that Jimothy’s mother was no exception to the prototypical raccoon mother, serving as nurturer, protector and teacher. Based on the videos of older Jimothy running across a field, navigating fences and exploring his world, it appears that his mom’s hard work resulted in a remarkable return on her investment.

Jimothy the raccoon may be the one who captured attention, but his mother is the quiet hero behind his journey. Her care and guidance helped him overcome challenges and thrive in the wild. Image via Kiana Hall/ The Conversation.

Evolutionary perseverance

Even though the odds were stacked against Jimothy from the day of his birth, he persevered.

Jimothy is being celebrated for being different. But, in my opinion, the most interesting aspects of his story are two remarkable evolutionary achievements that all mammals share: a brain capable of adapting to an imperfect body and other life challenges, and a patient and caring mother or guardian who translates her offspring’s capabilities into abilities.

Jimothy’s mom celebrated his value long before his video debut and viral following.

Jimothy’s survival is a testament not only to the adaptability of the raccoon brain, but also to the power of maternal care in shaping an animal’s ability to survive and thrive. Image via Nika Elashvili/ Pexels.

Kelly Lambert, Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Richmond

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Bottom line: Jimothy the raccoon has an inspiring story. It showcases how an animal can adapt – especially with the help of his mother – to overcome extraordinary challenges.

Read more: The red panda looks like a cross between a bear and a raccoon, but it’s neither!

Read more: Meerkats are our adorable and sociable lifeform of the week

The post Jimothy the raccoon is a survivor! Here’s why first appeared on EarthSky.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/vZrlAoX

The July full moon is the beautiful Buck Moon

The July full moon will lie low above the horizon in the late evening on July 28, 2026, for observers in North America. It will look full this evening, even though the exact moment of the full moon occurs at 9:36 CDT (14:36 UTC) on July 29, 2026. Chart via EarthSky.

When to watch in 2026: The moment of full moon comes on July 29 for the Americas, Europe and Africa. And it falls on July 30 for Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Same full moon for all of Earth … but different time zones.
Crest of the full moon: will fall at 9:36 a.m. CDT (14:36 UTC) on July 29, 2026. That’s 2:36 a.m. New Zealand Standard Time on July 30. So, if you live in either North or South America, your fullest moon hangs low above the western horizon at sunrise on July 29. But it will also look full as it rises on the evenings of July 28 and 29.
Where to look: Full moons are always opposite the sun. They must be, in order to look full. For all of us on Earth, the full moon will rise in the east just after sunset on those evenings. And it will appear highest in the sky in the middle of the night and set in the west at dawn.

EarthSky isn’t powered by billionaires. We’re powered by you. Support EarthSky’s 2026 Donation Campaign and help keep science accessible.

At full moon, the sun, Earth and moon are aligned with Earth in the middle. The moon’s day side – its fully lighted hemisphere – directly faces us. Chart via EarthSky.

July’s full moon is the Buck Moon

All the full moons have names. Popular nicknames for the July full moon include the Thunder Moon and Hay Moon … and there are lots more.

But the Buck Moon is the most common name for us in North America for the July full moon. Male deer start growing their antlers when they are about a year old. The antlers take about 120 days, or about 4 months, to mature.

By July, for us in the Northern Hemisphere, the antlers of male deer are growing fast. Sometimes they grow as fast as several inches per day. They are fully mature in fall. So, to honor the deer and the July full moon, the July full moon is the Buck Moon.

This July full moon mimics the late January sun

All full moons throughout the year have their own unique characteristics, often related to their paths across the sky. The full moon’s nighttime path mimics the sun’s daytime path from six months ago, or in six months from now. So, for all of us on Earth, the July full moon will follow the path the sun took in January. And, for us in the Northern Hemisphere, the January sun arched low, so we see the July full moon riding low in the sky.

In fact, in most years, again for us in the Northern Hemisphere, the path across the sky of July’s full moon is lower than any other, except the path of the full moon of June. Because it is lower, it also spends less time in the sky.

Even north of the Arctic Circle, the July full moon follows the path of the low Arctic January sun. As seen from the Arctic, the July full moon appears above the horizon only briefly. In regions closer to the North Pole, it never rises at all.

For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the low arc across the sky of the July full moon nearly matches that of the January sun. The arc of the July sun is always much higher than the arc of the July full moon. Chart via EarthSky.

Arc of the July full moon in the Southern Hemisphere

For those in the Southern Hemisphere, the July full moon’s arc across the sky matches the path of the January sun.

For observers in the Southern Hemisphere, the high arc across the sky of the July full moon nearly matches that of the January sun. The arc of the July sun is always much lower than the arc of the July full moon. Chart via EarthSky.

July full moon lies in Capricornus in 2026

And what of our whole-Earth perspective on the moon?

The orderliness of the heavens is such that in July the full moon always lies in front of one of two constellations of the zodiac. In most years, the July full moon appears in front of Sagittarius the Archer. This year, though, the July full moon is in front of the neighboring constellation to the east, Capricornus the Sea Goat. It is found in a dark sky in the shape of an arrowhead.

The 2026 July full moon lies in the constellation Capricornus. Chart via EarthSky.

