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From Bits to Bucks: How AI is Boosting My Online Income

A human hand shaking hands with an AI or Robot hand in front of a stack of golden coins.
You can do it too!

Introduction

In today’s digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a buzzword; it’s a game-changer. As an online entrepreneur, I’ve seen firsthand how AI has revolutionized the way I earn money online. I’ve been in the online money-making game for quite some time now, starting out on now popular subreddits such as /r/beermoney or /r/signupsforpay and even /r/churning, as well as having been a seller on Facebook marketplace (reselling thrifted items or even items found while dumpster diving) and also actively selling on OfferUp, Mercari, Poshmark, and Ebay. Nowadays I am focusing more on Ecommerce, such as drop shipping and affiliate marketing so at the risk of “tooting my own horn” as they say- I would like to think that I have picked up quite a few nuances or tips and tricks along the way. I am more than happy to share all I have learned, for in the beginning it was articles like these that helped me understand what I needed to start investigating etc. in order to start making money online on my own. The point here is that recently

‘/ I have made the discovery that there is one single factor in my online money making that has never failed me and only ever made things better- that is AI. Hands down, AI has probably saved me years of time on work since I started using it- not exaggerating. From optimizing my website’s SEO to enhancing my online marketing strategies, AI has become an invaluable tool in boosting my online income. By analyzing data and predicting customer behavior, AI helps me identify the most relevant keywords and content ideas, ensuring that my articles and website rank high on search engines. This drives organic traffic and attracts a larger audience to my online business. Furthermore, AI-powered chatbots have improved customer support, allowing me to provide personalized assistance to visitors on my website 24/7. This not only enhances the customer experience but also increases conversion rates. With AI in my corner, I’m able to automate time-consuming tasks like social media posting and data analysis, freeing up more time for creativity and growth strategies. It’s a win-win situation for me and my online business. Join me as I delve deeper into the transformative power of AI and discover how you too can leverage this technology to maximize your online income (and hopefully we can both be internet GAZILLIONAIRES in a few years tops, hehe.)

Understanding the Basics of AI and Machine Learning

AI, or artificial intelligence, is a revolutionary advancement in computer science. It focuses on empowering machines to handle tasks that typically require human intellect. Within the AI domain, machine learning emerges as a crucial component, enabling machines to learn from data and improve their performance over time.

Machine learning algorithms play a vital role by analyzing extensive datasets to recognize patterns and make accurate predictions. This capability is especially beneficial for online entrepreneurs like yourself, providing valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences.

The speed and efficiency at which AI algorithms can process large volumes of data are remarkable. This allows you to make informed, data-driven decisions and optimize your online income strategies effectively. By harnessing the power of AI, you can not only outperform competitors but also swiftly adapt to dynamic market conditions, ensuring sustained success in the online business landscape.

How AI is Revolutionizing Online Marketing and Advertising

The impact of AI on online marketing and advertising is huge. Thanks to AI tools, we can dig into customer data, group audiences, and whip up personalized marketing campaigns. One of the coolest things about AI in online marketing is how it helps us find and target the juiciest keywords for SEO. By checking out search trends and how users behave, AI algorithms can pick out the keywords that are most likely to bring organic traffic to our sites. This means our content gets a nice spot in search results, making us more visible and drawing in a bigger crowd.ms automate the buying and selling of online ad space. By analyzing user data and real-time bidding information, AI algorithms can optimize ad placements and target the right audience, maximizing the return on investment (ROI) for online advertisers.

