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
Heat, Some Humidity, and Storms for the Southwest the Next Few Days

Heat, Some Humidity, and Storms for the Southwest the Next Few Days

Record-high temperatures broke today in the S

24 Aug 2026 1:20 AM
Rounds of Storms for the Southeast

Rounds of Storms for the Southeast

In addition to the hot temperatures across th

24 Aug 2026 1:15 AM
Multiple Days of Severe Weather For The  Plains

Multiple Days of Severe Weather For The Plains

WHAT TO EXPECTA strong ridge of high pressure

24 Aug 2026 1:10 AM
Stifling Heat Holds Steady for Southern U.S.

Stifling Heat Holds Steady for Southern U.S.

Record heat rolls on across the Lone Star Sta

24 Aug 2026 1:00 AM
Atlantic Tropics : Watching Several Areas, Strong Tropical Wave Late Week

Atlantic Tropics : Watching Several Areas, Strong Tropical Wave Late Week

El Niño has been smothering tropical waves in

24 Aug 2026 1:00 AM
Tropical Storm Moke Brushes Hawaii Today

Tropical Storm Moke Brushes Hawaii Today

TROPICAL STORM MOKEJust a little over a week

24 Aug 2026 12:35 AM
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

21 Aug 2026 10:00 AM