StarDate Online | Frequently Asked Questions


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Frequently Asked Questions


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	General Information about StarDate and astronomy

Earth, Moon, and the Sun
• What is the difference between a solstice and an equinox?
• How was the size of Earth first measured?
• How fast is Earth moving through space?
• What causes the Northern and Southern Lights?
• Why does the Moon look bigger at the horizon?
• Can solar flares and sunspots affect Earth?
• What causes tides?
• What causes the bright halo that sometimes surrounds the Moon?

The Solar System
• How big is the solar system?
• Is there a tenth planet in our solar system?

Space Probes and Human Exploration
• Are there shortcuts through space?
• Why can't we see stars in the pictures of spacewalking or moonwalking astronauts?

Stars and Nebulae
• What is the nearest star?
• How do stars get their names?
• Why do stars twinkle?

Astronomers and Observatories
• What is the largest telescope?
• Who invented the telescope?
• Why are many observatories located on mountaintops?
• How do astronomers measure distances to stars and galaxies?
• Who built the first observatory?
• Who made the first map of the universe?
• Are any observatories open to the public?
• What do astronomers do at an observatory?
• How do astronomers report their discoveries?
• How do modern telescopes work?
• Is Hubble Space Telescope the only telescope in space?
• How do astronomers use space-based telescopes?

Galaxies and Cosmology
• How many stars are in the Milky Way?
• How big is our galaxy?
• How many galaxies are there in the universe?
• What do scientists mean when they say space is curved?

Stargazing and Star Lore
• How often do all the planets line up?
• Why aren't stars visible in the daytime?
• How do I report seeing unusual objects in the sky?

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