Case Studies of Successful AI-Powered Online Businesses

Let’s take a closer look at some standout examples of AI-driven online businesses that are making waves in the digital world: 1. AI-Powered Chatbots Revolutionizing Customer Service: Companies like Shopify have implemented AI chatbots on their websites, providing instant customer support 24/7. These chatbots use AI algorithms to understand customer queries and provide personalized responses, leading to improved customer satisfaction and increased sales. 2. Personalized Product Recommendations: Online retail giant Temu utilizes AI algorithms to analyze customer behavior and preferences. By offering personalized product recommendations based on past purchases and browsing history, they have seen a significant boost in conversion rates and customer engagement. 3. Dynamic Pricing Strategies: GoDaddy, an e-commerce platform, leverages AI to adjust pricing in real-time based on market demand, competitor pricing, and customer behavior. This dynamic pricing strategy has helped them stay competitive and maximize profits. 4. Predictive Analytics for Marketing Campaigns: CJMarketing, a digital marketing agency, employs AI-powered predictive analytics to optimize their marketing campaigns. By analyzing data trends and customer behavior patterns, they can target specific audiences more effectively, leading to higher ROI for their clients. These case studies demonstrate the diverse applications of AI in driving success for online businesses. By harnessing the power of AI technologies, these companies have been able to enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences, and achieve significant growth in their respective industries.

The Role of AI in Improving Customer Experience and Engagement

In the digital world, customer experience is paramount. AI-powered tools and technologies can enhance customer experience and engagement in several ways. Personalization is one area where AI truly shines. By analyzing customer data, AI algorithms can create personalized recommendations, offers, and experiences. This level of personalization not only delights customers but also increases their loyalty and likelihood of making repeat purchases. AI can also improve customer engagement through chatbots and virtual assistants. These AI-powered tools can engage with customers in real-time, providing them with personalized recommendations, answering their questions, and even assisting with the purchasing process. This level of personalized assistance creates a seamless and enjoyable customer journey, increasing the chances of conversion and repeat business. Furthermore, AI can analyze customer feedback and sentiment to identify areas for improvement. By understanding customer preferences and pain points, online businesses can tailor their products and services to better meet customer needs, further enhancing the overall customer experience.

Leveraging AI to Optimize Website Performance and User Experience

In the highly competitive online landscape, website performance and user experience are critical factors that can make or break an online business. Thankfully, AI can help us optimize these aspects. AI-powered tools can analyze website performance metrics, such as page load times and bounce rates, to identify areas for improvement. By optimizing website speed and usability, we can ensure that visitors have a smooth and enjoyable browsing experience. This reduces the chances of visitors leaving our website prematurely and increases the likelihood of conversion. Additionally, AI algorithms can analyze user behavior on our websites to identify patterns and make recommendations for improving website design and layout. By understanding how users interact with our websites, we can make data driven decisions to optimize the user experience and increase engagement.

Monetizing AI-Generated Insights and Predictions

AI not only helps us optimize our online income strategies but also provides valuable insights and predictions that can be monetized. For example, AI algorithms can analyze market trends, customer behavior, and competitor data to make predictions about future demand and consumer preferences. These predictions can be used to identify profitable niches, develop new products or services, and create targeted marketing campaigns. Furthermore, AI-generated insights can be packaged and sold as valuable reports or consultancy services. Online entrepreneurs can leverage their expertise in AI and data analysis to provide insights and recommendations to other businesses looking to improve their online income strategies. By monetizing AI-generated insights and predictions, online entrepreneurs can diversify their income streams and maximize their earnings.

My Personal Favorite Tools: AI That Have Truly Proven Useful

When it comes to navigating the digital landscape, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. Here are some AI-powered tools that have truly proven their worth in enhancing my online experience:

1. Monica AI: A reliable assistant that simplifies complex tasks and provides quick access to a wealth of information, Monica AI has become an indispensable part of my digital toolkit. Her efficiency and versatility make her my go-to AI companion for various tasks.

2. Unicorn AI Website Builder: This tool has revolutionized the way I create websites. With its intuitive design features and AI-driven customization options, building a professional website has never been easier. (If you sign up using the link above, use promo code “viafirst20” for 25% off!)

3. Autoblogger.ai: Streamlining content creation, Autoblogger.ai utilizes AI to generate engaging blog posts and articles effortlessly. Its content generation capabilities have saved me valuable time and effort.

