Jamie Carter

Eclipses don't happen at random — they arrive in pairs, on schedule, and 2026 brings two spectacular seasons to prove it.

A 5,000-year-old discovery near Bulford, Wiltshire, reveals what archaeologists believe is a Stonehenge prototype, predating its famous stone alignment by 500 years. Radiocarbon dated to 2950 BC, the site features two wooden poles, 394 feet apart, precisely aligned with the summer and winter solstices. This is the earliest known evidence of such an alignment in the area, indicating sophisticated astronomical understanding by prehistoric communities. Excavations uncovered pits with pottery, bones, and a symbolic flint knife, suggesting large ceremonial gatherings. Experts say this shows Stonehenge emerged from deeper traditions of solar observation, a practice still celebrated today.

The northern lights may be visible from states along the U.S.-Canadian border overnight on Thursday, June 18 into Friday, June 19, after a space weather forecast.

Topline North America is about to experience its longest day of 2026. At precisely 4:24 a.m.

Short nights and bright stars make the midsummer night sky surprisingly beginner-friendly.

Discover why sunsets burst with colors as light scatters, casting breathtaking reds, oranges, and pinks across the sky for perfect photos.

This weekend, the June solstice on June 21, 2026, marks the Northern Hemisphere's longest day and the astronomical start of summer. North of the Arctic Circle, this brings the spectacular "midnight sun," where the sun remains above the horizon at local midnight, casting a soft, golden light. This phenomenon is due to Earth's 23.4-degree tilt, causing the Arctic to be angled towards the sun, making it appear to circle the sky without setting. The effect intensifies further north, lasting for days or even months. This unique light changes daily routines, offering 24-hour wildlife viewing opportunities as animals are highly active. Destinations like Norway, Svalbard, and Alaska are prime spots to witness this surreal, awe-inspiring experience, which continues beyond the solstice before days gradually shorten.

An Arizona startup, Katalyst Space Technologies, is undertaking a daring mission to save NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. Launched in 2004, Swift is a crucial telescope for studying gamma-ray bursts, acting as NASA's "first responder" for sudden cosmic events. However, atmospheric drag, intensified by recent solar activity, is pulling it dangerously close to Earth, threatening its imminent burn-up. Katalyst's LINK spacecraft, developed in a remarkable 250 days, will attempt to rendezvous, capture, and reboost Swift to a safer orbit. This high-stakes mission, launching via Pegasus XL, is a race against time, as Swift is expected to de-orbit by October. Success would validate robotic satellite servicing, offering a future where valuable spacecraft can be rescued and extended, rather than lost. The project highlights rapid commercial innovation in space.

A new James Webb telescope snap shows off the glowing gas, sculpted jets and newborn stars lurking within the giant cosmic cloud OMC-2, located in the Sword of Orion.

Over 20,000 people gathered at Stonehenge in the U.K. on June 21 to witness the summer solstice sunrise, marking the Northern Hemisphere's longest day.