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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Circumpolar Constellations: Visible All The Year Round
Discover the magic of the circumpolar constellations, from ancient myths to modern-day stargazing.
Understanding Twilight: Dusk & Dawn, Magic Hours
If you don’t know the difference between twilight and dusk/dawn, read this article! This ultimate guide explains twilight and the terms related to it.
Explore the Oort Cloud, Home of Long-Period Comets
The Oort cloud is a vast and enigmatic region of space located at the outermost edges of our Solar System. It’s home to long-period comets and trillions of icy objects. Unlock the mysteries of the Oort cloud with this article!
Comets: All You Need to Know
All-round guide about comets: definition, special features, and a couple of tips for aspiring observers.