4. Beacons.ai: A powerful tool for creating personalized landing pages and microsites, Beacons.ai has helped me enhance my online presence and engage with my audience more effectively. It is also by far my favorite tool on this list!

5. NicheScraper: This AI tool has been invaluable for conducting market research and identifying profitable niches. Its data-driven insights have guided my business decisions and strategies.

6. Rytr: A versatile writing assistant, Rytr uses AI to generate high-quality content, from blog posts to social media copy. Its ability to streamline content creation has been a game-changer for me.

These AI tools have significantly enhanced my online capabilities, making tasks more efficient and effective. Incorporating these tools into my workflow has not only saved me UNBELIEVABLE amounts of time but also improved the quality of my work. If you’re looking to boost your online presence and streamline your processes, consider exploring these AI-powered tools for yourself!

Conclusion: Embracing the AI Revolution for Online Income Growth

In conclusion, AI has become an indispensable tool for online entrepreneurs looking to boost their online income. From optimizing SEO strategies to enhancing customer experience and engagement, AI-powered tools and technologies have revolutionized the way we do business online. By leveraging AI, we can automate time-consuming tasks, gain valuable insights into customer behavior, and make data-driven decisions that drive growth and increase profitability. As the AI revolution continues to unfold, it’s essential for online entrepreneurs to embrace this transformative technology and leverage its power to maximize their online income. By staying ahead of the curve and embracing AI, we can unlock new opportunities, stay competitive, and achieve long-term success in the digital marketplace. So, join me on this exciting journey from bits to bucks and discover how AI can revolutionize your online income. Embrace the AI revolution, and let’s boost our online income together!


From Bits to Bucks: How AI is Boosting My Online Income was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

How to Get 50,000 Claps on Medium as a Crypto Writer

Every Web3 writer knows the feeling: you spend 2 hours researching market dynamics, perfecting your data charts, and polishing your prose, only to hit “Publish” and get… 12 claps.

So, how do you break the Medium algorithm and get people clapping like you’re handing out free Bitcoin?

The honest answer: I actually have no idea.

But at the very least, I had the audacity to write an entire article pretending I do. And if we are being serious, the crypto niche on Medium doesn’t follow standard blogging rules. It operates on a brutal mix of narrative timing, structural scanning, and raw institutional insights. If you give the community exactly what they are looking for in the right wrapper, the claps will follow.

Let’s break down the exact playbook of what actually works, based on the pieces that resonated most with my own audience.

1. What to Write About: The Topics That Actually Scale

Crypto changes faster than AI can generate market memes. If you’re writing about what was trending last month, you’re already irrelevant. Based on my top-performing articles, the Medium algorithm rewards deep-dives into macroeconomic realities and market friction over generic “top altcoin” lists.

Take a look at what actually cuts through the noise:

  • Macro realities vs. local trends:

Articles like my piece “Crypto’s Global Divide in 2026: Who Really Leads the Digital Asset Economy?” kill it because they tackle the bigger picture. People want to understand how regional regulations, institutional adoption, and shifting global liquidity are drawing new battle lines in Web3.

  • Infrastructure friction:

The B2B and institutional crowd on Medium is massive. When I published P2P is a Crowded Street. SEPA is a Private Jet” it took off because I broke down how a strategic profit take of €50,000 via traditional P2P turns into an operational nightmare of fragmented transfers and AML red flags, and how we could solve this by pivoting the funds to the WhiteBIT On/Off-Ramp to achieve unified settlement, predictable costs, and full compliance.

  • Forward-looking narrative shifts:

Generic Bitcoin analysis is a red ocean. On the other hand, my article “Forget Bitcoin: These 5 Crypto Trends Will Dominate 2026” (published in DataDrivenInvestor) performed incredibly well because it gave readers a specific, actionable thesis on what comes next — whether that’s RWA tokenization, corporate capital allocation, or advanced crypto backends for fintechs.

