The Roman telescope was originally called the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) in February 2016.

NASA it was “naming its next-generation space telescope currently under development, the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), in honor of Nancy Grace Roman, NASA’s first chief astronomer, who paved the way for space telescopes focused on the broader universe.”

Roman is considered the “mother” of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, which launched into space with the

Delivered to Goddard in November 2024, the Optical Telescope Assembly, which includes a 7.9-foot (2.4-meter) primary mirror, nine additional mirrors and supporting structures and electronics, was designed and built by L3Harris Technologies in Rochester, New York.

“The assembly incorporates key optics (including the primary mirror) that were made available to NASA by the National Reconnaissance Office. The team at L3Harris then reshaped the mirror and built upon the inherited hardware to ensure it would meet Roman’s specifications for expansive, sensitive infrared observations,” NASA

I had the opportunity to visit Goddard Space Flight Center in early January and spoke with Jamie Dunn, the Roman Telescope project manager, as well as seeing the telescope in the huge clean room.

Dunn said the telescope was in the final stages of testing and 100% complete. Testing will be finishing up and NASA plans to ship the Roman to Kennedy Space Center in Florida this summer.

The Roman will be launched from Kennedy Space Center using a In a news release, NASA indicated the launch of the Roman “is planned as early as this fall.”

Dunn said his biggest challenge since he joined the Roman team in 2018 was keeping the project on track during the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges abounded as the virus took hold and caused personnel and logistical issues everywhere. Nonetheless, he and his team were able to keep working throughout the crisis.

At its 2023 peak, the construction of the Roman Space Telescope involved a thousand GSFC personnel with hundreds more contractors and personnel from the

Goddard built the optical telescope element of the James Webb Space Telescope, and by doing so acquired invaluable experience that was applied to the Roman Space Telescope. Dunn described the Goddard testing of the Roman Space Telescope as very similar to that of JWST.

I asked Dunn how many “single points of failure” — an event which if not successfully completed would lead to complete mission failure — the Roman Space Telescope has compared to JWST’s 300-plus. He explained that Roman is far less complicated than JWST, as Roman Space Telescope doesn’t have to “unfold,” has no and is far smaller. As a result the number is “less than a dozen.”

In researching the Roman Space Telescope, I discovered that it is designed to be refueled robotically.

Dunn said that the nominal lifetime requirement of Roman is five to 10 years and robotic refueling was built into the telescope.

He said that Goddard will be the location of the Roman Space Telescope’s Mission Operations Center and that the telescope will have a MOM — or Mission Operations Manager. Dunn said the Roman Space Telescope’s team was conducting training to prepare for the telescope’s mission.

In my briefing, it was explained that the Roman Space Telescope and JWST will overlap one another, with the new telescope supplementing JWST.

JWST has a very small field of view of the universe compared to the Roman Space Telescope. With its wide field of view, the Roman Space Telescope can image large sections of the sky and find new potential objects for Webb to observe. It is this large wide field of view and advanced imaging capability that makes the Roman Space Telescope so exciting.

The telescope will conduct that “are designed to investigate some of the most profound mysteries in astrophysics while enabling expansive cosmic exploration that will revolutionize our understanding of the universe.”

Whenever astronomers have a new ground or space-based telescope, new instruments or new theories, we always advance in our knowledge of the universe. The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope would make its namesake, the first chief astronomer of NASA, very excited and proud.

Oh, the wonders we will see … and ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵapp will keep you up to date.

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A , C/2025 R3, is now visible low in the eastern sky before dawn. The comet appears in the constellation Pegasus, , and is slowly gaining brightness as it approaches its closest point to the sun.

This week is the best and only opportunity to see the comet from the D.C. region and much of the Northern Hemisphere. After that, it will be lost in the sun’s glare before heading back out of view.

See more details .

Grab your camera, smartphone, binoculars or telescope and look east before sunrise. This brief celestial visitor will not be around for long.

Follow my Ěýto keep up with the latest news in astronomy and space exploration.

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Artemis astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen are on board. They’ll hurtle several thousand miles beyond the moon, hang a U-turn and then come straight back. The mission is set to last less than 10 days.

ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵapp covered the first portion of the itinerary here. More excitement is in store in the later days of the mission.

After about a four-day voyage, the crew will review the lunar flyby imaging plan on Day 5. That will be done in two shifts, with two astronauts looking out Orion’s windows with cameras and writing what they see in their personal computers.

In the first hour of Day 6, the crew will make its closest approach to the moon, and minutes later will reach its maximum distance from Earth.

Here is how NASA .

After the TLI burn that sent Orion on its path to the Moon, the lunar science team began building a Lunar Targeting Plan, a guide to what the crew will look at on the Moon’s surface during its approximately six-hour observation on Monday, April 6.

The targeting plan will include documenting features that can help scientists understand how the Moon and solar system formed, such as craters, ancient lava flows, and cracks and ridges created as the Moon’s outer layer slowly shifted over time.

One feature that will be added to the plan is a solar eclipse, which will last for nearly an hour toward the end of the flyby window. During the eclipse, the Sun will be hidden from view as it moves behind the Moon from the perspective of Orion. The crew will see a mostly dark Moon at this time — an opportunity for them to look for flashes of light from meteoroids striking the Moon’s surface, dust lofting above the edge of the Moon, and deep space targets, including planets. While the Sun slides behind the Moon, the crew will observe the solar corona, the Sun’s outermost atmosphere, while it’s visible.

The astronauts, using safe sun viewing glasses, will also witness an eclipse of the sun and see the solar corona.

Artemis mission project scientist Noah Petro is very familiar with the moon, as he was the project leader for , which has been absolutely .

Petro said Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter images of the moon were used to make a movie simulating what the astronauts would see through the windows of Orion and help in their lunar science training. They also conducted classroom sessions and field geology training in Iceland (parts of that country really do look like the moon).

