SUNSET: 
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
A Globular Season Surprise
The true origins of some globular clusters can give you a new perspective when you're viewing them through your telescope.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Waiting for the Blaze Star
Some celestial events are sure things; it's just a question of when. We're still waiting for T Corona Borealis to go nova — any month now.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
When Astronomy Is In Your Blood
A glimpse of a stellar cluster ties generations together.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Why We Look Up: Cosmic Mayflies
We live our lives in a blink of universal time.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Starlight Deprivation Syndrome
Feeling sluggish and crabby? Got cloudy skies? You might be suffering from SDS.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
A New Year of Star-Camping
For 2026, I want to be more myself — less stress and rumination, more centeredness and joy — and that’s going to necessitate a lot more time beneath the stars.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
The Gift of Warmth (and Whimsy)
An idea for the stubborn winter stargazer on your holiday list (especially if it's you!)
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Stargazing Opportunities Lost and Found
Observing obstacles plague all amateur astronomers, but when the chance arises, we can still embrace unanticipated wonder.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Get Thee to a Dark Sky Site!
The experience of truly dark skies is one that no one should miss.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Why We Look Up: Simply Stargazing
Whether you end up catching a falling star or not, meteor shower vigils offer time with the stars.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Honoring the Women of Astronomy
Even today, the names of women in astronomy are not as well known as they should be.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Building Community, One Star Party at a Time
Want to build and expand your astronomy community? Go hyperlocal.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Vicarious Astronomy with Dad
A one-on-one connection with a friend under clearer skies represents vicarious astronomy at its best. For Jennifer Willis, that means FaceTime calls with her dad.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Galaxy Season: The Season of Wonder
During this season — the one in which galaxies are most abundant in the sky — galactic pursuits can bring us to a state of wonder.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Step Out Into Darkness
What’s an amateur astronomer supposed to do if she’s afraid of the dark? Be brave!
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
The Nights of Our Lives
The stars help us mark the time, but sometimes they also create a convergence of our past, present, and future selves.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Modest Expectations Give Rise to Delight
If we amateur astronomers lean into discovery, there's no limit to the breadth of wonder under a wide-open sky.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Why We Look Up: Celestial Resolutions
Look to the stars to inspire and bolster your New Year's resolutions.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Why We Look Up: Starlit Generations
The gift of a new telescope bridges generations.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Reclaiming the Beginner’s Mind of Stargazing
Sometimes the obstacles in our path — such as clouds and light pollution — steer us not away from our goals but on a more meaningful path toward them.