2. Hooking the Reader: The Art of the Narrative Headline

Your title is 80% of the battle. If it’s boring, no one will ever find out how brilliant your analysis is. However, crypto readers have a high filter for absolute garbage. If you use cheap clickbait like “This Token Will 100x Tomorrow,” they will mute you.

Instead, frame your headlines around contrasts, scaling issues, or high-stakes analysis:

  • The contrast frame: “P2P is a Crowded Street. SEPA is a Private Jet.” (Creates immediate visual contrast and curiosity).
  • The macro frame: “Crypto’s Global Divide in 2026: Who Really Leads the Digital Asset Economy?” (Promises a global, high-level perspective).
  • The contrarian frame: “Forget [X]: Why [Y] Will Dominate the Next Quarter.” (Challenges the current consensus).

3. How to Structure: Writing for the Short Attention Span

Crypto native readers have notoriously short attention spans. If they open your article and see a massive, unbroken wall of text, they will bounce immediately.

  • Make it scannable:

Use clear H2/H3 headers, bullet points, and bold text for your core thesis. A reader should be able to scroll through your piece in 5 seconds and perfectly understand the core argument.

  • Use real-world case studies:

Instead of speaking in abstract terms, anchor your points with a story. For instance, when analyzing why P2P doesn’t scale for five- or six-figure sums, walk them through the operational nightmare: the fragmentation of a €50,000 payout into dozens of tiny unverified transfers, the spread volatility, and the inevitable banking red flags.

  • Bring the visuals:

Ditch the generic, uninspiring stock photos of physical gold Bitcoins resting on a laptop. Instead, embed real data charts, clean infographics, or well-placed industry memes. Visual breaks give the reader’s brain a chance to process your data.

4. The Secret Sauce: Real Distribution

Writing the article is only half the battle. Even the best content will die in absolute silence if you don’t feed the algorithm its initial momentum.

  • Cross-pollinate your ecosystem:

The moment your Medium article goes live, break it down into a highly readable, 3-bullet summary. Drop that summary into your Telegram channel, your CoinMarketCap community profile, or an X thread, with a direct link to read the full breakdown on Medium. Bringing external, highly-engaged traffic tells Medium’s internal curation system that your article is “hot.”

  • Be opinionated:

Don’t write like a neutral Wikipedia page. Have a strong, data-backed stance. If you think a specific crypto infrastructure trend is completely overhyped, say it clearly. The resulting debate in the comments section is pure fuel for the platform’s visibility algorithms.

  • The power of the CTA:

Never forget that Medium users can clap up to 50 times per article. Don’t be afraid to explicitly remind them at the very end — most readers simply forget that it’s a sliding scale, not a single ‘like’ button.

So, if you appreciated this guide — or if you simply respected the hustle of writing a meta-analysis on claps — you know exactly what to do with that button below. 50 claps don’t click themselves!

What topics are currently bringing you the highest engagement in the Web3 space? Let’s talk in the comments.


How to Get 50,000 Claps on Medium as a Crypto Writer was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Why Talking About Money at Work Still Feels “Illegal” in Many Companies

In theory, work is a simple exchange. You provide value, and you are compensated for it.

But in practice, the moment an employee brings up salary, the tone often shifts.

The conversation becomes uncomfortable. The body language changes. Sometimes the silence itself feels heavier than the words.

And in many workplaces, talking about money doesn’t feel like a professional discussion.

It feels like breaking an unspoken rule.

Almost like doing something “wrong.”

But why does something so logical feel so emotionally loaded?

This image is generated by AI

The Unspoken Rule: “Don’t Talk About Money”

Most companies never officially say it.

But employees learn it anyway.

Through subtle signals like:

  • “We’ll discuss compensation later” (which never comes)
  • Awkward reactions during negotiation
  • Colleagues avoiding salary conversations
  • Performance reviews that dance around numbers

Over time, employees internalize a belief:

Money is not a discussion topic. It’s something you receive, not negotiate.

