Astronomy Basics

Astronomy is the study of everything in the Universe beyond Earth's atmosphere. That includes objects we can see with our naked eyes, like the Moon, planets, and stars. It also includes objects we can only see with telescopes or binoculars, like distant galaxies and nebulae. But it doesn’t take much skill or equipment to get started with stargazing or amateur astronomy, and you can do it almost anywhere. Here you'll learn all the essential things about astronomy that will help you to pave the way into the world of stargazing.

Sun on Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice 2024: The Shortest Day of the Year

~8 min
Astronomical News

Winter solstice 2024 is coming on December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere — learn the science and culture behind the shortest day of the year.

The Sun's path during solstice better quality

Summer Solstice 2025: The First Day of Summer and the Longest Day

~5 min
Astronomical News

Discover the science behind one of the most important celebrations in the world. Here is everything you need to know about the summer solstice!

Winter Solstice 2022

Solstice: When is it, and what causes it?

~9 min
Astronomical News

The December solstice 2024 takes place on December 21. What happens on the solstice? Here’s what you need to know.

Planetary Opposition

Planetary Opposition 2024-2025: Best Time to See Planets

~7 min
Astronomical News

The best time to view most planets is at the astronomical opposition. Find out what it means and when to see the upcoming oppositions.

Zodiacal light in March 2023

What Is Zodiacal Light – See False Dusk or False Dawn

~6 min
Astronomical News

Don’t miss a rare chance to see the mysterious zodiacal light stretching from the horizon after dusk or before dawn. Explore it now with our article!

What Are Comets

Comets: All You Need to Know

Infographics

All-round guide about comets: definition, special features, and a couple of tips for aspiring observers.

What Are Comets

What Is a Comet? All About The Cosmic “Dirty Snowballs”

~11 min
Astronomical News

Hairy stars, dirty snowballs, cosmic time capsules – that’s all about comets. Let’s dive into the science and history of comets, uncovering their role in the universe and their impact on us.

Autumn equinox

Autumnal Equinox: When Is the First Day of Fall 2024?

~7 min
Astronomical News

In 2024, the last day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere is September 22! On that day, the autumnal equinox will occur, marking the beginning of fall. Here is all you need to know.

Planetary Alignment in space

Planetary Alignment: What Is It? When Is the Next Planetary Alignment?

~11 min
Astronomical News

What is a planetary alignment, and when is the next one? Find out how to see planets line up in the sky.

Lunar eclipse

Lunar Eclipses: Types, Images & How Often Does a Lunar Eclipse Happen?

~7 min
Astronomical News

What causes lunar eclipses? How often do they happen? When is the next one? Get answers to these and other questions from our article.