Night Sky – Live Laugh Love Do http://livelaughlovedo.com A Super Fun Site Sun, 30 Nov 2025 04:47:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 October Has 6 Night Sky Wonders Including a Supermoon and 2 Meteor Showers http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/october-has-6-night-sky-wonders-including-a-supermoon-and-2-meteor-showers/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/october-has-6-night-sky-wonders-including-a-supermoon-and-2-meteor-showers/#respond Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:02:25 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/10/01/october-has-6-night-sky-wonders-including-a-supermoon-and-2-meteor-showers/ [ad_1]

If the nocturnal travel trend sounds intriguing, October is a great time to try it. The month brims with bright, naked-eye visible space sights, including two meteor showers and planet-moon pairings—not to mention the roughly 11-year peak of the northern lights. This is also the last months to see the Milky Way core in the northern hemisphere. It’s visible near the horizon as soon as twilight descends for much of the month. Here’s everything to watch for in October’s night sky; don’t miss this guide on how to stargaze before you go.

Oct. 5: Moon meets Saturn and Neptune

After sunset on Oct. 5, the bright waxing gibbous moon and Saturn will tango above the eastern horizon. The two will travel together through the sky all night. Neptune, which is visible only by telescope, will transit alongside the duo as well, according to stargazing app SkySafari.

Oct. 6: Full harvest supermoon

After months of waiting, we’ll have the first full supermoon of the year come Oct. 6. During the spectacle, the full moon will appear larger and brighter than usual. It’s most visually impressive around moonrise and moonset, which coincides with sunrise and sunset during the full moon phase. Watch for the bright orb in the eastern sky; like the previous night, Saturn will still hover near the space rock, too.

Oct. 8: Draconid meteor shower peaks

Unlike most meteor showers, the Draconids are most visible in the early hours of twilight. It will peak soon after night descends on Oct. 8. Unfortunately, the bright waning gibbous moon will block all but the brightest meteors. To avoid it, try using your hand to shield the moon’s light while you’re watching. The shower can produce around 10 meteors per hour during its peak, according to EarthSky.org.

Oct. 10: The moon crosses the Pleiades

Watch as the Seven Sisters, better known as the Pleiades star cluster, appear to meet the moon after dusk on Oct. 10. The moon will cross over the cluster as it travels through the sky. The action spans the full night, with the moon covering the stars in the early night hours, then traveling far enough to reveal the cluster of over 1,000 stars (with around six that are naked-eye visible) in the pre-dawn hours.

Oct. 16: Crescent moon with Jupiter and Venus

October’s moon-planet hangouts continue with an alignment of Venus, the crescent moon, and Jupiter visible in the wee hours of Oct. 16. Look for the trio above the eastern horizon just before sunrise. You can also admire the moon nearing Jupiter the nights of Oct. 13 and 14.

Oct. 20-21: Orionid meteor shower peaks

The Orionid meteor shower, beloved for its shooting stars with vivid tails, will peak from roughly Oct. 20 into 21. You can see up to 10 to 20 bright meteors under dark skies—think: from a dark-sky park or stargazing hotel. The meteors originate from Halley’s comet, and this year’s peak will be extra dazzling, as it coincides with a new moon. It’s visible in the northern and southern hemispheres, according to Space.com.

[ad_2]

]]> http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/october-has-6-night-sky-wonders-including-a-supermoon-and-2-meteor-showers/feed/ 0 Don’t miss the rare black moon rising August 22 http://livelaughlovedo.com/career-and-productivity/dont-miss-the-rare-black-moon-rising-august-22-it-will-be-years-until-the-next-one-heres-why-it-will-help-you-see-the-milky-way/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/career-and-productivity/dont-miss-the-rare-black-moon-rising-august-22-it-will-be-years-until-the-next-one-heres-why-it-will-help-you-see-the-milky-way/#respond Wed, 20 Aug 2025 03:48:45 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/08/20/dont-miss-the-rare-black-moon-rising-august-22-it-will-be-years-until-the-next-one-heres-why-it-will-help-you-see-the-milky-way/ [ad_1]

It’s safe to assume you’ve heard the term once in a blue moon, which refers to the rare occurrence when there is a second full moon in a calendar month. But you might not have heard the term “black moon.”

However, on Saturday, August 23, at precisely 2:06 a.m. ET, a black moon is taking place. Although it sounds like something out of a dystopian novel, it’s not that ominous. Let’s take a deeper look at what this all means.