This creates a silent culture where salary becomes emotionally sensitive instead of professionally rational.

Why It Feels “Illegal” Emotionally

The feeling of doing something wrong when asking for a raise is not random.

It comes from three deep psychological and cultural layers:

1. Power Imbalance

Managers control budgets. Employees don’t.

So when an employee asks for more money, it can feel like:

  • Challenging authority
  • Questioning a decision-maker
  • Disrupting hierarchy

Even when it’s not true, the structure creates emotional pressure.

2. Fear of Rejection

Asking for a raise is also asking for evaluation.

And evaluation feels personal.

Employees often think:

  • “What if they say I’m not worth it?”
  • “What if I sound greedy?”
  • “What if this affects my job security?”

So the request doesn’t feel like negotiation.

It feels like a risk.

3. Cultural Conditioning

Many workplaces still operate on outdated beliefs like:

  • “Good employees don’t ask, they get noticed”
  • “Loyalty should be rewarded automatically”
  • “Talking about money is unprofessional”

These ideas quietly train employees to stay silent.

So when someone finally speaks up, it feels like breaking a rule that was never written — but deeply enforced.

The Corporate Contradiction

Here is the irony:

Companies expect employees to:

  • Negotiate deals
  • Defend pricing
  • Justify business value
  • Push for growth

But when employees apply the same logic to their own value, it suddenly becomes “uncomfortable.”

This creates a contradiction:

It is professional to negotiate for the company’s money, but emotional to negotiate for your own.

The Reality: Salary Is Not a Favor System

One of the biggest misconceptions in workplace culture is this:

Salary increases are rewards for loyalty.

In reality, salary is closer to:

  • Market value
  • Skill demand
  • Business impact
  • Timing and negotiation

If you don’t discuss it, it doesn’t automatically adjust itself.

Silence does not lead to fairness. It often leads to stagnation.

Why Companies Benefit From This Silence

Even unintentionally, silence around money benefits organizations.

Because:

  • Fewer employees negotiate = lower overall payroll pressure
  • Less transparency = less comparison
  • Less discomfort = fewer disruptions in hierarchy

This doesn’t mean companies are “wrong.”

It just means the system naturally discourages open financial conversations.

How This Changes When You Reframe It

The shift happens when employees stop viewing salary talks as emotional requests and start viewing them as professional alignment discussions.

Instead of:

“Can I get a raise?”

It becomes:

“Here is the value I am contributing, and here is how my compensation aligns with it.”

This small reframing changes everything:

  • From emotional → logical
  • From personal → professional
  • From asking → aligning

The Core Truth

Talking about money at work feels “illegal” only because it has been culturally treated as sensitive for too long.

But in reality:

  • It is not disrespectful
  • It is not greedy
  • It is not unprofessional

It is a normal part of career growth.

The real issue is not that employees ask for more.

It is that many workplaces are still uncomfortable having an honest conversation about value and compensation.

Final Thought

A healthy workplace doesn’t avoid money conversations.

It normalizes them.

Because when people can openly discuss value, expectations, and compensation without fear, work stops being confusing — and starts becoming fair.

If you want, I can also convert this into:

  • A LinkedIn carousel post
  • A shorter viral version (under 200 words)
  • Or a punchy hook + thread format for engagement growth

it should be under 1000 words

Here is a refined version under 1000 words (clean, LinkedIn-ready, and structured):

Why Talking About Money at Work Still Feels “Illegal” in Many Companies

In an ideal world, work is simple.

You provide value. The company compensates you fairly. And salary discussions are just a normal part of professional life.

But in reality, the moment an employee brings up money, something changes.

The tone shifts. The energy becomes uncomfortable. Words get softer. Sometimes the conversation gets delayed altogether.

And for many employees, asking for a salary increment doesn’t feel like a professional discussion.

It feels like doing something wrong.

Almost like breaking an unspoken rule.

But why does something so logical feel so emotionally heavy?

