SUNSET: 
Choosing Your Astronomy Equipment
Astronomy for Beginners: How to Get Started in Backyard Astronomy
Astronomy doesn't deserve its reputation as a tough, expensive hobby. You just need to begin with the right advice.
Native American Full Moon Names for 2024
Native American tribes each had their own full Moon names — we introduce the most commonly used ones and the traditions behind them.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Asterisms for Winter Nights
Asterisms appeal to our playful side but also serve as key waypoints in the sky for identifying fainter stars and constellations.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Earthshine, the Moon's Darker Side
Explore the Moon's dark side with the aid of earthshine.
How to Make a Star Wheel the Simple Way
Would you like to be able to navigate your way around the night sky with confidence? Using this simple, easy-to-make Star Wheel, you can "dial the sky" for any time or date.
Astronomy for Beginners: Getting Started in Astronomy
An easy guide to exploring the universe is just a quick download away. This PDF document contains valuable tips for beginner stargazers, a detailed Moon map, and six bimonthly star charts for either the Northern or Southern Hemisphere.
Fuzzies in Your Future:
An Introduction to Deep-Sky Objects
Ready to voyage beyond the Solar System? Here's what you can see.
Names of Deep-Sky Objects
Expert observer Brian Skiff explains NGC, UGC, and everything in between.
Star Names: Where Do They Come From and What Do They Mean?
Confused by the bizarre names that astronomers have given the stars? Here's where they come from and what they mean.
