Watch the Moon Meet Mercury and See a Second Failed Supernova Candidate

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Read news from the world of astronomy for the week of February 13, 2026.

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This week in the world of astronomy, see the oldest rocks found on the lunar farside and watch the Moon greet Mercury at sunset. Plus, spot another star that may be collapsing directly into a black hole, without a supernova.

Watch the Young Moon Greet Mercury at Sunset

On February 18th, the willowy crescent Moon has a close shave with Mercury, so close that it occults the planet from some U.S. cities.

Infant Galaxy Clusters Grew Faster Than Expected

Astronomers have discovered three still-growing galaxy clusters in the early universe that point to a faster track of evolution than expected.

Oldest Moon Rocks Found on the Lunar Farside

The 4.247-billion-year-old Moon rocks brought back from the farside of the Moon are challenging our ideas about what it was like in the early solar system.

Astronomers Find Hints of an Exomoon

Astronomers might have found a moon half the mass of Jupiter orbiting in a nearby system, based on the wobbles of its host world.

Astronomers Discover Second Failed Supernova Candidate

Astronomers might have spotted a star in the Andromeda Galaxy collapsing directly into a black hole, without the accompanying fanfare of a supernova.

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Observing Highlights

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This Week's Sky at a Glance, February 13 – 22

Three planets await in the western twilight, though low Venus is a toughie. The crescent Moon passes them and, for the lucky, occults Mercury. After dark, Dog and Hare accompany Orion.

February Podcast: Winter’s Milky Way

In this month’s episode, go on a guided tour of the stars and planets that you’ll see overhead during February. We’ll keep tabs on the Moon and say good-bye to Saturn.

Presented by: Celestron.

Planets in the Park

Friends of Clifton Park, along with Mexborough & Swinton Astronomical Society invite you to Planets in the Park on Saturday.

The Smartest Out of the Box Smart Telescope On Sale

Spectrum’s Sky Pilot 127 may be the best combination of visual and imaging available. It includes a 53mm ED guider / imager with Intelligent camera, 127 Mak optics, alt-AZ mount, Vixen-style dovetail receiver, full-size tripod with 1.5″ diameter legs, removeable color camera with IMX662 sensor and dual band Wi-Fi and the free MirroSky APP.

From a trusted S&T partner

The World's Largest Space and Astronomy Expo Returns!

On April 11-12, over 100 of your favorite vendors, hundreds of fellow astronomy enthusiasts, and an incredible lineup of guest speakers will gather in Suffern, New York, for a cosmic extravaganza.

From a trusted S&T partner