“A human eyeball connected to a trained brain is a very powerful combination,” Petro told ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵapp.

He said the time of the launch determines precisely what the Artemis II crew will see on the far side of the moon. The hope is that they will be able to see an almost fully illuminated far side disk, including areas that have never been seen by human eyes, since Artemis II will fly a different profile than the Apollo astronauts did.

The crew will also get a glimpse of the moon’s South Pole — a prized area for human exploration.

One big difference between the Apollo and Artemis missions, which is a huge advantage for exploring and imaging the moon, is the altitude above the lunar surface.

Petro said Artemis II is 4,000-6,000 miles above the moon, compared with the 60-70 mile altitude of Apollo. That height allows for a wide, global assessment of lunar features.

The moon will appear as big as a basketball held at arm’s length through the windows of the the Orion spacecraft. There will be two separate shifts during the approximately four-hour flyby; one crew member will image the moon and the other will document observations.

Petro described the mission as a “lunar linchpin.” It will bring the legacy of Apollo and the promise of Artemis together. That is a very powerful combination.

Stay tuned to ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵapp for ongoing coverage of Artemis II.

GO ARTEMIS II!

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Here is the schedule of day-by-day activities for the crew and mission.

First and foremost, Artemis II is a test flight. It’s designed to learn about the performance and characteristics of the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. With the successful countdown and launch of Artemis II, valuable Space Launch System data and flight experience was gained for future Artemis missions.

The Orion spacecraft, never flown by humans, got quite the workout on Day 1. The interim cryogenic propulsion stage propelled the crew to high Earth orbit. In the first 24-hours, mission-scheduled flight maneuvers will be carried out by pilot

During the “proximity operations demonstration,” the crew flew Orion around the detached interim cryogenic propulsion stage, making close approaches to testing how Orion maneuvered around another spacecraft.

However, they will not dock with the interim cryogenic propulsion stage.

What’s on the agenda Thursday?

Thursday night, on Day 2, after an extensive check out of the Orion spacecraft and crew, the decision will be made for “go/no-go” for translunar injection burn.

Christina Koch will set up Orion’s system to perform the burn, done by Orion’s main engine on the spacecraft’s European Service Module. Also called the orbital maneuvering system engine, it provides up to 6,000 pounds of thrust — enough to accelerate a car from 0 to 60 mph in about 2.7 seconds.

This design was successfully used on the Space Shuttle’s Orbital Maneuvering System.

If the “go” is given for translunar injection, the engine will do a burn to set up a free return trajectory at 8:12 p.m.

instead of requiring propulsion on the return, this fuel-efficient trajectory harnesses the Earth-moon gravity field, ensuring that — after its trip around the far side of the moon — Orion will be pulled back naturally by Earth’s gravity for the free return portion of the mission.

Making Orion feel like home

The crew has started making their Orion spacecraft, named “Integrity,” their home. Starting in Earth orbit, the crew tested communication and navigation systems, exercise equipment — yes, crew workouts are essential to their health — and the life support system that removes carbon dioxide from the air.

Already, they’ve fixed an issue with the toilet on board — with the help of some teammates back on Earth, .

They also changed out of the orange spacesuits worn for launch to work in regular clothing.

Oh, and the crew is testing the potable water dispenser that will provide drinking water and rehydrate the food they brought along.

Food is critical for the crew’s health, performance and morale during their lunar voyage. Oh my, how the space food has changed since astronauts last went to the moon over 53 years ago!

The crew had input into the mission’s food selection process and made up their desired meals well before launch. The menu, meal preparations and eating periods had to be coordinated with the mission schedule in order to accommodate the crew’s sleep and work/mission event schedule.

Watch video from NASA to see ” trying out what looks like really good food!

Stay tuned to ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵapp for ongoing coverage of Artemis II.

GO ARTEMIS II!

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Each month ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵapp’s “Eyes to the Skies” feature previews the best the sky has to offer stargazers regarding the moon, planets and stars. Space-related events that might interest you taking place in the D.C. region will be included as well.

Let’s get to the skies for April 2026!

Must-see sky sights for April

Venus will get higher and brighter in the west after sunset as the month progresses.

The Lyrids meteor shower takes place with no interference from the almost first quarter moon.

The moon will occult (cover) our star of the month, Regulus.

The summer Milky Way rises in the east/southeast after midnight, getting higher until morning twilight.

The winter constellations are our home in the . When we look at them, we are seeing our galactic neighborhood. In April they will be getting lower in the south western sky during the month.

Star of the month

In April be on the lookout for , heart of Leo the Lion. The moon will occult the star this month.

Highlights of the month

April 1-6 — for April. ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵapp will be covering the status of the mission.

April 1 — The full pink moon occurs at 10:12 p.m. Get the .

April 2 — Almost full moon and the star Spica rise together in the east after dark.

April 3 — Remember our star of the month in October, Algol? It is worth looking at it going to minimum brightness for two hours centered at 1:39 a.m., and then getting brighter. See the other dates this month below. Try taking a smartphone/camera picture or maybe even a video.

April 5 — Algol again at 10:28 p.m.

April 6 — In the southeastern sky rising around 1 a.m., the bright moon is near the bright star Antares.

April 18 — If you have a totally clear view of the western horizon at dusk, scan using binoculars to look for a very slim crescent moon just to the lower right of Venus. Use Venus as a guide to find the moon. Worthy of taking a picture with your smartphone or digital camera.

April 19 — If you have a totally clear view of the western horizon at dusk, scan using binoculars to look for a slim crescent moon above Venus. Use Venus as a guide to find the moon. As it gets dark you will see the Pleiades star cluster nestled between the moon and Venus. You will want a picture with your smartphone or digital camera of this beautiful lineup.

