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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

Observing Basics: Supercharge Your Observing

Owning a telescope and actually knowing how to use it well are two completely...
Astronomy for Beginners

Why Is the Night Sky Dark If There Are Billions of Stars Out There?

It sounds like a silly question at first. Of course the sky is dark...
Astronomy for Beginners

Observe the Sky’s Colorful Stars: A Beginner’s Stargazing Guide

Most people's mental image of the night sky is pretty simple, a scattering of...
Astronomy for Beginners

How Are Stars Born The Life Cycle of a Star Explained

Did you know nearly every atom in your body came from massive, burning furnaces...
Astronomy for Beginners

What Happens When a Star Dies?

Stars look like they are permanent. They sit in the night sky year after...
Astronomy for Beginners

What Is the Speed of Light?

Light is one of those things we see every day without really thinking about...
Astronomy for Beginners

How Old Is the Universe?

Look up at the night sky sometime and it's hard not to wonder how...
Astronomy for Beginners

How Big Is the Universe? Facts About Its Incredible Size

Did you know that light travels at 186,000 miles per second, yet it would...
Astronomy for Beginners

What’s the Best Time of Year to Watch the Stars?

There’s something magical about stepping outside on a clear night and looking up at...
Astronomy for Beginners

When Is the Next Meteor Shower in the US You Can See

Have you ever stood outside on a crisp, clear evening, feeling small beneath a...
Astronomy for Beginners

What’s the Difference Between a Galaxy and a Solar System Facts

Did you know our sun is just one of over 100 billion stars in...
Astronomy for Beginners

What Can You See in the Night Sky Without a Telescope Tonight

Many people think you need expensive gear to explore space. Friends often say they...
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Latest articles

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...