SUNSET: 
Astronomy and Stargazing Projects
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.
The Benson Prize
If saving the Earth from destruction isn't enough incentive to find near-Earth asteroids, there's a prize for the amateur who discovers one.
A Treasure-Trove of Variable Stars
Some of the Hipparcos satellite's unfinished business provides fair game for backyard observers.
The Minima of Algol
Now you can calculate the dates and times (local and Universal Times) when the eclipsing variable star Algol should be at its dimmest (magnitude 3.4 instead of its usual 2.1).
The Lure of Variable Stars
Studying and recording the ups and downs of variable stars is a pleasant pastime that can also be scientifically rewarding. Here's a simple project to get you going.
Phenomena of Jupiter's Moons
Virtually any telescope will show Jupiter's four Galilean satellites and their interesting interactions with the planet or its shadow.
Jupiter: The Ultimate Observing Guide
Viewing the solar system¹s largest planet can be more than fun — even with a modest telescope, you can make observations of lasting scientific value.
A Galaxy-Hop in Leo
Even with a modest telescope and a poor sky, you can ferret out many faint, far galactic wonders by using a good map.
A Chain of Galaxies Near M92
Many interesting but faint objects are often overlooked when they're beside a "showpiece" object. A collection of galaxies near M92 are a good example of this.
A Pair of Grand Galaxies
If you think all galaxies are faint, fuzzy blobs, think again. Here are two easily-seen galaxies that will change your mind.
A Collection of Bipolar Planetary Nebulae
Butterflies of the Milky Way await scrutiny with telescopes small and large.
Hunting Down the Helix
Despite its dodgy reputation, this planetary nebula is easy to find (for both Northern and Southern Hemisphere observers) if you go about it the right way.
A Pair of Nice Nebulae
When you leave the planets, moons, and comets of our solar system behind, you enter the realm of the deep sky, a place of subtle glows and faint lights.
Hunting Asteroids From Your Backyard
You can discover an asteroid tonight. Digital technology and the CCD revolution have given amateurs the ability to do it. Here's how.
Satisfy Your Auroral Longing
If you don’t live in Alaska or Iceland, you can improve your chances of seeing an aurora — and maximize your amount of sleep — by monitoring the level of geomagnetic activity.
Observing Amazing Nebulae Season by Season
Nebulae are among the most beautiful sights in the night sky but their diffuse nature can make them challenging to locate. Here are a few interesting nebulae, and most are easy to spot.
Clusters of Clusters: Globular Pairings
Globular clusters are more concentrated in the direction of Sagittarius since that's where we find the center of the Milky Way. This area of the sky affords us opportunities to see several of these rich, ancient clusters in close proximity.
Six Globulars Near Antares
If you can find bright Antares in Scorpius, you can use our chart to find these half dozen globular star clusters with a telescope — and maybe even binoculars.
A Month of Moonwatching
Whatever its phase, the magnificent Moon has lots to offer.
Winter Clusters Galore
The sky between the Big and Little Dogs may be poor in bright stars, but it’s rich in star clusters for small telescopes.
