Exploring the Sky

Follow the links below to help you continue to explore the sky!

Please enable JAVA^TM to use the Mini-AstroViewer night sky map.

STARWATCH May 2012 (PDF) – our monthly sky map

STARWATCH June 2012 (PDF) - our monthly sky map

Advanced Starchart – a highly detailed sky map with lists of celestial objects to observe.

Planet Finder – view current moon and planet locations (requires Java).

Uncle Al's Star Wheel – make your own star and constellation finder.

Birthday Stars – see "your" star as it was when you were born.

Sky Calendar – subscribe to one of the best observing guides available.

Buying a telescope - more information.

Get Involved in Astronomy

What's Up in the Sky? – Sky & Telescope's excellent resource.

Astronomy-a-Go-Go - a talking tour of the night sky

The Constellations & Their Stars – constellations, star charts, legends, and all.

Moon Phases & Maps – plus quizzes to test your knowledge.

Earth & Moon Viewer – light and shadow on our "double planet" system.

Your Sky – interactive planetarium and virtual telescope.

Sky View Virtual Observatory – request views of the sky in various wavelengths.

Solar System Live – see where the planets are right now.

NOAA Space Weather – see how strong the solar wind is today.

Cosmic Distance Scale – zoom out from Earth to the farthest reaches of space.

Jack Horkheimer, STAR GAZER – tips on observing the sky with the unaided-eye.

StarDate – a daily radio program on astronomy.

Earth & Sky – a daily radio program that includes skywatching information.

International Dark-Sky Association – help preserve our heritage of dark skies.

Meteorite Central – see if that strange rock you found is a meteorite.

Clear Sky Forecast – observing conditions for mid-Michigan.

National Weather Service – see if we will have clear skies tonight.

UM-Weather – for current and long-range weather forecasts.

Atmospheric Effects – Sun Dogs, Pillars, Halos, etc.

Stig's Sky Calendar – glance at an entire month of night-sky objects.

Geo-Astro Applet Collection – detailed solar & lunar data (requires Java).

Satellite Predictions – "Heavens Above" website.

Satellite Predictions – NASA tracking utilities.