April 22 — The peak takes place after midnight to the predawn sky. From a dark sky site, expect 10-15 Lyrids an hour.

April 23 — As it gets dark you will see the Pleiades star cluster near Venus in the west. You will want a picture with your smartphone or digital camera of this beautiful lineup.

April 23 — Algol again at 3:22 a.m.

April 24 — If you have binoculars or a telescope, Venus and Uranus are less than a degree apart, with Venus just above Uranus.

April 26 — Algol again at 12:11 a.m.

April 28 — Algol again at 9:06 p.m.

April 25 — The moon occults . Binoculars or a telescope will enhance viewing this event. Definitely worth trying to get a picture with your smartphone or digital camera using zoom.

The moon

April 1 — Full pink moon

April 10 — Last quarter

April 17 —ĚýNew moon

April 26 — First quarter

Planets

Mercury is low in the east before dawn late in the month.

Venus is visible in the west at dusk and gets higher in the sky during the month.

Mars is in the glare of the sun.

Jupiter is visible after dark and very bright.

Saturn is very low in the southwest after dark and fades into the glare of the sun early in the month.

is in the western sky after dark. You need a telescope to best observe the planet, although it is visible in binoculars.

is in the western sky after dark. You need a telescope to observe the planet.

is way out there in the solar system and requires taking images through a telescope spaced days apart to hunt it down.

D.C.-area events

• NOVAC General Meeting, George Mason University — for astronomy events.
• has resumed observatory operations. Check the link regarding Friday night public viewing sessions at Turner Farm in Great Falls, Virginia. Check their calendar for other astronomy activities in April.
• Smithsonian Air and Space in D.C and Chantilly has .
• You can check and for astronomy clubs outside the D.C. region.

Bonus section

Use this useful tool to for your location to help you find your way around the stars. While you are at it, check out these .

And if you want to plan ahead for 2026 sky events, here’s .

You can also send in any space related questions to my email address. Suggestions about this feature are also welcome.

Follow my to keep up with the latest news in astronomy and space exploration.

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Let’s get to the very busy sky for March 2026!

Must-see sky sights for March

• A total lunar eclipse
• Daylight saving time returns
• Zodiacal Light continues after sunset
• Spring arrives with the vernal equinox

The winter constellations are our home in the. When we look at them, we are seeing our galactic neighborhood. With the arrival of spring, they will be getting lower in the south-south western sky during the month.

Two stars of the month

Be on the lookout for the brilliant blue-white supergiant star Rigel, marking the left foot of Orion the Hunter and ranking as one of the 10. Look for it right after it gets dark in the southwest.

Rigel is easy to spot in the very bright and distinctive constellation, . Orion can also be used to find and recognize the winter constellations which will be getting lower in the sky this month.

Orion is and well known constellations of the 88 that comprise the sky. Orion, or parts of the constellation, is visible anywhere on our planet. Orion can be seen upside down below the equator if you go.

And if you own binoculars and/or a telescope — maybe Santa was good to you — be sure to check out the for an amazing view of a stellar nursery. Orion makes for a very nice smartphone pic — you may even capture the nebula.

Seeing the bright stars of Orion and the the gateway to our solar system’s home in the Milky Way galaxy .

Our second star this month is beautiful Arcturus — . This orangish-colored beauty will be visible low on the eastern horizon after dark on the first night of spring — March 20. It will catch your attention as it will likely be sparkling, being so low to the horizon. It will get higher each night as will the .

Highlights of the month

March 3 — The Full Worm Moon occurs at 6:38 a.m. and will be undergoing a that will be widely visible. The D.C. area will not see the entire event as sunrise occurs while the eclipse is still ongoing. Get the particulars for your location by .

To really see this eclipse, you will have to find a location that has a clear view of the western horizon as the totally eclipsed moon will be setting while the sun will be rising. This will make the moon difficult to see.

Your best bet is to observe and photograph the moon as soon as totality starts at 6:04 a.m. In the D.C. region the moon will only be about a fist-width held horizontally above the western horizon. Ideally, you can find an elevated location as this will improve your viewing.

You can get great astropics of the eclipse with your smartphone, camera and if you have one, a telescope. Use these tips on with a camera and .

If snow is on the ground, find a dark and open location to try to image the changing lighting during the eclipse, especially totality.

March 5 — If you happen to be at a dark sky site in the next two weeks make sure you look for the in the western sky as it gets dark. Try taking an astropic with your smartphone and/or digital camera. For best results they should be mounted on a tripod or held very steady for a time exposure of several seconds.

March 6 — In the eastern sky, the almost full, but still very bright moon will be below the star bright star Regulus.

March 8 — Daylight saving time returns at 2 a.m. Clocks “” an hour to 3 a.m.

March 8 — If you have a totally clear view of the western horizon at dusk, scan using binoculars to look for Venus and Saturn just above the horizon. Venus will be the brighter and higher of the two planets.

March 10 — In the southeast at 3 a.m., you can see a very close pairing with the moon and the bright star Antares. They will stay very close as dawn approaches. Worthy of taking an astropic with your smartphone and/or digital camera.

March 14 — Remember our star of the month in October, Algol? It is worth looking at it going to minimum brightness for two hours centered at 12:07 a.m., and then getting brighter. See the other dates this month below. Try taking a smartphone/camera pic or maybe even a video.

March 16 — Algol again at 8:57 p.m.

March 20 — Spring arrives with the Vernal Equinox at 10:46 a.m.

March 20 — If you have a totally clear view of the western horizon at dusk, scan using binoculars to look for the very young crescent moon, just above brilliant Venus above the horizon. The pair will be several finger widths held horizontally at arms-length, above the horizon. and this is definitely an astropic to attempt with your smartphone and/or digital camera.

March 22 — The moon and bright Jupiter keep each other company as they travel the night to the pre-dawn sky.

