julio 17, 2026

Find an Atmosphere on a Terrestrial World and a New Exoplanet Orbiting Beta Pictoris

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This week in the world of astronomy, find a new exoplanet orbiting Beta Pictoris and an atmosphere on a terrestrial world. Plus, see Neptune-size worlds that are so far from their stars they appear to roam the galaxy alone.

Comet_McNaught_at_Paranal-ESO-Sebastian-Deiries-ST image

This Week's Sky at a Glance, July 17 – 26

Look to the western sky at dusk this evening. Venus shines less than half a fist to the right of the crescent Moon. These are the two brightest celestial objects after the Sun. Sometimes they are also the nearest two that are visible to the naked eye.

First Atmosphere Detected on a Terrestrial World

A team of astronomers have discovered helium escaping from a rocky planet, marking the first detection of an atmosphere on a potentially habitable world.

Famous System Has a Third Planet: Beta Pictoris d

Two teams of astronomers independently discovered a third giant gas planet orbiting in the famous Beta Pictoris system.

Reflect Orbital’s Space Mirrors Approved for Launch

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the launch of Reflect Orbital’s Earendil 1 satellite.

"Rogue" Neptunes Are Detached But Not Alone

“Rogue” Neptune-size worlds might not roam the galaxy totally on their own, just very far away from their parent stars.

Euclid Telescope Finds Quasars Within 700 Million Years of the Big Bang

The sharp-eyed and far-seeing Euclid space telescope has picked up 31 early quasars that have evaded detection until now.

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Observing Highlights

Astrophotography: Picking Your Pixels

The drive for smaller pixels comes from wanting more resolution. But in astrophotography, bigger pixels capture more light.

July Podcast: Spotlight on Spica

This month’s episode highlights the bright star Spica, now high in the southwest after evening twilight. It’s leading the parade of constellations, along with brilliant Venus.

Presented by: Celestron.

Airdrie Observatory Open Evening

Enjoy a warm welcome by astronomers from the Airdrie Astronomical Association to this one of their regular Tuesday night public open evenings of the Airdrie Observatory.

Introducing the "Ultraview Effect"

What is it like to stand in the shadow of Earth and look out at the vastness of the Milky Way? Welcome to the ultraview effect — an expansion of the overview effect. A fascinating dive into science, cognition, and spirituality, The Ultraview Effect shares how astronauts’ experiences of profound humility in the face of the unknown transform our understanding of humanity.

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