ASTRONOMY

This portrait looking down on Saturn and its rings was created from images obtained by NASA's Cassini spacecraft on October 10, 2013.

9 Essential Facts About Saturn

On September 15, scientists will intentionally crash the Cassini spacecraft into Saturn. Mental Floss will be there in mission control as it happens. Here are some essential facts about Saturn to get you ready for the big event.

Still Got Those Eclipse Glasses? Put Them Back On to See Huge Sunspots

The sun is currently showing some impressive spots, so dig up those eclipse glasses and look up.

This Organization Wants Your Old Eclipse Glasses

Instead of tossing them out, donate them to a good cause.

Here’s Why You Should Skip Selfies During the Solar Eclipse

Viewing the event through your phone’s front-facing camera can still hurt your eyes.

Eclipses Belong to Families That Span Millennia

Neil deGrasse Tyson discussed the concept on <em>StarTalk</em>.

7 Maps of Fun Eclipse Viewing Locations

Whether you prefer to watch in the company of Sasquatch or while eating a plate of waffles, there's a map for you.

This Newspaper Article Was Hyping the 2017 Eclipse All the Way Back in 1932

The much-hyped event is finally happening on Monday, August 21.

4 Expert Tips on How to Get the Most Out of August's Total Solar Eclipse

Don't make any rookie mistakes—or blind yourself—while viewing the upcoming eclipse.

Kenneth Snyder, Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Look Up! The Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks This Weekend

It's easily the best meteor shower of the year.

Balloon Cams Will Offer Unparalleled Views of the Total Solar Eclipse

"From the air, you can see it coming and going. I think that perspective is really profound."

Photograph Captures the Dazzling Hues of the 'Rainbow Star'

Steve Brown's star photography is out of this world.

Look Up! The Southern Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower Is Here

Wake a few hours before sunrise tomorrow and you can start your day with some shooting stars.

Composite image courtesy of NASA/Faroe Islands/SwRI

Flying Telescopes Will Watch the Total Solar Eclipse from the Air

The instruments will take to the air during the upcoming eclipse to study the solar corona and the surface of Mercury.

What You'll See of the 2017 Solar Eclipse From Your ZIP Code

A new infographic shows what you'll be able to see of the August 21 total solar eclipse across the U.S.—and how far you’ll have to go to see total darkness.