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.
Key Differences Between a Star and a Planet: Star VS Planet
Learn the key differences between stars and planets and 6 easy ways to tell stars from planets in the sky.
Mercury & Venus Greatest Elongations in 2026: Best Morning and Evening Views
What is elongation, and what does it have to do with the planets’ visibility in the sky? Get familiar with the concept of elongation and learn how to choose the perfect time to observe the planets!
Lunar Eclipses Guide: What Does a Lunar Eclipse Look Like, and How Often Does It Happen?
What causes lunar eclipses? How often do they happen? When is the next one? Get answers to these and other questions from our article.
Planetary Oppositions 2026: Next Up Is Neptune
The best time to view most planets is at the astronomical opposition. Find out what it means and when to see the upcoming oppositions.
What Is Retrograde Motion? Which Planets Are Retrograde Right Now (July 2026)
Learn what retrograde means, see which planets are retrograde right now, and get an easy way to observe retrograde loops.
20 Questions About Solar and Lunar Eclipses: True or False?
Answer 20 true-or-false questions about solar and lunar eclipses. Check the answers and discover surprising facts about these celestial events.
Planetary Alignment 2026: Planet Parade Dates & Meaning
See when the next planetary alignment happens in 2026, which planets will align, and get the full 2026–2027 planet parade dates.
Comets: All You Need to Know
All-round guide about comets: definition, special features, and a couple of tips for aspiring observers.
What Is a Comet? All About The Cosmic “Dirty Snowballs”
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.
Retrograde Motion in Pictures: The Truth About Retrograde Planets
Retrograde motion explained simply: see why Mercury and other planets appear to move backward and how to track this motion in your sky.