The moon

March 3 — Full Worm Moon Total Lunar Eclipse

March 11 — Last Quarter

March 19 — New Moon

March 25 — First Quarter

Planets

• Mercury is low in the east before dawn late in the month.
• Venus is visible in the west at dusk and gets higher in the sky during the month.
• Mars is in the glare of the sun.
• Jupiter is visible after dark and very bright.
• Saturn is very low in the southwest after dark and fades into the glare of the sun early in the month.
• after dark. You need a telescope to best observe the planet although it is visible in binoculars.
• after dark. You need a telescope to observe the planet.
• in the solar system and requires taking images through a telescope spaced days apart to hunt it down.

D.C.-area events

• NOVAC General Meeting, George Mason University, check for astronomy events
• The has resumed observatory operations. Check regarding Friday Night Public Viewing Sessions at Turner Farm in Great Falls, Virginia. Check their calendar for other astronomy activities in March.
• Smithsonian Air & Space in D.C. and Chantilly has
• You can check and for astronomy clubs that are outside the D.C. area.

Bonus section

Use thisĚý to create a custom star chart for your location to help you find your way around the stars.

While you are at it, check out the very .

And if you want to plan ahead for 2026 sky events .

You can also send in any space related questions to my email address. Suggestions about this feature are also welcome.

FollowĚý to keep up with the latest news in astronomy and space exploration.Ěý

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Artemis III will no longer be an attempted crew landing on the moon.

Instead, slated for launch in 2027, Artemis III is a new mission. It will carry out extensive flight maneuvers in low Earth orbit with one or both of the lunar human landing system vehicles beingand.

If new extravehicular activity suits are completed in time, the Artemis III crew will also test them.

Artemis IV and V are slated to attempt landing astronauts on the moon in late 2028.

During a news conference at Kennedy Space Center, Isaacman said NASA and its industry partners need to launch more often to become proficient.

Once every three years is not going to develop the “muscle memory” needed to sustain the Artemis program, he said.

He invoked the NASA of the 1960s, when , and worked toward the goal of landing astronauts on the moon. At that time, Isaacman said the launch rate was once every three months.

Institutional memory is also key.

“We need to rebuild and strengthen the workforce here at NASA,” Isaacman said.

According to the administrator, “75% of our workforce right now is contractors.”

“Rebuilding the civil servant workforce and restoring core capabilities again, that will directly contribute to NASA’s launch cadence,” he said.

“SLS is an impressive vehicle. We don’t want to turn every one of them into a work of art,” Isaacman said.

is set to launch its 10-day lunar flyby mission without any changes sometime this spring, when and all systems are a go for launch.

When feasible, NASA will announce a launch date with an eye toward April, if possible.

SpaceX continues to develop its Starship for Artemis III. Blue Origin is currently testing its lunar lander at NASA Houston’s test chamber.

“We are doing this to get back to the moon and have the capability to stay, certainly to build a moon base,” Isaacman said, where rovers, communications, navigation and power would be needed.

“I think it’s a great way to motivate our workforce and our partners to achieve the near impossible,” he said.

Isaacman also said that industry and congressional stakeholders were briefed on this new plan and all agreed it was necessary. He said NASA’s current budget can support this new path forward as well as the hardware currently available and in production.

I grew up with the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs and I have to say that Friday’s bold move is precisely what NASA needed if it is going to return to the moon and stay this time. If NASA gets what it needs in the way of funding, production and public support, the moon and beyond is possible.

Unfortunately NASA’s history saw the derailment of Apollo missions 18, 19 and 20 due to a lack of continued interest from the public and political leaders. The sad thing is, the hardware for these missions was built and paid for. They are now museum artifacts.

It is in our best interest as a species to continue our quest for the moon and beyond. Ultimately it contributes to the betterment and survival of humanity, and yes, our planet. The moon is the and it is beckoning us to return and stay.

Let’s GO!!!!

FollowĚýĚýto keep up with the latest news in astronomy and space exploration. You can email me atĚý.

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It provided the perfect backdrop to the Artemis II moon mission rocket, perched atop frigid Launch Pad 39B, as NASA personnel continued their “,” which began Jan. 31 at 8:13 p.m.

The frigid weather in Florida this past weekend caused a change in schedule for this important evolution.

Scheduled for 9 p.m. Monday until 1 a.m. Tuesday — with the fueling of the giant rocket with 700,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen complete — that’s when the test countdown would begin.

NASA had to pause the liquid hydrogen fueling operation due to a leak at the interface of the tail service mast umbilical. Troubleshooting the issue was successful and as of 5 p.m. Engineers continue to watch the liquid hydrogen concentration in the umbilical, which remains within acceptable limits.

The tanks will then be emptied and the task begins of reviewing how this almost 49-hour wet dress rehearsal went. Analysis of all the data will result in NASA officials deciding on the establishment of a launch window. The earliest Artemis II could launch is Feb. 8 and the latest is Feb. 11. If the launch does not occur, another launch window begins March 6 to 11.

The until 33 seconds before the ignition of the two solid rocket boosters and the four RS-25 main engines occurs, signaling the real launch countdown.

You can see a livestream of Launch Pad 39B and NASA “will provide a separate feed during tanking activities, as well as real-time blog post updates regarding the test during the fueling day.”

A 24/7 live stream of the rocket at the pad remains , as well as aĚýĚýto capture wet dress activities.

I will be following the progress of Artemis II and ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵapp will provide updates as they become available.

LIGHT. THAT. CANDLE!

FollowĚýĚýto keep up with the latest news in astronomy and space exploration. You can email me atĚý.

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Welcome to ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵapp’s space feature “Eyes to the Skies.” Each month it features the best the sky has to offer stargazers regarding the moon, planets and stars. Space-related events that might interest you taking place in the D.C. region are included too.

