Astronomy
Astronomy is an infinitely captivating subject and the oldest of the natural sciences. It is one of the few areas of science that amateurs can assist professionals and directly contribute to science. Astronomy is the scientific study of the contents of entire Universe, stars, planets, comets, asteroids, galaxies, and space and time, as well as its history.
If you’re starting out in Astronomy and looking at the sky at night, the contents of this site will guide you through what you can see at night as well as equipment advice, observation tips and tutorials. The astronomy articles cover the types of objects you can see and illustrate some basic astronomy concepts which are important to learn. You can also find several astronomy DIY projects which you can build yourself.
Finding objects in the night sky with your telescope can be one of the most difficult challenges you face, If you have an equatorial mount, being able to use its setting circles will help you considerably.
The pyramids have exerted a powerful spell on the western world. Where once they were thought to be giant granaries, astronomy has revealed their true purpose.
Imagine a star so big that if it replaced the Sun, it could engulf the Solar System as far out as the orbit of Saturn. Or one that produces as much energy in one second as our Sun does in a hundred days. These are hypergiant stars.
On his travels in Egypt, Herodotus recounted a story of Egyptian sailors who witnessed sunrise to the north, thus proving they were in the southern seas.
Since radio telescopes were developed, significant discoveries have been made. Here we list 5 amazing radio telescope discoveries.
Ever since Tycho Brahe died suddenly more than 400 years ago, there has been a mystery about whether the Dane whose observations laid the groundwork for modern astronomy fell victim to natural causes or was murdered.
In a world where each city had its own calendar, the Greeks looked to the stars to ensure they did not miss Apollo's birthday, an important festival.
The Greek astronomer Hipparchus discovered precession, the slow movement of the heavens, by studying Egyptian astronomical records thousands of years ago.
Although Stonehenge appears to have astronomical alignments, historians now shy away from saying what its builders intended.
Skywatchers will be treated to the longest "blood moon" eclipse of the 21st Century on Friday. As it rises Earth's natural satellite will turn a striking shade of red or ruddy brown with the "totality" period lasting for one hour, 43 minutes.
