Realm of the Giants
The solar system’s outer realm contains four giant planets. The largest is Jupiter, at about 11 times Earth’s diameter. Despite […]
Exploring Our Own Back Yard
The structures of the terrestrial planets are similar. Each planet has a layered structure that developed through a process called
What is the biggest moon in the solar system?
That is a tricky question, which astronomers didn’t answer correctly until fairly recently. For a while, they thought the biggest
Gemini, the Twins
Many cultures have seen two humans in this star pattern, which consists of two roughly parallel lines of stars capped
Taurus, the Bull
Aldebaran outshines all the other stars that outline the bull’s face. But Aldebaran isn’t a member of the Hyades cluster
Sagittarius, the Archer
The constellation originated in Sumeria, then was picked up by the Greeks. But they appear to have missed something in
Ursa Major, the Great Bear
Of all the star patterns in the sky, the Big Dipper is the most universally recognized. The dipper’s seven bright
Finding Earth-Like Planets
How do astronomers find planets outside our solar system? The most successful search method used to date is called the
Exoplanets
Are we alone in the universe? This question has captured the imaginations of scientists, theologians, and philosophers for millennia. And
Equipment Tips
Do I need binoculars or a telescope for stargazing? Beyond your own two eyes, the next best piece of equipment