Let’s get to the very busy sky for February 2026!

Must-see sky sights for February

• NASA has scheduled for no earlier than Feb. 8. ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵapp will have details on the mission as they become available.
• The winter constellations are our home in . When looking at them, you are seeing our galactic neighborhood.
• The almost full moon covers up the bright star Regulus.
• Venus and Mercury dance with each other and the moon.
• The appearance of the moon and Mercury almost touching will be a must-see event.
• The Zodiacal Light returns.

Star of the month

In February, be on the lookout for Sirius — .

Look for it right after the sky becomes dark in the Southeast. It is easy to spot using the three “belt” stars of .

Orion can also be used to find and recognize the winter constellations. Orion is one of the most recognizable and well-known constellations of that comprise the sky. Orion, or parts of it, are visible anywhere on the planet. It can upside-down below the equator if you go far enough south.

If you binoculars and/or a telescope, be sure to check out the for an amazing view of a stellar nursery. Consider using your smartphone or camera to shoot a picture of Orion, you may even capture an image of the nebula.

Seeing marks the gateway to our solar system’s home in the Milky Way galaxy, known as .

Highlights of the month

As February begins, make their appearances as soon as skies become dark. As the night progresses, the ‘best and brightest’ are high in the South at 11 p.m. Eastern. Bright Jupiter adds to their splendor. By month’s end, you can still see them easily high in the southern sky.

Feb. 1 — occurs at 5:09 p.m. Eastern, lighting up the sky and ground which can make for a very beautiful picture if there’s snow present.

Feb. 1 — Remember our star of the month in October, Algol? It is worth looking at it as it descends to minimum brightness for two hours, centered at 7:36 p.m. Eastern, and then getting brighter. See the other dates this month below. Consider using your smartphone or camera to shoot a picture or video.

Feb. 2 — If you have a clear view of the Southwest to western horizon at dusk, use binoculars to scan for Venus and Mercury just above the horizon. Venus will be the brighter and lower of the two inner planets. It is worth looking each day in February, to see them grow farther apart as Mercury rises higher and faster than Venus.

Feb. 2 — In the Eastern sky, the almost full and very bright moon will cover the bright star Regulus. in the D.C. area, this will begin around 8:51 p.m. Eastern, and last almost an hour before the star reappears from behind the moon on the other side. A telescope will provide the best view with binoculars being the runner-up. It will be difficult to view through the naked eye, as Regulus disappears and reappears. Get the full rundown here. You can get precise timing by entering your location in the website.

Feb. 3 — If you happen to be under a dark sky site in the next two weeks, make sure to look for in the western sky as it gets dark. Consider using your smartphone or camera to shoot a picture. For best results, your device should be mounted on a tripod or held very steady for a time exposure of several seconds.

Feb. 6 — In the East before 12 a.m., you can see a close pairing of the moon and the bright star Spica. They will get closer as dawn approaches. Consider using your smartphone or camera to shoot a picture.

Feb. 16 — Consider using your smartphone or camera to shoot a picture or video of Algol at 3:43 a.m. Eastern.

Feb. 18 — If you have a clear view of the western horizon at dusk, use binoculars to scan for the very young crescent moon close to Mercury above the horizon. The pair will be several finger widths held horizontally at arms length above the horizon. may be present, and you should definitely consider using your smartphone or camera to shoot a picture.

Feb. 19 — Consider using your smartphone or camera to shoot a picture or video of Algol at 12:33 a.m. Eastern.

Feb. 21 — Consider using your smartphone or camera to shoot a picture or video of Algol at 9:22 p.m. Eastern.

Feb. 26-27 — The moon and bright Jupiter keep each other company as they travel the night to the pre-dawn sky.Ěý

The moon

Feb. 1 — Full Snow Moon

Feb. 9Ěý— Last quarter

Feb. 17 — New Moon, and an annular solar eclipse visible from Antarctica. A partial eclipse will be visible in Antarctica, Africa, South America and parts of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.

Feb. 24Ěý— First quarter

Planets

• Mercury is in the West, above Venus at dusk.
• Venus is visible in the West at dusk, below Mercury.
• Mars is in the glare of the sun.
• Jupiter is visible all night and very bright.
• Saturn is in the Southwest after dark, offering a great view of the rings via telescope.
• is in the western sky after dark. You will need a telescope to best observe the planet, although it is visible in binoculars.
• is in the western sky after dark. You need a telescope to observe it.
• is way out there in the solar system. It requires taking images through a telescope, spaced days apart, to locate it.

DC-area events

• at George Mason University (check the calendar for astronomy events)
• has resumed observatory operations. Check the link regarding Friday night public viewing sessions at Turner Farm in Great Falls, Virginia. Take a look at their calendar for other astronomy activities in February.
• in D.C. and Chantilly has loads of astronomy stuff in January.
• You can check and for astronomy clubs that are outside the D.C. region.

Bonus section

Use thisĚýĚýto create a custom star chart for your location to help you find your way around the stars.

You can also send in any space-related questions to my email address. Suggestions about this feature are also welcome.

FollowĚýĚýto keep up with the latest news in astronomy and space exploration. You can email me atĚý.

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During my 12-hour drive returning from Florida to see the rollout of Artemis II, a strong on the sun. That solar flare brings the possibility for the D.C. area to have its first aurora sightings of 2026 on Monday night.

The D.C. area last saw aurora in November 2025.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Center issued this :

A G4 (Severe) is in effect for the 20 January UTC-day due to Earth-arrival of a (CME). The CME blasted from the Sun on 18 Jan, in association with an energetic R3 (Strong) solar flare from a sunspot region near center-disk, and is anticipated to arrive at Earth as early as late 19 Jan EST to early 20 Jan. While the G4 Watch is out for the 20 Jan UTC-day, geomagnetic storm levels could range from G1-G3 (Minor-Moderate) upon CME arrival later on 19 Jan EST. CME passage is expected to continue through 20 Jan, but conditions are likely to weaken later in the day. G1 levels remain possible on 21 Jan due to residual CME related effects.”

