The 2012 Quadrantids, a little-known meteor shower named after an extinct constellation, will present an excellent chance for hardy souls to start the year off with some late-night meteor watching.

Data from satellites and observatories around the globe show a jet from a powerful stellar explosion witnessed March 19 was aimed almost directly at Earth.

A powerful stellar explosion detected March 19 by NASA's Swift satellite has shattered the record for the most distant object that could be seen with the naked eye. The explosion was a gamma ray burst.

Stargazers should see unexpected meteor showers twice next week, U.S. astronomers said Friday.

May opens with a total lunar eclipse on the 4th. The full moon will rise at about 7.25pm already partly hidden by the Earth's shadow.