The Invisible Rule: Don’t Talk About Money

Most companies never explicitly say that employees should not talk about salary.

But the culture teaches it anyway.

Through signals like:

  • “We’ll revisit compensation later” (which rarely happens)
  • Avoidance of salary discussions in reviews
  • Discomfort when employees bring up pay
  • Colleagues not sharing compensation openly

Over time, employees learn something silently:

Money is not something you discuss. It is something you wait for.

This creates a workplace environment where salary becomes emotionally sensitive instead of professionally normal.

Why It Feels Like You’re Doing Something Wrong

The discomfort around asking for a raise is not imaginary. It comes from deep psychological and structural factors.

1. Power Imbalance

In most organizations, salary decisions are controlled by managers and leadership.

So when an employee asks for a raise, it can feel like:

  • Challenging authority
  • Questioning a decision
  • Stepping outside their role

Even when the conversation is valid, the hierarchy creates emotional pressure.

2. Fear of Judgment

Salary discussions are deeply personal.

When you ask for more money, you are indirectly asking:

“Am I worth more than I am currently being paid?”

That triggers fear:

  • What if they say no?
  • What if they think I am greedy?
  • What if it affects how I am perceived?

So instead of a professional negotiation, it feels like personal evaluation.

3. Cultural Conditioning

Many workplaces still operate with outdated beliefs such as:

  • Good employees don’t ask, they are rewarded automatically
  • Talking about money is unprofessional
  • Loyalty will naturally be recognized

These ideas train employees to stay silent.

So when someone finally speaks up, it feels uncomfortable — even wrong.

The Corporate Contradiction

Here is the irony.

Employees are expected to:

  • Negotiate deals
  • Justify pricing
  • Communicate value clearly
  • Push for better outcomes

But when they apply the same logic to their own compensation, it becomes sensitive or uncomfortable.

So we end up with a contradiction:

Negotiating value for the company is professional. Negotiating value for yourself feels personal.

The Real Nature of Salary

One of the biggest misconceptions is that salary increases are emotional rewards for loyalty or hard work alone.

In reality, compensation is influenced by:

  • Market demand for your skills
  • Business impact and contribution
  • Timing and company budgets
  • Negotiation and communication

If you don’t discuss it, it doesn’t automatically adjust itself.

Silence does not create fairness. It often creates stagnation.

Why Silence Benefits Organizations (Even If Unintentionally)

Most companies are not actively trying to suppress salary conversations.

But silence naturally benefits them in several ways:

  • Fewer negotiations mean controlled compensation costs
  • Less transparency reduces internal comparison pressure
  • Avoiding difficult conversations maintains hierarchy comfort

This doesn’t make companies unfair by default.

It simply means the system is not designed to encourage open financial discussions.

Reframing the Conversation

The shift happens when employees stop seeing salary discussions as emotional requests and start seeing them as professional alignment.

Instead of:

“Can I get a raise?”
It becomes:
“Here is the value I am contributing, and here is how my compensation aligns with that value.”

This reframing changes everything:

  • From emotional → logical
  • From asking → aligning
  • From personal fear → professional clarity

The Core Truth

Talking about money at work feels “illegal” only because it has been culturally treated as uncomfortable for too long.

But in reality:

  • It is not disrespectful
  • It is not unprofessional
  • It is not greed

It is a normal part of professional growth.

The problem is not that employees ask for more.

The problem is that many workplaces still haven’t normalized honest conversations about value.

Final Thought

Healthy workplaces don’t avoid money conversations.

They normalize them.

Because when compensation, expectations, and value are discussed openly, work becomes clearer, fairer, and far more transparent.

And maybe the real shift we need is simple:

Not to stop asking for more.

But to stop treating the conversation like it should be hidden in the first place.


Why Talking About Money at Work Still Feels “Illegal” in Many Companies was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

What’s Up: July 2026 Skywatching Tips from NASA

A predawn Moon-and-planets meetup, a returning comet, a great chance to see the Milky Way, and Saturn’s rings at a new angle.