The Space ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵapp Prediction Center has provided the of this geomagnetic storm, which is expected to mostly impact areas poleward of 45 degrees geomagnetic latitude:

• Induced currents — “Possible widespread voltage control problems and some protective systems may mistakenly trip out key assets from the power grid. Induced pipeline currents intensify.”
• Spacecraft — “Systems may experience surface charging; increased drag on low earth orbit satellites, and tracking and orientation problems may occur.”
• Navigation — “Satellite navigation (GPS) degraded or inoperable for hours.”
• Radio — “HF (high frequency) radio propagation sporadic or blacked out.”
• Aurora — “Aurora may be seen as low as Alabama and northern California.”

The Space ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵapp Prediction Center predicted possible .

“Radiation from the flare ionized Earth’s atmosphere over the Americas, especially South America. This caused a shortwave radio blackout that may have lasted more than an hour at frequencies below 10 MHz,” reported Sunday.

On Monday, wrote, “Shortwave radios inside the Arctic Circle aren’t working right now due to this storm, which is causing a polar cap absorption event.”

These geomagnetic storms and associated aurora events forecast are not predicted to reach the historic levels of May 10, 2024. But you should be watching the skies just in case the aurora appear.

For the D.C. area, the Space ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵapp Prediction Center’s current and the means there may be a good chance of detecting aurora to the north.

On Monday afternoon, the center updated its forecast to say that the predicted G4 geomagnetic storm has arrived far earlier than originally predicted. Aurora may be seen visually and with cameras as soon as it gets dark Monday through the early morning hours of Tuesday.

It will be well worth taking a look to the north Monday night after dark until dawn from a dark sky site with a clear horizon. You might be able to visually detect some color in the sky if bright aurora are present, but they will likely be low on the northern horizon.

Your camera or smartphone significantly improve your chances of detecting and imaging the aurora due to their digital sensors. Even if you do not see aurora, photograph the northern horizon to possibly get an image of them.

Use a camera or smartphone that can take exposures of several seconds — including using “Night Sky” or “Low Light” settings if your camera has them — of the northern horizon. Steady the camera or use a tripod for best image results. The that your eyes did not.

Our best bet is to monitor for sky conditions, and space-related social media sites, , EarthSky.org and space.com for aurora viewing updates. There also are aurora apps available as well to help you; I use Aurora Pro and Glendale App.

Good luck, aurora chasers …

Follow to keep up with the latest news in astronomy and space exploration. You can email me at skyguyinva@gmail.com.

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If you did, you joined thousands of NASA employees, family members, contractors, press corps and likely millions more worldwide to see for the first time the Artemis II moon rocket in all her massive glory.

Saturday was a major milestone for America’s and humanity’s return to the moon after almost 54 years, since Apollo 17. Seeing this awe-inspiring event unfold from “First Motion” out of the Vertical Assembly Building at precisely the predicted time of 7 a.m. electrified the thousands present.

As the elven-million pound Artemis II “Stack,” riding on the back of the massive six-million pound Crawler-Transporter #2, made its way to Launch Pad 39B at 1 mile-per-hour, one could not help but ponder the day when NASA “Lights That Candle” to head for the moon.

After the twelve-hour journey to the launch pad, the Stack will be placed hard down from the crawler and the real work begins to progress to the ultimate “GO/NO GO For Launch” no earlier than Feb. 6, 2026.

I must admit that I was very emotional when I arrived at the scene at 4 a.m. today as it fulfilled a life long dream of personally witnessing a rocket that was going to carry humans to the MOON!

I grew up with the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs. I lamented that I was not old enough to get to the “Cape” to see fire on the pad and a beautiful Saturn V rocket climb into the sky. I vowed that I would do so one day and my own personal milestone took a big step toward that goal today.

There were many children here today and I hoped that they too, would be moved by what they saw to pursue newly formed dreams of space.

The new NASA Administrator, Jared Isaacman and the made an appearance today and held a “media gaggle” event. Before the event got started the crew kept looking at the Stack and conversing among themselves, most probably commenting about how beautiful their “ride” looked.

Being a Navy veteran that included a tour aboard an aircraft carrier and having flown as a passenger in various aircraft and helicopters — including catapult shots and arrested gear landings on the carrier — I know naval aviation up close and personal. How many times have you seen “Top Gun” and “Top Gun: Maverick?” I feel very confident I have you beat in that regard.
It is with intense pride as a Navy veteran that I make it a point to tell my audiences that the majority of Apollo Mission commanders were naval aviators:

• Apollo 7: Wally Schirra
• Apollo 11: Neil Armstrong (as a civilian)
• Apollo 12: Pete Conrad
• Apollo 13: Jim Lovell
• Apollo 14: Al Shepard (America’s first astronaut in space)
• Apollo 16: John Young
• Apollo 17: Gene Cernan

Being just twenty-feet from and , both distinguished Naval Aviators, I said to them, “Fly Navy” — a common phrase voiced in the Naval Aviation community. They looked right at me with a smile and both gave an instant nod and “thumbs-up.” It was a “forever” moment for me.

I always make it a point to comment about the crew composition of Artemis II as historic firsts are going to be accomplished when they reach their flyby of the moon.

The first woman, the first person of color, and the first Canadian, will have reached the moon. That is significant to me as I describe the moon as being the “Eighth Continent” and we — humanity — are going back to the moon to stay this time. All of the major spacefaring countries have robotic, orbital and crewed missions in the pipeline in the years to come.

is the mission slated for an attempted lunar landing by 2028. China has said in 2030 .

