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.

Alignment Of Planets 2023: What Is It? When Will The Planets Align?

Alignment Of Planets 2023: What Is It? When Will The Planets Align?

~7 min

What is a planet alignment, and when to see the next one? Check out this article to ensure you do not miss the moment when the planets line up in the sky.

Astronomical News
Spring equinox

Spring Equinox 2023: What Exactly Is It?

~7 min

When does spring begin? Why are day and night not really equal at the vernal equinox? And why isn't the spring equinox always the March equinox? Find out here!

Astronomical News
Zodiacal light in March 2023

Zodiacal Light – False Dusk or False Dawn

~4 min

What is that mysterious light stretching from the horizon after dusk or before dawn? Explore it with our article – it may be the rare and beautiful zodiacal light!

Astronomical News
Equinox Infographic Preview

Equinoxes Explained

Discover the science behind the cosmic events of the equinoxes with an engaging infographic! Learn about the changing of seasons and the balance between day and night.

Infographics
Winter Solstice 2022

Solstice: When is it, and what causes it?

~9 min

The June 2023 solstice takes place on June 21. What happens on the solstice? Here’s what you need to know.

Astronomical News
Mars in retrograde

What is a retrograde in astronomy? Retrograde meaning in simple words

~3 min

Figure out how retrograde motion works and learn if you should dread Mercury retrograde.

Astronomical News
Equinoxes & solstices quiz intro#2

Can you tell an equinox from a solstice?

The two equinoxes and two solstices mark the beginning of astronomical seasons. But what is the difference between an equinox and a solstice? And what's the reason the Earth has seasons at all? Take this quiz to get answers to these questions and learn fun facts about equinoxes and solstices.

Quizzes
Sun on Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice 2022: When Is the Shortest Day of the Year

~7 min

Winter solstice 2022 is coming on December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere — learn the science and culture behind the shortest day of the year.

Astronomical News
Mars Opposition 2022

The Best Time to View Planets: What Is Opposition in Astronomy?

~6 min

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

Astronomical News
Lunar eclipse

How Does a Lunar Eclipse Work: How Often Are Lunar Eclipses?

~6 min

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

Astronomical News