SUNSET: 
Astronomy and Stargazing Projects
Observing Report: The Herschel Sprint
Amateur astronomer Mark McCarthy shares his observing report for his own "Night of Discovery," when he recreated Herschel's legendary "sprint" of April 11, 1785.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Pleasures of Keeping an Astro Journal
Keeping a record of what you see in the telescope is not only fun but helps grow your observing skills. Learn how to start a journal and see how other amateurs keep theirs. Do you write down what you saw after a session at the telescope? I've been doing it since…
See Summer's Best Naked-Eye Double Stars
Not every set of closely paired stars requires binoculars or a telescope to "split". Here's a guide to summertime doubles you can tackle with your eyes alone.
Astronomy and Stargazing Projects
A Star Count for Everyone
Take part in this year's Great World Wide Star Count, and you'll be joining thousands of other "citizen scientists" in raising dark-sky awareness around the globe.
Join the "Target Asteroids!" Project
If you're an amateur observer with decent equipment and an itch to do some serious observing, a team from the OSIRIS-REx mission wants to hear from you!
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.
Make a Star Clock!
A quick download, some scissors, and a paper fastener are all it takes to use the stars to tell time.
How to Make a Sundial the Simple Way
Sundials are amazingly simple yet effective devices. They range from sticks planted in the ground to precision-machined marvels costing thousands of dollars. The design shown here can be constructed in minutes from materials lying around your house, but it's surprisingly accurate.
Astronomy and Stargazing Projects
How to Catch an Iridium Flare
These communications satellites can briefly outshine Venus as they spray the ground with reflected sunlight.
111 Deep Sky Wonders for Light-Polluted Skies
Bright skies aren't empty skies. See for yourself how many treasures lie hidden in the glow of a city sky.
Observing Galaxies: Spiral, Elliptical, and Irregular
Trained eyes and clear, dark skies can open up a new dimension in deep-sky observing.
Nova Hunters
Few observers have spotted an ever-elusive "new" star. Fewer still have done it twice. Observing styles and techniques are as varied as the searchers themselves.
Astronomy and Stargazing Projects
Seeking Thin Crescent Moons
Here are some tips for hunting one of nature's most captivating sights.
