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.

Planetary Alignment in space

7 Planets Align on February 28, 2025: How to See the “Great Planet Parade”

~11 min
Astronomical News

The Great Planetary Alignment is coming! 7 planets will be visible around February 28. It won’t happen again this decade, so don't miss it! Find out how to see the planets lining up in the sky.

Autumn equinox

Fall Equinox 2025: When Is the First Day of Fall?

~6 min
Astronomical News

In 2025, the autumnal equinox falls on March 20 or September 22, depending on your hemisphere. Learn what makes this day special!

Retrograde motion explained: what is retrograde motion in astronomy

~4 min
Astronomical News

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.

Spring equinox

Vernal Equinox 2025: What Day Is Spring in 2025?

~7 min
Astronomical News

When does spring begin? 🌸 Why aren’t day and night truly equal on the vernal equinox? And why doesn’t it always fall on the same date? 🌍 Find out here!

Planetary Opposition

Planetary Opposition 2025: Best Time to See Planets

~8 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.

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.

Elongation

What Is Elongation in Astronomy: Find the Best Time to Observe Planets

~6 min
Astronomical News

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!

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.