Are there shortcuts through space?
According to Albert Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity, it is feasible in areas of intensely strong gravity to create “wormholes” […]
Who built the first observatory?
Observatories, like so much of astronomy, are truly ancient features of human culture; retracing the steps of the first person
Who made the first map of the universe?
Maps of the stars are nearly as ancient as human culture itself; inscriptions describing the positions of stars and constellations
Are any observatories open to the public?
Many observatories around the world are at least partially accessible to the public, with some, such as McDonald Observatory in
What do astronomers do at an observatory?
Before using a research telescope, an astronomer submits a proposal detailing project goals and equipment needs for approval by a
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
How often do all the planets line up?
Alignments of the fast-moving inner planets can occur as regularly as every few months or so, while groupings of the
How was the size of Earth first measured?
Earth’s circumference was first accurately measured more than 2,000 years ago by the Greek astronomer Eratosthenes, who at the time