SUNSET: 
Native American Full Moon Names for 2026
Native American tribes each had their own full Moon names — we introduce the most commonly used ones and the traditions behind them.
How To Start with Your New Telescope
How to start sky exploring with that new telescope. How to set it up right, other key things to know -- and great cosmic immensities to start finding tonight.
The Milky Way Returns to the Night Sky in a Tide of Starlight
The summertime Milky Way ascends in the east on May nights. Find a dark sky and let it take you away!
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.
The Best Meteor Showers in 2025
You’ll fight a bright Moon to watch August’s beloved Perseid meteor shower in 2025. But it should be an excellent year for December’s strong Geminid shower.
How To Get Started with that New Telescope
How to start successfully with your new telescope — a guide to what you need to know, how to set it up, and things you can start finding with it in tonight’s sky.
Astronomy for Beginners: How to Get Started in Backyard Astronomy
Astronomy doesn’ deserve its reputation as a tough, expensive hobby. You just need to begin with the right advice.
What Is the Ecliptic?
The ecliptic, simply put, is the plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun. It extends beyond that to include the seven other planets.
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.
The Big Dipper: Hop to Spring's Sky Sights
The Big Dipper is one of the most familiar sights in the Northern Hemisphere’s night skies. You can use its stars to locate other fun targets.
A Quick Tour of Orion, the Hunter
The evening sky this week presents a near perfect opportunity to explore winter's marquee constellation, Orion, with binoculars or a small telescope.
Nine Ways To Get Your Child Into Astronomy Before Summer Ends
There's still time before school (and early bedtimes) start up again — take advantage of balmy evenings to spark an interest in astronomy.
Right Ascension & Declination: Celestial Coordinates for Beginners
Once you hold the golden keys of right ascension and declination, finding your way around the sky is almost as easy as finding your way around town.
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.
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.
Stargazing Simplified: What to See in the Night Sky
Learn some of the classic stargazing sights that can be best viewed through a smaller telescope.
Learn Constellations with a Planisphere
How do you find out what stars are visible tonight? With a planisphere or "star wheel." It's easy!
How to Use a Star Chart with a Telescope
Here's what you need to know to navigate the heavens with a telescope and star atlas.
"Star Deck": It's All in the Cards
Here's a great free download that uses a deck of playing cards to introduce you to the night's sky's constellations in a fun, entertaining way.
Star Charts: A Vital Resource for Learning the Night Sky
Our Constellation Basics webinar provides background information about the major winter constellations. Here are some accompanying online resources.
