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Astrophotography: Tips & Techniques
Astrophotography: Stacking Up Your Signal
The secret to stacking images in astrophotography is increasing signal rather than just increasing the number of exposures.
The Kavli Foundation Q&A: How Will the TESS Mission Accelerate the Hunt for Livable Alien Worlds?
The just-launched Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) could soon provide the breakthrough identification of dozens of potentially habitable exoplanets right in our cosmic backyard
Astrophotography: Tips & Techniques
An Astrophotographer's Gentle Introduction to Noise
You don't need a PhD to understand noise in astronomical images — here's an introduction to the various sources of noise in astrophotography and how to combat them.
Astrophotography: Tips & Techniques
PixInsight vs Photoshop: Which is Better for Astrophotography?
Is it possible to settle the PixInsight vs. Photoshop debate once and for all? Yes: Learn both and gain the skills you need to make better astrophotos!
Famous and Noteworthy Astronomers
Stephen Hawking, 1942–2018
Stephen Hawking, renowned physicist, famed science communicator, and all-around inspiration, has passed away at the age of 76.
The Kavli Foundation Q&A: A "Living Dead" Star Sheds Light on the Early Universe
A newfound star in a nearby galaxy appears to have cheated death by blowing up at least twice as a supernova. It could be a throwback to the first stars that ever formed.
Astrophotography: Tips & Techniques
How to Capture the Clearest Astro Images
Capturing crystal-clear astro images involves a delicate balance of having just enough pixels for the object you're imaging. But you don't need a PhD to understand the sampling theory that's involved.
What is the Saros Cycle and How Does It Foretell Eclipses?
A slow, relentless rhythm, known as the saros cycle, is hidden away in the movements of the Moon and Sun. How does it foretell eclipses — and how could Babylonians discover its existence long before modern science and technology?
Astrophotography: Tips & Techniques
Framing Your Astro Images: Understanding Field of View and Pixel Scale
Knowing your astrophotography setup's pixel scale will help you take better pictures. And to determine pixel scale, you first need to know your field of view.
Do the Sun and Moon Really Rise in the East?
"As sure as the Sun rises in the east . . ." Except it doesn't! Find out how Earth's tilt changes the location of sunrise (and sunset) throughout the year.
How We Create the "Skygazer's Almanac"
Sky & Telescope's year-at-a-glance guide to celestial happenings is a symphony of detailed calculations and clear, elegant design.
What is the Winter Solstice?
The moment the Sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky marks the December solstice, the official beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere (where it is called the winter solstice) and a time of great celebration in many northern cultures.
Astrophotography: Tips & Techniques
Seeing vs. Transparency: What's the Difference?
Good weather for imaging is about more than just the clouds! Even if it's cloud-free, you'll need to understand if the seeing and transparency are good.
Astronomy Books: Wrapping Up 2017
Read our reviews of books covering everything from stars and galaxies to the Moon and planets, perfect for amateur astronomers and space fans.
Orbital Path Podcasts with Michelle Thaller
Orbital Path Podcast: The 11 Dimensions of Brian Greene
In this episode of Orbital Path, we hear from Brian Greene on the coming paradigm shift in physics as current theories fail to adequately explain quantum entanglement.
The Kavli Foundation Q&A: A New Map of Dark Matter?
The prevailing view of the universe has just passed a rigorous new test, but the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy remain frustratingly unsolved.
Orbital Path Podcasts with Michelle Thaller
Orbital Path Podcast: Journey to the Sun
Nicki Viall, a heliophysicist at Goddard Space Flight Center, shares her excitement over the Parker Solar Probe — the spacecraft that will allow scientists to "touch" the Sun.
The Kavli Foundation Q&A: What's Life Like at the Remotest Telescopes?
From oxygen-thin mountaintops to barren deserts to the South Pole, many of the world’s most powerful telescopes are in distant, inhospitable environments. Three researchers share their adventures pursuing science at the farthest corners of the world.
Orbital Path Podcasts with Michelle Thaller
Orbital Path Podcast: First Light
John Mather has seen many first lights, not the least being the first light of the universe — and soon he will see the first light of the James Webb Space Telescope.
Solar Eclipse Activities for Kids and Families
Enrich the eclipse experience — especially the long, partial phases — with solar eclipse activities for the young and young at heart.
