Total solar eclipse, northern lights, and flying to the moon: Celestial events to look forward to in 2026
In addition sending astronauts to fly around the moon, Earthlings can look forward to six of the eight planets parading across our skies.
Quadrantid meteor shower peaks Friday night but bright supermoon may hinder visibility
The New Year brings a double feature celestial performance as the year’s first supermoon and Quadrantid meteor shower go head-to-head in the night skies Friday.
Adler Planetarium brings Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” to life
Visitors can experience an immersive visual and surround-sound journey through space set to Pink Floyd’s iconic album at the Adler Planetarium, running daily starting January 1, 2026.
Alzheimer’s disease could be reversed by restoring brain balance, study suggests
The medication restored normal NAD+ levels and fully reversed cognitive function in advanced Alzheimer's models.
Pilot reports UFO beside jet, ATC jokes: 'Good luck with the aliens'
A newly resurfaced aviation audio clip shared online has drawn attention after a private pilot reported encountering a mysterious object while flying over Rhode Island.
Video: Muddy eruption at Yellowstone’s Black Diamond Pool
A muddy eruption at Yellowstone National Park was just captured on camera in an area that has been closed to the public for hazard assessments.
Blue Origin rocket launches first wheelchair user into space
Michaela Benthaus, a paraplegic engineer for the European Space Agency, became the first wheelchair user in space Saturday.
Cool experiments to try this winter break with MSI | ChicagoNOW
The ChicagoNOW team gets a demonstration from MSI Chicago of some experiments that kids will love this winter break.
Get your telescope ready: 3I/ATLAS comet swings by Earth early Friday morning
Comet 3I/ATLAS will pass by Earth on its way out of the solar system.
3I/Atlas making closest approach to Earth this week
The interstellar comet known as 3I/Atlas will pass within 167 million miles of our planet Friday – the closest it gets on its grand tour of the solar system. Here's what to know.
Must-see video: Father, son dramatically rescued from deep in the alligator-infested Florida Everglades
A father and son in Florida were rescued from the alligator-filled Everglades after their ATV ran out of gas -- stranding them shortly before sunset.
Look up this weekend - Geminids meteor shower will peak and put on a spectacular display
The Geminids meteor shower will light up the night sky this weekend and put on a celestial show.
NASA scientist suggests comet could explain Star of Bethlehem | ChicagoLIVE
Planetary scientist Mark Matney proposes that a long-period comet passing close to Earth may account for the biblical Star of Bethlehem, offering a new astronomical perspective on a centuries-old holiday mystery. | A live look at what happened today, what’s happening now, and what’s coming tonight—no script, just real news.
Plane, hospital air is cleaner than you think, study finds | ChicagoLIVE
A new study by Northwestern University shows that airplane and hospital air is cleaner than one might think.
ESA’s Juice spacecraft captures early image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS
ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer snapped a surprise early view of comet 3I/ATLAS in November, revealing its glowing coma and two faint tails. Full science data from five instruments is expected to arrive on Earth February 2026. | A live look at what happened today, what’s happening now, and what’s coming tonight—no script, just real news.
Look up tonight: Supermoon to soar into the sky
Look up tonight as a Supermoon will rise into the sky. Nicknamed the Cold Moon as winter weather brings colder temperatures, the moon will only be 221,813 miles away from Earth.
December skywatching guide: Wrap up 2025 with these can't miss celestial events
With the new year around the corner, December is filled with a robust lineup of celestial events to end the year with a rewarding skywatching experience.
Rare blue eel stuns divers in underwater footage: Floating ‘piece of silk’
Footage recorded of the rare fish shows the intricacies of the mesmerizing eel and its bright, colorful body.
TSA sets all time record for daily screenings
The Thanksgiving holiday saw millions of people traveling by air, and on Sunday the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says it set a new daily screening record with over 3 million travelers screened at airports across the country.
Lightning on Mars: Scientists capture crackling sounds
The researchers examined 28 hours of audio recordings, documenting 55 episodes of what they consider to be “mini lightning” over two Martian years.