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.
Supermoon 2026: Why Is The Moon So Big Tonight?
Supermoon – is it worth the hype? 🌕 Find out if the big Moon in the sky is a Supermoon and how extraordinary this event is.
Winter Solstice 2026: The Shortest Day of the Year
The next winter solstice is coming on June 21, 2026, in the Southern Hemisphere — learn the science and culture behind the shortest day of the year.
What Is a Solstice? Dates for the Next Solstices
The next solstice takes place on June 21, 2026. Discover what solstices are and why they mark the shortest and longest days of the year.
Summer Solstice 2026: The First Day of Summer and the Longest Day
The summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere occurs on June 21, 2026. Discover the science behind the longest day of the year.
Retrograde Motion Explained: What Is Retrograde Motion in Astronomy
Discover the science of retrograde planets! Understand the mechanics of retrograde motion, its causes, and its significance in the study of astronomy and planetary behavior.
Planetary Oppositions 2025-2026: Next Up Is Jupiter!
The best time to view most planets is at the astronomical opposition. Find out what it means and when to see the upcoming oppositions.
Lunar Eclipses: Types, Images & How Often Does a Lunar Eclipse 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.
What Is Elongation in Astronomy: Mercury & Venus Greatest Elongation 2025-2026 Dates
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!
Evolution of Astronomical Catalogs: From Ancient Lists to Billion-Star Databases
What do M, NGC, or HD mean in space objects’ names? Discover the story behind astronomical catalogs and learn how to use them to explore the sky.
Magnitude in Astronomy: How is Brightness in Astronomy Measured
How much brighter is the Moon than Venus? How bright do galaxies really appear to us? Are we still using a magnitude scale that was invented almost 1800 years ago? Let's talk about magnitudes!