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Read news from the world of astronomy for the week of March 29, 2024.

The National Science Foundation will be flying a solar-imaging instrument on a high-altitude aircraft to explore infrared emission from the Sun's corona. Plus, astronomers have found twisted magnetic fields near Sagittarius A*. And NASA's budget constraints could spell the end for the Chandra X-Ray Observatory.

Latest News

Chasing the Eclipse from the Air

An NSF-funded solar-imaging instrument will fly on a high-altitude aircraft to explore infrared emission from the Sun’s corona.

Rethinking the Milky Way’s “Galactic Fountain”

Recycling is good, but sometimes it needs a little help from outside.

Strong Magnetic Fields Swirl Near Milky Way’s Black Hole

Astronomers have detected twisted, orderly magnetic fields near the event horizon of Sagittarius A*.

An Early End for the Chandra X-Ray Observatory?

NASA budget constraints could wind down operations of the iconic Chandra X-Ray Observatory.

Observing Highlights

This Week's Sky at a Glance, March 29 – April 7

Can you still see Mercury about two fists lower right of Jupiter in twilight? It's fading fast! Perseus, with Algol on his stick-figure leg, is getting lower in the northwest as the season advances. So, this evening is one of your last good chances until next fall to catch Algol in eclipse.

Partial: The Solar Eclipse for the Rest of Us

Totality watchers get the best show, but far more people will be in partial-only territory. Here’s how to make the most of it.

What Will We See in the Sky During Totality?

Most of our time will be focused on Sun during the minutes of totality on April 8th, but consider tearing yourself away for a few seconds to put it all in context.

A Barely-There Lunar Eclipse

As told in the latest episode of our long-running Sky Tour astronomy podcast, this month it’ll be challenging to see a special kind of lunar eclipse on March 25th — but easy to spot five of the 10 brightest stars in the night sky.

Burnet TX Eclipse Festival 2024

Join the Burnet, Texas, Eclipse Festival April 5-9 for a total solar eclipse! It's in the heaviest part of totality in Texas which has the best chance of clear skies in the US and more than 4 minutes and 20 seconds of totality!! We will have an XD Dark Ride Interactive Theater, lots of eclipse workshops, and guided stargazing tours.

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Apps to Help You See the Solar Eclipse

For the April 8th eclipse, mobile apps offer everything from weather forecasts to local circumstances. Here’s a review of eclipse apps that you might find useful on the big day.

The Great 2024 Eclipse Guide

The Great 2024 Eclipse is a 64-page, full-color illustrated guide to the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse. Everything you need to prepare for this awe-inspiring event is at your fingertips in this special issue.