Articles
Guides to galaxies, nebulae, telescopes, and the night sky — for curious minds everywhere.
Stellarium: The Free Planetarium Software Every Stargazer Needs
Stellarium is the most powerful free planetarium software available — a realistic sky simulator that helps you plan observations, identify objects, and learn the sky. Here's how to set it up and get the most from it.
Team Visit Astronomy · Oct 6, 2026
Full Moon Calendar 2026: Names, Dates, and Folklore
Every full Moon in 2026 at a glance — dates, traditional names, and the stories behind them. Plus tips for observing and photographing the full Moon.
Team Visit Astronomy · Oct 3, 2026
Star Trail Photography: How to Capture Circles in the Sky
Star trail images turn the Earth's rotation into art — long arcs of light sweeping across your frame. Here's how to plan, shoot, and stack star trail photographs with any camera.
Team Visit Astronomy · Sep 22, 2026
Finding Dark Skies Near You: A Practical Guide to Light Pollution Maps
Light pollution steals the night sky from billions of people. But dark skies are closer than you think. Here's how to use light pollution maps to find the best stargazing spots near you.
Team Visit Astronomy · Sep 15, 2026
Star Clusters Explained: Open vs Globular
Open clusters and globular clusters are both collections of stars, but they differ in almost every way. Here's how to tell them apart and why both are essential observing targets.
Team Visit Astronomy · Sep 8, 2026
How to Polar Align Your Telescope in Under 10 Minutes
Polar alignment is the single most important step for accurate tracking and astrophotography. This step-by-step guide covers rough alignment, drift alignment, and electronic methods.
Team Visit Astronomy · Sep 5, 2026
Astronomy on a Budget: Best Gear Under $200
You don't need expensive equipment to enjoy the night sky. Here are the best astronomy tools and accessories you can get for under $200.
Team Visit Astronomy · Aug 25, 2026
Comet Observing: How to Find and Photograph Comets
Comets are among the most exciting and unpredictable visitors to our sky. Here's how to find them, track them, and capture their beauty with a camera.
Team Visit Astronomy · Aug 22, 2026
Taurus Constellation: Aldebaran, Pleiades, and the Crab
Taurus is one of the richest constellations in the night sky, home to Aldebaran, the Pleiades, the Hyades, and the Crab Nebula. Here's everything you need to find and explore it.
Team Visit Astronomy · Aug 20, 2026
Autumn Night Sky Guide: What to See September to November
Autumn brings longer nights, cooler air, and some of the year's best deep-sky targets. Here's your complete guide to what's visible from September through November.
Team Visit Astronomy · Aug 18, 2026