NASA Administrator Isaacman said today that he hopes “his grandchildren get to witness an Artemis 100 mission.”

Humans will develop technology that allows us to survive and thrive on the moon, to live “In Situ” there.

We have already made lunar concrete, grown plants in lunar soil, fashioned one-ton building blocks out of simulated lunar soil, 3D printed parts and tools using simulated lunar soil. And with copious amounts of frozen water ice found in permanently shadowed craters on the moon, well, the “sky could be the limit” as it could be used to breathe, drink, grow plants and make rocket fuel.

Oh, and NASA wants a .

Yes, Artemis II is paving the way for all of this to happen. But we humans have to insure that we do not take the politics and territorial disputes we suffer, yes, suffer, here on Earth, to the moon.

Ideally, the nations of the world will adopt the “Antarctica Approach,” whereby each nation can establish a presence on the moon but no one country can lay claim to the entire moon. At the bottom of the planet nations coexist peacefully, respecting the unique environment and a call for help is answered regardless of nationality.

Today I think everyone who saw Artemis II felt great excitement, pride, and most importantly, hope.

Hope for a successful mission and hope for humanity’s future.

After all, we are throughout all our combined history explorers.

The moon beckons.

Artemis II will carry us all there.

And we too will see the moon in our sky and through their eyes …

LIGHT. THAT. CANDLE!

FollowĚýĚýto keep up with the latest news in astronomy and space exploration. You can email me atĚýskyguyinva@gmail.com.

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ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵapp has a livestream below.

Pivotal to NASA’s rollout is its crawler-transporter, which will ensure that the stack remains leveled as it makes its way to Launch Pad 39B. The journey will be hourslong and move at a pace of about 1 mph.

Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson said during a Friday news conference that the much-anticipated event marked a “milestone.”

“When I am with you, it means there is a milestone upon us. And we are approaching a big one for us,” she told reporters.

Courtesy Greg Redfern

Keegan Barber/NASA via AP

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“It takes a little while to get out of the VAB but about an hour after first motion you will get to see this beautiful vehicle cross the threshold, come outside and the world will have a look.”

As always, the scheduled date for each evolution can change very quickly.

FollowĚýĚýto keep up with the latest news in astronomy and space exploration. You can email me atĚýskyguyinva@gmail.com.

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During a news conference Friday, NASA officials said all systems are go, and the 11-million-pound stack, secured to NASA’s huge crawler-transporter — its second iteration to be precise — is set to roll out from the cavernous around 7 a.m. Saturday

Final preparations to transport the stack, comprised of the and the , to Launch Pad 39B are underway.

The stack was built in the Vehicle Assembly Building over a period of months, checked out and is scheduled to make the 12-hour-long journey to the launch pad at a speed of 1 mph.

There was an air of excitement from the launch team about Saturday’s rollout.

“These are days we live for. SLS and Orion are ready to go to the pad. This mission feels a lot different from Artemis I, as Artemis II is the next step to landing on the moon,” said John Honeycutt, Artemis II mission management team chair

View Friday’s news conference below:

Honeycutt has the final say in determining whether Artemis II is a go or a no go for launch, based on myriad inputs provided to him.

“We have one job — safe return, and we will fly when we are ready.”

A big step for doing so comes Saturday at 7 a.m., when the stack begins its slow crawl to the launch pad.

The crawler-transporter will keep the stack perfectly level as it ascends an incline to the launch pad, where it’ll deposit the stack and its launching platform. It’s after that point officials will begin the lengthy, but necessary, process of checking the hardware, software and thousands of other items on the stack, launch control center and supporting elements of the Artemis II mission.

Coverage of the rollout will be streamed live on NASA’s Ěýchannel starting at 7 a.m.

The four members of the Artemis II crew have been in extensive and lengthy training for their 10-day lunar flyby mission. They will be the first humans to be in proximity to the moon since the three NASA astronauts who made up the Apollo 17 crew in December 1972.

Astronaut Gene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt, who is popularly known for being the only scientist to walk on the moon to date, spent threeĚýdays on the lunar surface while their crewmate Ron Evans orbited overhead in the Apollo Command Module.

Society has learned a lot about Earth’s lunar satellite since the Apollo program ended with Apollo 17.

Myriad uncrewed lunar missions have been carried out by numerous nations since Apollo 17, with probes having orbited, landed and, in several instances, crashed. More crewed and robotic missions are in the works by India, China, Europe, Russia and NASA.

Currently scheduled for 2029, Artemis III will be NASA’s crewed landing attempt at the lunar South Pole. China has scheduled its own crewed lunar landing for 2030.

But, with Artemis II, it will be human eyes and Nikon Z5 cameras and lenses observing and photographing humankind’s return to the moon.

While the Artemis II crew won’t land on the moon, they will conduct a flyby with the hopes of seeing the far side of the moon in full phase.

Breaking down the mission objectives

In a forthcoming article, expect a detailed breakdown of what officials are trying to accomplish on the scientific front.

I visited Goddard Space Flight Center recently and interviewed the lunar scientist responsible for establishing the science parameters of the mission.

If all goes well, I will witness the rollout of the stack as well.

The current launch window dates for February, March and April can be viewed .

As always, the scheduled date for each evolution can change very quickly.

Stay tuned to ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵapp for ongoing coverage of Artemis II.

FollowĚýĚýto keep up with the latest news in astronomy and space exploration. You can email me atĚýskyguyinva@gmail.com.

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The sky is off to a great start for 2026 as Saturday holds four sky events for stargazers in the D.C. area, including a rare celestial coincidence involving the sun and moon.

First up on Saturday morning is the that occurs at 5:03 a.m. and can be seen in the west before dawn. Brilliant Jupiter will be nearby too. You can also use to determine moonrise and moonset for your location.

This is theand the first full moon for 2026 and winter.