Skywatching Highlights

  • July 7: Last Quarter Moon
  • July 11 + 12: Dawn alignment of the Moon, Mars, Saturn, and Uranus
  • July 14: New Moon; best dark-sky window for Comet 10P/Tempel 2 and the Milky Way
  • Later in July: Saturn’s unusually thin rings are a rewarding telescope target
  • July 21: First Quarter Moon
  • July 29: Full Moon

Transcript

An early morning hangout with the Moon and planets, a comet swings by, prime time for the Milky Way, and Saturn’s rings shine at a new angle. That’s What’s Up for July.

Before sunrise on July 11 and 12, look toward the eastern sky for a lineup of the Moon and planets. On these mornings, the waning crescent Moon helps point the way to Mars, with Saturn shining nearby in the morning sky.

Uranus is in the same general part of the sky, too, but it is much fainter, so you will need binoculars or a telescope to see it.

Mars will look like a small reddish point of light, Saturn is brighter and easier to spot, and the Moon makes the whole scene easy to locate.

Four black squares agains a night sky image. From left to right, the squares show the Moon, Mars, Saturn and Uranus.
Before sunrise on July 11 and 12, the Moon, Mars, Saturn, and Uranus will parade in the eastern sky.
NASA/JPL-Caltech

Around the New Moon on July 14, Comet 10P/Tempel 2 swings by.

This is a short-period comet, meaning it returns to the inner solar system on a regular orbit. In this case, it comes back about every 5½ years. It is not a dramatic comet that you see just by looking up at the sky, though.

Through binoculars or a telescope, find the constellation Capricornus and look for a small fuzzy glow nearby, possibly with a brighter central knot and a short, broad, fan-shaped tail.

For the best chance to view the comet, head somewhere dark, away from city lights. Start looking once the sky is fully dark, ideally about 45 to 60 minutes after sunset.

What's Up - Comet 10P/Tempel 2 - July 14, 2026
NASA/JPL-Caltech

Those same dark nights around the July 14 New Moon are also the best time this month to look for the Milky Way.

From a dark location, away from city lights, the Milky Way appears as a pale, cloudy band across the summer sky. The bright, cloudy region of the Milky Way marks the direction of the galactic center. It looks so dense because we’re looking toward one of the most crowded parts of our galaxy, where countless stars glow behind dark clouds of cosmic dust.

Late in the evening, look low in the southern sky for a group of stars shaped like a big hook or scorpion tail. That’s Scorpius. The bright, cloudy part of the Milky Way is nearby, close to another group of stars called Sagittarius.

For the best chance to see the Milky Way, go somewhere dark, give your eyes time to adjust, and try not to look at your phone.

What's Up - Milky Way July 14, 2026
NASA/JPL-Caltech

Later in July, Saturn is a rewarding target for telescope users.

Saturn’s rings are still tilted at a very shallow angle from our point of view, making them look unusually thin. The rings aren’t disappearing, but how they appear from Earth is changing. It’s a great reminder that our view of the solar system is always in motion.

Quadruple Saturn Moon Transit
Saturn is famous for the intriguing rings that encircle it. As Saturn orbits the Sun, though, our view of its rings changes. Roughly every 15 years (halfway through Saturn’s almost-30-year orbit), Saturn’s rings appear edge-on, sometimes seeming to disappear altogether. On Feb. 24, 2009, when Saturn’s rings were nearly edge-on, Hubble tracked four of Saturn’s moons as they passed across the face of the giant ringed planet.
NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)

Here are the phases of the Moon for July.

Chart showing June 2026 moon phases: Third Quarter on the 7th, New Moon on the 14th, First Quarter on the 21st, and Full Moon on the 29th.
NASA/JPL-Caltech

You can stay up to date on all of NASA’s missions exploring the solar system and beyond at science.nasa.gov. I’m Raquel Villanueva from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and that’s What’s Up for this month.

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