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.

What you need first

Buying a telescope - more information.

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

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

Sky Calendar– subscribe to this observing guide.

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

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

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.

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

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.

All About Light Pollution – an article by Chris Johnson..

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

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

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

Clear Sky Forecast– observing conditions for mid-Michigan.

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.

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