You can also check out Friday night as Jupiter and the almost full wolf supermoon will be visible in the east right after sunset, so get those smartphones and cameras ready.

Next up on Saturday, the Earth is closest to the sun, known as at 12:16 p.m. Distance will be 91,403,637 miles, or 147,099,894 kilometers.

Our rare cosmic coincidence Saturday involves January’s supermoon and perihelion occurring on the same day.

According to a post by EarthSky, “A cool cosmic coincidence kicks off 2026! The first full moon of the year — a supermoon — will coincide with Earth’s closest approach to the sun, known as perihelion.”

This triple event — closest moon, full moon and closest sun — is rare. A famous example was in January of 1912.

Experts later speculated that a supermoon near the sun’s 1912 perihelion might have dislodged an iceberg that drifted south for several months before striking the Titanic, according to Earth Sky. But there’s no way to know if that’s true.

The supermoon and perihelion of 2026 will have effects, some of which you can see, as .

On Saturday after sunset, the very bright, almost full wolf moon meets up with brilliant Jupiter in the east after sunset. The two will be close together for with the moon illusion. Get out those smartphones and cameras for a beautiful astro pic session.

Jupiter is at its best and brightest for 2026 in January as it on Jan. 10. If Santa got you a telescope or binoculars, Jupiter must be on your list of things to see with them.

While you are up and about on Saturday night, don’t forget the . The bright moon causes very poor viewing conditions this year, but the shower produces bright meteors that should still be visible. Best time to view it is after midnight to dawn.

Bundle up, get a warm drink and friends to enjoy this sky sight. You can also to listen live to the Quadrantids.

Check the for your location for Jan. 3 to 4. If you have a partly cloudy sky forecast during these sky events, it is still worth looking up, as clouds can spectacularly add to the view and images.

See what else the sky has in store for us in January.

Follow Greg Redfern onĚýhisĚýĚýto keep up with the latest news in astronomy and space exploration

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Let’s get to the sky for January 2026!

Must-see sky sights for January

• The winter constellations continue to impress and inspire.
• Quadrantids meteor shower the night of Jan. 3-4.

Star of the month

In January, be on the lookout for the bright reddish colored star . You should be able to see it right after it gets dark in the southeast. Betelgeuse is easy to spot in the very bright and distinctive constellation , which can be used to find and recognize the winter constellations.

Orion is one of the most recognizable and of the 88 that comprise the sky. Orion, or parts of the constellation, are visible anywhere on our planet. It can be seen upside down , if you go far enough south.

And if you own binoculars and/or a telescope — maybe Santa was good to you — be sure to check out the for an amazing view of a stellar nursery. Orion makes for a very nice smartphone pic — you may even image the nebula.

Highlights of the month

As January begins, the bright make their appearances as soon as it gets dark. As the night progresses, the “best and brightest” are high in the south at 11 p.m. Bright Jupiter adds to their splendor. By month’s end you can still see them easily, high in the sky.

Jan. 3 — For 2026, Earth is closest to the Sun today — — at 12:16 p.m. Distance will be 91,403,637 miles (147,099,894 km).

Jan. 3 — The occurs at 5:03 a.m. and can be seen in the west before dawn. Jupiter will be nearby. You can also use this website to determine moonrise/moonset for your location. This is the fourth in a row and the first full moon for 2026.

Jan. 3 — As it gets dark the almost-full moon (99% illuminated) and bright Jupiter rise in the east. If you have a clear horizon, the celestial duo will be quite striking as they rise.

Jan. 4 — The has very poor viewing conditions this year as the moon is almost full. The shower produces bright meteors that should still be visible. The best time to view is after midnight to dawn. Bundle up, get a warm drink and some friends to enjoy this sky sight.

Jan. 7 — Remember our star of the month in October, Algol? It is worth looking at it going to minimum brightness for two hours centered at 12:13 a.m. and then getting brighter. See the other dates this month below. Try taking a smartphone/camera picture.

Jan. 9 — Algol again at 9:02 p.m.

Jan. 10 — in the constellation of .

Jan. 14 — A must-see in the predawn sky in the east is the waning crescent moon with joining up with the star Antares at just three degrees apart. If your sky is dark enough with a clear horizon, you may spot the Milky Way stretching across the horizon. Try taking a smartphone/camera picture. Binoculars will enhance the view greatly.

Jan. 31 — In the predawn sky in the west, Jupiter, the almost-full moon and the star Pollux make a cool lineup. Try taking a smartphone/camera picture.

The moon

Jan. 4 — Full wolf supermoon — fourth in a row full supermoon

Jan. 10 — Last quarter

Jan. 18 — New moon

Jan. 25 — First quarter

Planets

Mercury is in the glare of the sun as is Venus and Mars.

Jupiter is visible all night and quite bright.

Saturn is high in the southwest after dark. It will be a great view in a telescope as the rings cast a thin line across the planet.

is in the eastern sky after dark. You need a telescope to best observe the planet, although it is visible in binoculars.

Ěýis in the east as it gets dark. You need a telescope to observe the planet.

Ěýis way out there in the solar system and requires taking images through a telescope spaced days apart to hunt it down.

DC-area events

• at George Mason University (check the calendar for astronomy events)
• has resumed observatory operations. Check the link regarding Friday night public viewing sessions at Turner Farm in Great Falls, Virginia. Take a look at their calendar for other astronomy activities in January.
• in D.C. and Chantilly has loads of astronomy stuff in January.
• You can check and for astronomy clubs that are outside the D.C. region.

Bonus section

Use this to create a custom star chart for your location to help you find your way around the stars.

You can also send in any space-related questions to my email address. Suggestions about this feature are also welcome.

FollowĚýĚýto keep up with the latest news in astronomy and space exploration. You can email me atĚýskyguyinva@gmail.com.

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