How do modern telescopes work?
Telescopes gather light in one of two ways. Reflecting telescopes focus light with a series of mirrors, while refracting telescopes […]
Is Hubble Space Telescope the only telescope in space?
While Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is certainly the most famous observatory in space, it is by no means the only
Is Hubble Space Telescope the only telescope in space? Read More »
How do astronomers use space-based telescopes?
Procedures for operating satellite telescopes are somewhat different from traditional ground-based telescope observing runs. Telescopes orbiting in space are operated
What causes the Northern and Southern Lights?
The famous Northern and Southern Lights — Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis for those Latin lovers among us — are
What is the nearest star?
Of course, the nearest star to Earth is the one we see every day — our dear old Sun. At
How many stars are in the Milky Way?
Most estimates place the number of stars in our galaxy at between 100 billion and 500 billion.
Who invented the telescope?
The true inventor of the first telescope is somewhat difficult to nail down. However, the first person to apply for
What causes tides?
For the most part, the rise and fall of the tides is caused by the gravitational influence of the Moon.
How big is the solar system?
The farthest known object orbiting our Sun is a ball of ice and rock unofficially called FarFarOut, which lies about
Is there a tenth planet in our solar system?
No. On August 23, 2006, the International Astronomical Union decided that the solar system contains only eight planets. Pluto, which