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Astronomy for Beginners

Planet Earth

Supermoon: What It Really Is, Why It Happens, and When to Catch the Next One

A supermoon is a full moon that lines up with the Moon's closest approach to Earth, making it look a little bigger and noticeably brighter than an ordinary full moon. At its best, a supermoon can appear up to 14% larger and about 30%...
Astronomy for Beginners

What Is a Constellation? A Beginner’s Guide to the Sky’s 88 Star Patterns

A constellation is a group of stars that forms a recognizable pattern in the night sky, one we've given a name, usually after a mythological figure, animal, or object. There are 88 of them officially recognized, and together they map out the entire sky....
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Astronomy for Beginners

Regulus Star: The Little King at the Heart of Leo the Lion

Look toward the constellation Leo on a spring evening and you will find a...
Astronomy for Beginners

Why Do Stars Twinkle: The Simple Reason Behind the Night Sky’s Shimmer

The Short Answer Stars twinkle because of the Earth's atmosphere, not because of anything the...
Astronomy for Beginners

When Is the Next Solar Eclipse: Your Guide to the Ring of Fire and the Eclipse of the Century

The Short Answer The next solar eclipse is an annular "ring of fire" on February...
Astronomy for Beginners

How Many Earths Fit in the Sun: Just How Big Our Star Really Is

The Short Answer About 1.3 million Earths could fit inside the Sun. That's the kind...
Astronomy for Beginners

Is the Moon a Planet: Why Our Nearest Neighbour Doesn’t Make the Cut

The Short Answer No, the Moon is not a planet. It's a natural satellite, which...
Astronomy for Beginners

Why Is the Moon Orange Tonight: The Simple Science Behind a Glowing Red Moon

The Short Answer The Moon usually looks orange or red because it's sitting low on...
Astronomy for Beginners

Cassiopeia Constellation: How to Find the Vain Queen’s W in the Night Sky

Some constellations take real effort to trace. You squint, connect faint dots, and hope...
Astronomy for Beginners

The Orion Nebula (M42): A Stellar Nursery You Can See With Your Own Eyes

Most of the jaw-dropping objects in deep space are hopelessly out of reach. You...
Astronomy for Beginners

Sirius, the Dog Star: Everything About the Brightest Star in the Night Sky

On a crisp winter evening, step outside and look toward the south. If you...
Astronomy for Beginners

The Big Dipper: How to Find the Sky’s Most Famous Star Pattern and Use It to Find North

Almost everyone has spotted the Big Dipper at some point, even people who swear...
Astronomy for Beginners

The 8 Phases of the Moon Explained: A Simple Guide to Every Shape in the Lunar Cycle

Look up at the Moon a few nights in a row and something quietly...
Astronomy for Beginners

The 8 Phases of the Moon Explained: A Simple Guide to Waxing, Waning, and Everything in Between

Almost everyone has looked up at some point and wondered why the Moon keeps...
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Planet Earth

Supermoon: What It Really Is, Why It Happens, and When to Catch the Next One

A supermoon is a full moon that lines up with the Moon's closest approach...
Astronomy for Beginners

What Is a Constellation? A Beginner’s Guide to the Sky’s 88 Star Patterns

A constellation is a group of stars that forms a recognizable pattern in the...
Planets & Solar System

How Many Planets Are There? The Real Answer Is Bigger Than Eight

There are eight planets in our solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn,...
Galaxies & Deep Space

What Is a Galaxy? A Simple Guide to the Great Islands of Stars

A galaxy is an enormous collection of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter, all...