EarthSky | Updates on your cosmos and world

For you, Valentine. Heart photos from nature

February 13, 2026

Be my Valentine? Why we fall in love according to science

Be my Valentine? On this Valentine's Day 2026, read what the world of science says about the mystery we call love, and 10 reasons we fall in love.

Deborah Byrd

February 13, 2026

Space

Star dims for 9 months, likely due to giant ringed object

A star dims its light to less than 97% of its brightness for 9 months before re-brightening. How? Scientists think a giant, ringed object blocked its light.

EarthSky Voices

February 13, 2026

Sun

Sun news: M flare and a spectacular solar jet

Sun news for February 13, 2026: An isolated M1.1 flare from AR4373 lifted activity to moderate levels, while departed AR4366 produced a gorgeous arcing jet.

February 13, 2026

Visible planets and night sky guide for February

Visible planets and night sky guide. Tomorrow morning before sunrise, look for the slim crescent moon close to the horizon, below the Teapot in Sagittarius.

February 13, 2026

2026 has 3 Friday the 13ths. What are the odds?

Here’s the story behind why 2026 has 3 Friday the 13ths. They are in February, March and November. The next one will be in 2037.

Bruce McClure

February 13, 2026

Space

Inside-out planetary system upends notions of formation

Scientists have found an inside-out planetary system. They did not expect to find a rocky planet out beyond the gaseous planets. How did it get there?

EarthSky Voices

February 12, 2026

Space

New clues to how giant galaxies formed in the early universe

Astronomers studying giant galaxies in the early universe have found some 40 galaxies tied together that will likely transform into 1 huge elliptical.

Kelly Kizer Whitt

February 12, 2026

Astronomy Essentials

The 1st eclipse season of 2026 starts in February

One of the many noticeable cycles in the heavens is an eclipse season. The 1st eclipse season of 2026 starts with an annular solar eclipse on February 17.

Editors of EarthSky

February 12, 2026

Earth

Human World

Great Backyard Bird Count begins February 13

Show your love for birds by joining the 2026 Great Backyard Bird Count. It's free and easy to participate in this 4-day global event. Find out how here.

Deanna Conners

February 12, 2026

Space

Tatooine exoplanets are oddly rare, and we finally know why

Tatooine exoplanets - or planets orbiting 2 stars - are rare. And a new study from UC Berkeley says Einstein's general theory of relativity is to blame.

Paul Scott Anderson

February 11, 2026