Will you recognize the arrowhead shape among the stars near the full moon? Probably not, because the full moon’s bright light will wash fainter stars from view. But you don’t need to see Capricornus’ arrowhead to know it’s there … or to know that the stars lie beyond the moon in space. As Earth orbits the sun, our planet’s night side points out on a shifting panorama of stars. And so the moon returns year after year to this quiet corner of the heavens. This is not by chance, but by the rhythms of Earth and sky.

July’s full Buck Moon near the stars of Capricornus. Chart via EarthSky.

Bottom line: July’s full moon – the Buck Moon – falls on the morning of July 29, but will also appear full when it rises in the evening on July 28 and 29.

Read more: Full moon names of the month and by the season

Read more: Why do female caribou have antlers unlike other female deer?

The post The July full moon is the beautiful Buck Moon first appeared on EarthSky.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/Ol0QLpY

The July full moon will lie low above the horizon in the late evening on July 28, 2026, for observers in North America. It will look full this evening, even though the exact moment of the full moon occurs at 9:36 CDT (14:36 UTC) on July 29, 2026. Chart via EarthSky.

When to watch in 2026: The moment of full moon comes on July 29 for the Americas, Europe and Africa. And it falls on July 30 for Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Same full moon for all of Earth … but different time zones.
Crest of the full moon: will fall at 9:36 a.m. CDT (14:36 UTC) on July 29, 2026. That’s 2:36 a.m. New Zealand Standard Time on July 30. So, if you live in either North or South America, your fullest moon hangs low above the western horizon at sunrise on July 29. But it will also look full as it rises on the evenings of July 28 and 29.
Where to look: Full moons are always opposite the sun. They must be, in order to look full. For all of us on Earth, the full moon will rise in the east just after sunset on those evenings. And it will appear highest in the sky in the middle of the night and set in the west at dawn.

EarthSky isn’t powered by billionaires. We’re powered by you. Support EarthSky’s 2026 Donation Campaign and help keep science accessible.

At full moon, the sun, Earth and moon are aligned with Earth in the middle. The moon’s day side – its fully lighted hemisphere – directly faces us. Chart via EarthSky.

July’s full moon is the Buck Moon

All the full moons have names. Popular nicknames for the July full moon include the Thunder Moon and Hay Moon … and there are lots more.

But the Buck Moon is the most common name for us in North America for the July full moon. Male deer start growing their antlers when they are about a year old. The antlers take about 120 days, or about 4 months, to mature.

By July, for us in the Northern Hemisphere, the antlers of male deer are growing fast. Sometimes they grow as fast as several inches per day. They are fully mature in fall. So, to honor the deer and the July full moon, the July full moon is the Buck Moon.

This July full moon mimics the late January sun

All full moons throughout the year have their own unique characteristics, often related to their paths across the sky. The full moon’s nighttime path mimics the sun’s daytime path from six months ago, or in six months from now. So, for all of us on Earth, the July full moon will follow the path the sun took in January. And, for us in the Northern Hemisphere, the January sun arched low, so we see the July full moon riding low in the sky.

In fact, in most years, again for us in the Northern Hemisphere, the path across the sky of July’s full moon is lower than any other, except the path of the full moon of June. Because it is lower, it also spends less time in the sky.

Even north of the Arctic Circle, the July full moon follows the path of the low Arctic January sun. As seen from the Arctic, the July full moon appears above the horizon only briefly. In regions closer to the North Pole, it never rises at all.

For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the low arc across the sky of the July full moon nearly matches that of the January sun. The arc of the July sun is always much higher than the arc of the July full moon. Chart via EarthSky.

Arc of the July full moon in the Southern Hemisphere

For those in the Southern Hemisphere, the July full moon’s arc across the sky matches the path of the January sun.

For observers in the Southern Hemisphere, the high arc across the sky of the July full moon nearly matches that of the January sun. The arc of the July sun is always much lower than the arc of the July full moon. Chart via EarthSky.

July full moon lies in Capricornus in 2026

And what of our whole-Earth perspective on the moon?

The orderliness of the heavens is such that in July the full moon always lies in front of one of two constellations of the zodiac. In most years, the July full moon appears in front of Sagittarius the Archer. This year, though, the July full moon is in front of the neighboring constellation to the east, Capricornus the Sea Goat. It is found in a dark sky in the shape of an arrowhead.

The 2026 July full moon lies in the constellation Capricornus. Chart via EarthSky.

Will you recognize the arrowhead shape among the stars near the full moon? Probably not, because the full moon’s bright light will wash fainter stars from view. But you don’t need to see Capricornus’ arrowhead to know it’s there … or to know that the stars lie beyond the moon in space. As Earth orbits the sun, our planet’s night side points out on a shifting panorama of stars. And so the moon returns year after year to this quiet corner of the heavens. This is not by chance, but by the rhythms of Earth and sky.

July’s full Buck Moon near the stars of Capricornus. Chart via EarthSky.

Bottom line: July’s full moon – the Buck Moon – falls on the morning of July 29, but will also appear full when it rises in the evening on July 28 and 29.

Read more: Full moon names of the month and by the season

Read more: Why do female caribou have antlers unlike other female deer?

The post The July full moon is the beautiful Buck Moon first appeared on EarthSky.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/Ol0QLpY