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.
Zodiacal Light (False Dawn/False Dusk): Definition + Best Time and Where to Look
Don’t miss a chance to see the mysterious zodiacal light stretching from the horizon after dusk or before dawn. Explore it now with our article!
What Is Retrograde Motion? Which Planets Are Retrograde Right Now (March 2026)
Learn what retrograde means, see which planets are retrograde right now, and get an easy way to observe retrograde loops.
What Is an Equinox: Definition & Next Equinox Dates 2026
Get to know equinoxes! Find out when the next equinox will be in 2026, why day and night are nearly equal at an equinox, and how it marks the change of seasons.
First Day of Spring 2026: Spring (Vernal) Equinox Date & Exact Time
When does spring begin in 2026? 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!
Can You Tell an Equinox From a Solstice?
Only 10% of people can get the top score in this tricky quiz about equinoxes and solstices!🌝🌏 Test your knowledge and try to join the elite few!
Equinox in Pictures: Astronomical Spring and Autumn Explained
Discover the science behind the equinoxes with this infographic! Learn about the changing of seasons and the balance between day and night.
March Equinox Explained: 7 Facts in Pictures
Discover the March Equinox in a nutshell with our handy infographic! We've compiled some fascinating facts about this astronomical event just for you. 🌸🔍
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.
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.
Autumn Equinox 2026: When Is the First Day of Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere?
When does autumn start in 2026? In the Southern Hemisphere, it begins on March 20 at 14:46 GMT/UTC. See exact times for Australia, New Zealand, South America, and more.