The branch of physics that studies celestial bodies and the universe as a whole. Astronomy includes observations and theories about the solar system, the stars, the galaxies, and the general structure of space. Astronomy also includes cosmology.
Recommended Resources
General facts as well as basic statistical information about the planets and moons, constellations, stars, galaxies, and Messier objects. Includes information, images, a star map, links to sites with astronomy images, and a searchable archive of answers to astronomy questions.
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/
Astronomical Applications Department of the US Naval Observatory
The official website of the Astronomical Applications Department of the US Naval Observatory is a scientific website that has data on the stars and outer space. Most of the website's services will only be of interest to researchers. The website also has Sun and Moon rising and setting times.
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/
A site for beginners in astronomy. Contains introductory material on the structure of the Solar system, the planets and their moons. There is a dictionary containing brief articles and a free online course for different age groups (kids aged 6-11 and older students, aged 12-18).
http://www.kidsastronomy.com/
The Astronomy Café is a website that explains the science of astronomy for non-experts. You can also submit your questions to the site and get answers. The website is a creation of Dr. Sten Odenwald, an astronomer who works at NASA, America's noted space agency.
http://www.astronomycafe.net
Astronomy Resources from Space Telescope Science Institute
The STSCI resource provides information about the Institute, the Hubble Space Telescope, James Webb Space Telescope, includes data archives, news, resources, and community missions. Learn about science initiatives, sky catalogs and surveys, special programs, education, publications, Hubble images, and astronomy software. An outreach section has image galleries and explanations of the science.
http://www.stsci.edu/resources/
The Astronomy Today website has articles on planets and other astronomical matters. You can also find out where to find stars in the night sky. The forum section is a great place to ask questions about observing Jupiter, Venus and various aspects of space exploration as well. Several portions of the website are currently offline.
http://www.astronomytoday.com
Digital Lunar Orbiter Photographic Atlas of the Moon
A digital edition of David E. Bowker and J. Kenrick Hughes' 1971 book, Lunar Orbiter Photographic Atlas of the Moon. Includes over 600 photographs of the moon, searchable by name and coordinate range, and browsable by descending latitude and longitude. From the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI).
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/resources/lunar_orbiter/
The California and Carnegie Planet Search is an astronomy website dedicated to finding planets. The site has a catalog of nearby exoplanets, a key compilation of astronomical research. You can also find out about the scientists who participate in the project. There is also an explanation for how the group does its research.
http://www.exoplanets.org
NASA facility to advance aviation and space exploration. Specializes in spaceflight systems, propulsion, power, communications, microgravity science and human research. Includes information about projects and test facilities. Located on the shore of Lake Erie.
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/home/l
Goddard Institute for Space Studies
GISS is a NASA laboratory of the Earth Sciences Division of the Goddard Space Flight Center and a unit of the Columbia University Earth Institute. Research at GISS emphasizes a broad study of global climate change, including research descriptions and results, data and images, a publications database, and online datasets.
http://www.giss.nasa.gov/
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
An academic center that advances knowledge of the Universe through the study of astrophysics. The main sections of the site cover the solar system, stars and planets, galaxies, and cosmology. A suite of educational resources help bring astrophysics into the classroom.
http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/
The Hayden Planetarium brings the science of astronomy to people through lectures, light shows and other events. Based at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the planetarium also provides astrophysics movies that explain different aspects of how stars and the universe works.
http://www.haydenplanetarium.org
Provides the latest information about the universe. Includes a gallery of Hubble images, scientific discovery index, information about the telescope, astronomy section, education and museum directory, reference desk and updates on Webb Space telescope.
http://www.hubblesite.org
International Astronomical Union (IAU)
Scientific and educational activities that are organized by 12 Scientific Divisions and 40 specialized Commissions covering the full spectrum of astronomy. Includes information about scientific bodies, education, publications, news and FAQs.
http://www.iau.org/
This is the NASA facility that has launched all US human space flight missions. Includes mission information, news, multimedia presentations, events, education, shuttle operations, and information about launching rockets and station payloads. Located on Florida's east coast.
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/home/
Official site of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Information about NASA, mission schedules, the latest news, image galleries, and NASA for kids. Includes sections regarding life on earth, humans in space, exploring the universe, multimedia features including podcasts, and information about the NASA site network, strategic enterprises, and NASA field centers.
http://www.nasa.gov/
Provides statistics and information relating to NEOs, near-earth objects such as comets and asteroids that have entered the earth's neighborhood. Site links to fascinating information pertaining to the solar system, earth, stars and galaxies, science and technology.
http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/
Archives and distributes scientific data from NASA planetary missions, astronomical observations, and laboratory measurements. Ensures the long-term usability of NASA data and stimulates advanced research.
http://pds.jpl.nasa.gov/
A membership-supported, nonprofit educational and scientific organization, devoted to privatizing the electromagnetic search for extra-terrestrial intelligence.
http://www.setileague.org/
Contains articles, observation tips, equipment advice and thorough news reporting on astronomy. Includes stargazing how-to, an event calendar, sly maps, astronomy photos, and other astronomy-related resources.
http://www.skyandtelescope.com
This site offers a free monthly map of the sky for the southern and northern hemispheres in print-friendly formats. Stars, planets, and major constellations are clearly labeled; each map includes lists of items easily seen with the naked eye, with binoculars, or with a telescope, as well as a sky calendar, tips for observing the night sky, and an astronomical glossary.
http://www.skymaps.com/
The South Pole Telescope website informs the public about the state of this important astronomical project. The site has an explanation of the instrumentation used in the telescope to study the heavens. The site also provides a "For the public" section to help non-experts understand the project.
http://pole.uchicago.edu/
Topics covered include space technology, the space station, space news, policy, history, amateur astronomy, research, SETI, Hubble and more.
http://www.spacebanter.com
Space Future is for everyone who would like to visit space. Features include the archive of space tourism work, information on vehicles, tourism and power plus mailing lists and the Space Future Journal.
http://www.spacefuture.com
Provides information on everything space - satellites, stars, astronomy, the Sun, planets, NASA and more.
http://www.space.com/
Provides news and information about the Sun-Earth environment. Includes aurora alerts, photo gallery, solar telescopes, night-sky cameras, meteor shower and solar flares alerts, and an Earth-asteroid encounters chart.
http://www.spaceweather.com
The Spitzer Space Telescope is a scientific project to expand humanity's knowledge of space. The website has an explanation of the telescope's capabilities. There is also a dedicated section of the website for astronomers looking to use the telescope or its data to advance their research.
http://www.spitzer.caltech.edu/
Astronomy information resource brought by the University of Texas McDonald Observatory. Includes stargazing tips and guides, the latest astronomy news, and a photo gallery.
http://www.stardate.org
This is NASA's primary center for Rocket Propulsion Testing and home to NASA's Applied Science Directorate. It is a multi-agency center with more than 30 resident agencies. Includes news, multimedia presentations, mission information, and education.
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/stennis/home/
Provides a multimedia tour of the solar system. Includes in-depth information of the planets, moons and other objects in our solar system complete with photos and other multimedia content.
http://www.nineplanets.org
NASA's premier site for suborbital and small orbital flight projects, Earth Science research, technology development, and home to NASA's only owned and operated launch range. Located on Virginia's Eastern Shore.
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/home/
The NASA White Sands Test Facility is a preeminent resource for safely testing and evaluating potentially hazardous materials, space flight components, and rocket propulsion systems. These services are available to NASA, DOD, federal agencies, universities, and commercial industry.
http://www.wstf.nasa.gov/
