Night Sky: Look Northeast For Deneb

news image
Special Stories
21 May 2020 6:30 AM
[Original story by EarthSky.org] If you've run out of ideas of what to do while remaining at home, we have a suggestion tonight! Actually, we encourage this every night: Look up! After sunset, go outdoors (with all responsibly-safe measures) and take a glance to the northeast. You may spot a couple of bright stars. The one we're highlighting in this article is the star Deneb. This star is on the left side of the constellation Cygnus the Swan. It is the brightest star in this constellation and the name is of Arabic language. It means tail and refers to the Tail of the Swan as seen by Arabian stargazers, according to EarthSky. A representation of Cygnus the Swan courtesy EarthSky.org Deneb is one of the brightest stars we can see with the naked eye. Astronomers estimate that it's more than 1,000 light years away. Think about that. The shine from that star you see tonight started on its trek toward Earth 1,000+ years ago! The constellation Cygnus the Swan was originally referred to by Arabian stargazers whereas the head of the swan was the right side of the picture above, the tail being Deneb. Deneb is part of the "Summer Triangle asterism" according to EarthSky. The two other stars, Vega and Altair, form the other ends of it. According to EarthSky, the star Altair is not visible (as of this writing) but is the last of these three stars to rise. It will be visible next month (June). Enjoy the night sky safely tonight, and every night for that matter! Featured [file] image courtesy Mary Reed Runyon
All Weather News
More
Severe Storms and Heavy Rain Across the East Coast

Severe Storms and Heavy Rain Across the East Coast

A stormy end to the week is taking shape for

20 Aug 2026 9:00 PM
NEW: Tropical Depression Two-C Heading For Hawaii

NEW: Tropical Depression Two-C Heading For Hawaii

TROPICAL DEPRESSION TWO-CJust days after Hurr

20 Aug 2026 8:50 PM
Stifling Heat Holds Steady for Southern U.S.

Stifling Heat Holds Steady for Southern U.S.

A ridge of high pressure has dominated the so

20 Aug 2026 1:11 PM
Severe Storms Stick Around the Country This Week

Severe Storms Stick Around the Country This Week

Severe weather outlooks remain possible in th

20 Aug 2026 1:00 PM
Heat, Some Humidity, and Storms Return to the Southwest

Heat, Some Humidity, and Storms Return to the Southwest

As we get through the work week, high pressur

19 Aug 2026 1:15 PM
Front That Caused Flooding Heading East

Front That Caused Flooding Heading East

MIDWEST - After a week of flooding rains in t

18 Aug 2026 1:30 AM
What to Know About the Total Solar Eclipse on August 12th

What to Know About the Total Solar Eclipse on August 12th

Get ready for one of the most spectacular dis

13 Aug 2026 10:00 AM