Exploding Stars
When a star like the Sun dies, it casts its outer layers into space, leaving its hot, dense core to […]
Colorful Dwarfs
The words astronomers use to describe stars evoke the fairy tales of childhood: white dwarfs, red giants, red dwarfs, and
Star Color and Energy
A star’s color provides a direct measurement of its surface temperature; the hottest stars shine blue-white, while the coolest are
Cosmic Beacons
One of the great mysteries of the ancient world was the nature of the stars. As people watched these twinkling
Meteorites
Physicist Jean-Baptiste Biot investigated the L’Aigle events. He found that people in other villages had seen a bright fireball in
Equipment Tips
Do I need binoculars or a telescope for stargazing? Beyond your own two eyes, the next best piece of equipment
Pick a Good Viewing Spot
Find a state park or other safe, accessible spot. And try a night without moonlight, so you can see meteors
What to Look For
What you see in the night sky depends on your location, the season, and the time. Planets orbit the Sun,
Publicly Accessible Telescope Viewing
For an interactive map of public telescopes, visit http://telescopes.stardate.org/guide/public.php. Alabama FlorenceUniversity of North Alabama Telescope Viewing256-765-4284 Shows offered Tuesday and
Become a Stargazer
Stargazing often intimidates beginners because the sky itself is so complex. Consider the following: The night sky is divided into