What is a black moon?

Much like great artists such as Picasso, the moon goes through phases. The moon’s version is cyclical, lasting around 29.5 days. A full moon occurs when Earth is between the sun and the moon, and the side of the moon facing Earth is lit up by the sun. A new moon is the exact opposite of a full moon. It occurs when the orb is between Earth and the sun—however, the side facing Earth is shadowed and dark, making the phenomenon invisible to the stargazer.

Similar to a blue moon, if two new moons occur in the same month, the second is considered a black moon.

But there are actually two types of black moons. The other type is based on seasons. It is the moniker given to a third new moon in a season of four new moons, which is what is happening this weekend.

For those in the Northern Hemisphere, summer began on June 21, and new moons took place on June 25 and July 24, making August 23 the third in the lineup. (The fourth will take place on September 21, which is just a day before the equinox signaling the beginning of fall.)

How often does this type of black moon happen?

Seasonal black moons only happen about once every 33 months, according to the Time and Date website.

What does this black moon have to do with the Milky Way?

To some degree, our home galaxy, the Milky Way, is always visible in the night sky. During the summer months, the center of this massive grouping of stars, planets, and dark matter rises higher, making it more visible to the naked eye.

A black moon sky is the perfect time to attempt to see the Milky Way, because the night is even darker than normal. So, although you cannot see a black moon itself, it might just benefit your Milky Way viewing.

[ad_2]

]]> http://livelaughlovedo.com/career-and-productivity/dont-miss-the-rare-black-moon-rising-august-22-it-will-be-years-until-the-next-one-heres-why-it-will-help-you-see-the-milky-way/feed/ 0 The Best Places to Stargaze in the US http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/the-best-places-to-stargaze-in-the-us/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/the-best-places-to-stargaze-in-the-us/#respond Mon, 16 Jun 2025 10:27:13 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/06/16/the-best-places-to-stargaze-in-the-us/ [ad_1]

In an age of glowing screens and light-saturated cities, the simple act of looking up at a star-filled sky is becoming a rare—and deeply meaningful—experience. But across the United States, a growing constellation of officially designated Dark Sky Places is changing that. These protected areas, recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), are leading a movement to reclaim the night—not just for astronomers, but for travelers seeking awe, quiet, and a deeper connection to nature.

The past year alone, the IDA added more than two dozen new certified sites to its global roster, including the massive Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary—now one of the largest dark sky places on Earth. As of 2025, the US is home to more than half of all IDA-certified Dark Sky Places, spanning desert parks, mountain towns, coastal preserves, and even urban communities working to dim artificial light and let the stars shine.

The benefits of stargazing go far beyond the visual spectacle. Research continues to show that time spent under a dark sky can improve sleep, reduce stress, and boost emotional well-being. Exposure to natural darkness helps regulate circadian rhythms, while the feeling of awe inspired by the cosmos is linked to increased happiness and a stronger sense of meaning in life.

From the windswept plateaus of the Southwest to unexpected dark sky oases near major cities, these IDA-certified destinations promise not only unforgettable views of the universe—but also a chance to feel a little more grounded here on Earth. Here are 15 of the best places in the US to stargaze, from Montana to Florida.

Jump to

FAQ:

What is a dark sky certification?

A Dark Sky certification is a designation awarded by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) to areas that have implemented measures to reduce light pollution and preserve the natural night environment. These certified areas—ranging from parks and sanctuaries to towns—must meet specific standards for controlling artificial lighting and maintaining clear, dark skies. Visitors can expect exceptional stargazing conditions, with enhanced visibility of celestial phenomena like the Milky Way, meteor showers, and planets.

Do I need a tour guide when visiting Dark Sky places?

While a tour guide is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for a more enriching stargazing experience, especially in unfamiliar locations. Many certified Dark Sky parks and communities offer guided stargazing tours with experts who provide telescopes, educational talks, and insights into constellations and celestial events. Guides can also help you navigate remote areas with the best viewing spots, ensuring a safer, more comfortable experience.

You can also book on tours on sites like Viator, which offers opportunities to explore in sites across the US. Among the options: A Sedona Dark Sky sunset and night hike, an East Zion Dark Sky stargazing tour, a Death Valley small group stargazing tour.

[ad_2]

]]> http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/the-best-places-to-stargaze-in-the-us/feed/ 0