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.

Jupiter Opposition 2023

Planetary Opposition 2024: Jupiter, Saturn, and Other Planets At Their Brightest

~6 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.

Planetary Alignment in space

Planetary Alignment 2024: What Is It? When Is the Next Planetary Alignment?

~11 min
Astronomical News

Six planets will line up in the sky on June 3, 2024! Discover how to see them all and get a glimpse into the science behind planetary alignments.

Earth Day Quiz

Earth Quiz: Explore Our Special Planet 🌍

Quizzes

From the magnetic field to the ozone layer, discover what makes our home planet truly extraordinary. Let's find out why the Earth is such a special place and compare it with other Solar System planets!

Space Exploration: Facts and Myths

Space Exploration: Facts and Myths 🚀

Quizzes

Is it true that tears fly upward in space, and astronauts grow taller? See if you can tell fact from fiction in this quiz! Test your knowledge and discover fascinating facts about humanity's adventures beyond the Earth!

Lunar eclipse

Lunar Eclipses: Types, Images & How Often Does a Lunar Eclipse Happen?

~7 min
Astronomical News

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

7 things about the March equinox

Equinox in Pictures: 7 Things to Know about March Equinox

Infographics

Discover the March Equinox in a nutshell with our handy infographic! We've compiled some fascinating facts about this astronomical event just for you. 🌸🔍

Spring equinox

Spring Equinox 2024: What Exactly Is It?

~7 min
Astronomical News

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!

Kindergarten Astronomy Test

Can You Pass This Kindergarten Astronomy Test?

Quizzes

This quiz is perfect for both parents and their kids. Test your own knowledge with these easy astronomy questions or join forces with your little one and explore the wonders of space together!

Meteor storm

Meteor Storm: What Is It, And When Is The Next Meteor Outburst?

~4 min
Astronomical News

A meteor storm is the rarest and most spectacular meteor event: that’s when a stream fires over 1,000 meteors per hour! Learn when to observe such a show.

Mars in retrograde

Retrograde motion explained: what is retrograde motion in astronomy

~4 min
Astronomical News

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