Astronomy & Space

Astronomy & Space Feature Writer: Kelly Whitt

What do you want to see tonight? Find the planets, meteor showers, moon phases, globular clusters, galaxies and more.

Learn about the latest discoveries in astronomical research, read breaking space news, or revisit the basics of solar system science. Get information on any of the planets or constellations. Discover the best stargazing targets for binoculars. Or e-mail me and let me know what you'd like to learn more about.

Latest articles in Astronomy & Space

 		The Pleiades, an Open Star Cluster in Taurus the Bull
The Pleiades, aka Seven Sisters, played a role in the discovery of interstellar gas. The Japanese car Subaru derives its name and logo from these stars.
The Leonid Meteor Shower has Yielded Spectacular Shows
Ever since the meteor storm of 1833 the world has waited for another spectacular event. The potential is there for a repeat, but only time will tell.
The Small Moons of Saturn
While Titan is the second largest moon in the Solar System, it is easy to forget that Saturn is also surrounded by a group of small, lesser known moons.
Mercury - The Closest Planet to the Sun
As the smallest and closest planet to the Sun, Mercury has been a difficult planet to observe and study.
The Galilean Moons - Europa, Ganymede and Callisto
From the apparent smoothness of Europa to the heavily cratered surface on Callisto, the remaining Galilean moons differ greatly in their physical appearance
Astronomers Discover That Asteroids With Moons are Common
Most planets have at least one moon. Now astronomers are discovering moons in orbit around asteroids. Dozens more moons are orbiting deep space objects.
Habitable Planet Found Outside the Solar System
A planet called Gliese 581G, which is located 20 light years away from the Earth's solar system, has the right conditions to support life, say astronomers.
The Galilean Moon, Io
Io is one of four Galilean moons orbiting Jupiter. It is also the most active body in the solar system due to constant volcanic eruptions on its surface.
The Moons of Uranus
Uranus's moons are made primarily of ice and rock. Although many appear to be captured asteroids, there are a few with surface features that set them apart.
Astronomers Find First Habitable Planet Outside Our Solar System
A team of astronomers have discovered a planet 20 light years from Earth orbiting its sun at just the right distance to have liquid water and possibly life.
The Distances of Objects in the Universe
Journey outward from Earth to find how far away celestial objects are in our solar system and in deep space.
The International Space Station
A global 17 year partnership is still operating in the heavens, in the form of the International Space Station.
Green Laser Pointers for Astronomy: Safe Use Is Key To Safety
Green laser pointers are useful tools astronomers use to illustrate locations of night sky objects. Good safety practices are required.
Star Parties are Great Times for All, Don't Pass Them Up
Star parties let amateur astronomers share the night sky and its wonders with the general public. There are rewards and benefits for the astronomers, too.
Meteorological Phenomena on Jupiter
Jupiter's atmosphere is a dynamic feature characterized by intriguing meteorological phenomena occurring across the northern and southern hemispheres.
People of the Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope is known for its beautiful images of our universe and the knowledge gained from them. It is an accomplishment of many people.
Fencing and the Space Program
The sport of fencing and astronaut spacesuits have a lot in common both technologically and professionally.
The Night Sky Observing Guide for October 2010
A comet gains naked-eye visibility, planets illuminate the evening, and the Hunter's Moon shines bright.
What is it Like to Travel in Space on a Light Beam?
Einstein asked what it would be like to travel on a light beam and described this out of world experience in gripping detail.
An American Future in Space – Without Mars
With plans for an American manned mission to Mars postponed, many space development advocates call for a return to the Moon.
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