Preparing for the Solar Eclipse on August 12, 2026

As the solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, approaches, excitement is building in France and Spain. The popular videographer Astronophilos recently hosted a live web event with the editorial team from Ciel & Espace to prepare enthusiasts for this celestial phenomenon and share remarkable stories about eclipses.

In conjunction with this event, Ciel & Espace is offering a 10% discount on their special issues HS 54 "Eclipses" and HS 55 "Getting Started in Astronomy with the Solar System" with the promotional code ASTRONOPHILOS. Each magazine purchase will also include two pairs of eclipse glasses to ensure safe solar observation.

Noteworthy Discoveries in Astronomy

New Planetary Nebula Discovered by Amateur Astronomers

A dedicated team of amateur astronomers has successfully identified a new planetary nebula after an impressive total of 310 hours of cumulative exposure. This nebula, named FACT 1, shines faintly in the constellation of Perseus and is approximately one-third the size of the full moon.

Third Planet Photographed Around Beta Pictoris

Astronomers have long known about two giant planets orbiting the star Beta Pictoris, which was recognized in the 1980s as hosting a young planetary system. Recently, they captured an image of a third, less massive planet that had been hidden in their data for 11 years.

Commemorating Viking 1's Landing on Mars

On July 20, 1976, the Viking 1 spacecraft made history by landing on Mars. Fifty years later, witnesses of this groundbreaking event reflect on the anxiety and subsequent joy experienced during the critical twenty minutes between landing and the confirmation of its success.