Your Nightly Guide to the Cosmos — April 29, 2026

0:03 Kalaruga shark media Welcome to sleep from space. New observations of Jupiter's largest moon, Ganymede, revealed that its auroras share detailed structural similarities with auroras on Earth, suggesting that the physical processes that generate these lights may be universal across different types of celestial bodies. Something to ponder. The footprints left on the Moon by Apollo astronauts will remain visible for millions of years. There's no wind to blow them away. A Soyuz five rocket is set to launch later today from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan. RKK Energea is behind this one. Venus blazes in the western sky after sunset, the brightest object in the night sky besides the Moon.

0:58 Mercury makes a rare appear it's low on the horizon just after dusk. The Sun has been active lately, with several sunspot groups dotting its surface. Solar flares are possible over the next day or two. For now, aurora chances are moderate for those in far northern latitudes. Asteroid flyby Alert twenty twenty six eight SA three, comparable to a large aircraft, passes roughly three times the Moon's distance in the next couple of days. These close approaches happen weekly. Astronomers track thousands of them. Step outside early this evening. The bright moon won't rise until later, leaving the first part of the night beautifully dark. AI helped gather tonight's update from NASA and Spaceflight News sources. Rest easy knowing the universe keeps spinning. Good Night,