SUNSET: 
What Is a Quasar?
A quasar is a supermassive black hole gorging on gas in the heart of a distant galaxy.
Astrophotography: Tips & Techniques
Getting Started in Planetary Imaging
It's planet season! Here are some tips to help you start imaging the giant planets while they're in easy view.
Astrophotography: Tips & Techniques
Astrophotography: How Long Can You Go?
While many astrophotographers follow the "rule of 500" (or 300), some experimentation can help find the right exposure time for your setup.
Astrophotography: Tips & Techniques
Beating the Heat in Astrophotography
Keeping your camera cool is an essential element to obtaining good clean images in astrophotography.
How Many Planets Are In Our Solar System?
There are eight planets in the solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Finder Charts for "Meet the Neighbors" in the October 2021 issue
If you read Steve Gottlieb's article in the October 2021 issue of Sky & Telescope entitled "Meet the Neighbors: The Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Family," you likely followed the link for more finder charts. We include an updated finder chart (that appears on page 28) with a revised position for Wray…
Going Deep October 2021: Finder Charts for Arp Galaxies
Use these finders to locate the Arp targets discussed in the Going Deep column in the October 2021 issue.
Stargazing Forecast: Will You Have Clear Skies Tonight?
These websites and apps can help you forecast the astronomical observing conditions for your next night out.
What Is a Star Party, and Where Can I Find One?
Texas Star Party upper field, 2009.Ron Ronhaar and Todd Hargis If you're an amateur astronomer and planning a vacation for your family, consider planning a vacation around a star party. Deep-sky star parties — as opposed to more traditional, general-interest conventions — have become a permanent part of the amateur…
Astrophotography: Tips & Techniques
Demystifying Flat-Frame Calibration
Many astrophotographers skip flat fields because they seem complicated. But the flats can greatly improve your images — here's how to do them.
Astrophotography: Tips & Techniques
Dark Frames and Bias Frames Demystified
The road to clean, easy-to-process data begins with proper image calibration, and the first step is to take dark and bias calibration frames.
Imaging Foundations with Richard Wright
Astrophotography On The Go: When Failure Is Not An Option
Anytime you travel beyond your own backyard to do astrophotography, the whole endeavor can be lost because of one missing link in the chain. Here's what to remember.
Community Leaders: Notable Astronomers
George Carruthers: Telescope Maker and Lunar Pioneer
Astronomer and engineer George Carruthers (1939–2020) designed and built the first observatory on another world.
Imaging Foundations with Richard Wright
How Focal Ratio Affects Your Astro Images
Understand focal ratio to improve your astrophotography.
Finders for "Southerly Planetary Nebulae"
Find close-up finders for 16 targets covered in Don Ferguson's observing article in the June 2021 issue of Sky & Telescope.
Imaging Foundations with Richard Wright
Tips for Imaging Galaxies from Your Backyard
You don't need a dark-sky location to shoot galaxies — you can capture them from your backyard with these tips.
Community Leaders: Notable Astronomers
Giorgia Hofer, Nightscape Astrophotographer
An Italian accountant, captivated by the sky since childhood, learned astrophotography to bring the heavens home with her.
Planets and Comets Can't Hide from SOHO's Eye
With the help of the Solar Heliospheric Observatory you can not only keep track of the planets in the daytime sky but maybe even discover a comet.
Astrophotography: Tips & Techniques
In Astrophotography, Bigger Is Not Always Better!
Don't be intimidated by astrophotography equipment — modest equipment can do great things.
Imaging Foundations with Richard Wright
A Free Tool for Lucky Imaging
Check out this free astrophotography software package that'll make processing your lucky images — especially of the Sun and Moon — a snap.