Keep looking up, as 2018 comes to a close. Yikes!
Golden Anniversary
Astronomers and visitors from across the country dedicated McDonald Observatory's 107-inch telescope on Nov. 26, 1968. At the time, it was the third-largest telescope in the world.
Stargazing Summary
The smallest and largest of the Sun's major planets will stage a relatively rare encounter this month as they pass each other in the dawn twilight. Jupiter should be easy to see, but Mercury could take some work. The great Winter Circle climbs higher each night, and is in good view by 8 p.m. by month's end. It consists of seven bright stars encircling orange Betelgeuse, the shoulder of Orion.
More stargazing information »
More stargazing information »
Radio Program Highlights
If you want to start hearing the StarDate program in your area, you can request a station to carry our program by emailing the request to stations@stardate.org.
December 3-9: Circles and dogs. Some giant balloons are getting ready to fly circles around Antarctica, and we'll have details. We'll also talk about a little dog that follows a big one, and much more.
December 10-16: Dusty displays. Earth will fly through some clumps of space dust this week, spawning a meteor shower, and we'll have details. We'll also talk about the dusty tail of a comet. Join us for dusty displays, plus surviving a trip to Mars and more.
December 17-23: Moonlight. There's plenty of moonlight this week, thanks to a combination of full Moon and the winter solstice, and we'll have details. We'll also talk about a pair of bright planets in the dawn sky and much more.
December 24-30: To the Moon. One of the most-watched TV broadcasts in history took place 50 years ago this week — from orbit around the Moon. And it inspired thousands to make reservations for their own lunar expeditions. Join us for this and more.
December 31: New Year's lights. Some brilliant lights welcome the new year this week — the Moon and the planets Venus and Jupiter — and we'll have details. Join us for bright lights in the 2019 sky and much more.
Program schedule »
Hear StarDate every day on about 400 radio stations in the United States. Find an affiliate
December 3-9: Circles and dogs. Some giant balloons are getting ready to fly circles around Antarctica, and we'll have details. We'll also talk about a little dog that follows a big one, and much more.
December 10-16: Dusty displays. Earth will fly through some clumps of space dust this week, spawning a meteor shower, and we'll have details. We'll also talk about the dusty tail of a comet. Join us for dusty displays, plus surviving a trip to Mars and more.
December 17-23: Moonlight. There's plenty of moonlight this week, thanks to a combination of full Moon and the winter solstice, and we'll have details. We'll also talk about a pair of bright planets in the dawn sky and much more.
December 24-30: To the Moon. One of the most-watched TV broadcasts in history took place 50 years ago this week — from orbit around the Moon. And it inspired thousands to make reservations for their own lunar expeditions. Join us for this and more.
December 31: New Year's lights. Some brilliant lights welcome the new year this week — the Moon and the planets Venus and Jupiter — and we'll have details. Join us for bright lights in the 2019 sky and much more.
Program schedule »
Hear StarDate every day on about 400 radio stations in the United States. Find an affiliate
Help Keep a Good Thing Going
StarDate radio celebrates its 40th birthday this fall. It's the country's longest-running national science radio program. You can help keep us on the air for many years to come by sponsoring the program for just $295 per day. The sponsorship is open to individuals and businesses. You'll get your name on the air and in the magazine, along with a few other goodies. You can sign up online at stardate.org/sponsor, or call 1-800-STARDATE during regular business hours
Support Discovery, Become a Member of McDonald Observatory
When you become a Friend of McDonald Observatory, you'll receive more than a StarDate magazine subscription and special passes to the observatory. You'll also become a partner in strengthening science education today and for future generations!
Support science education today!
Support science education today!
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