SETI

For hundreds of years, people have wondered if there is life on other planets. Are humans on Earth alone in the universe, or could there be others out in space?   Until recently, humans could only speculate about the existence of life on other planets or in other galaxies. Today, however, technological advances are allowing us to actively search for signs of extra-terrestrial life.   The search... Read more >

Amateur Astronomy

Amateur astronomers are those who don’t have any formal astronomy training, who practice astronomy as a hobby and who don’t rely on their astronomy practices for income. Observing, photographing and generally enjoying the stars, planets and other heavenly bodies are all part of practicing amateur astronomy as a hobby. Whether you want to make use of a new telescope or you are simply fascinated with the night... Read more >

Astronomy Associations

Amateur astronomy associations and publications exist all over the world and serve as ways for amateur astronomers to share their interests and findings with others. Local, state and even national organizations for amateur astronomy have popped up over the years.   These organizations have gatherings, conventions, Web sites and more that bring together amateur astronomers from different areas. Many amateur... Read more >

Famous Astronomers

Throughout the centuries, a number of famous astronomers have made great contributions to the science of astronomy. Without the efforts of such great astronomers as Ptolemy, Galileo and Isaac Newton, we would not know nearly as much about the planets and stars as we do today.     Today, people often take for granted the amount of information scientists have gathered about our planet, the solar... Read more >

How Telescopes Work

While many people understand that telescopes are viewing devices that magnify faraway objects, fewer of us are aware of how exactly telescopes enhance our vision. Our eyes alone are unable to see faraway objects due to the fact that these objects don’t take up enough space on the retina of your eye. A telescope essentially uses lenses, mirrors or a combination of both to collect more light from a distant object... Read more >

Affordable Telescopes

Whether you are looking to buy your first telescope or want to upgrade your current one, the variety of choices on the market can complicate your decision. As you are looking for an affordable telescope to enhance your practice of astronomy, first decide how much you want to spend, how you’ll be using the telescope and what you’ll be viewing. Cheap Telescopes: A Warning Although you can get some wonderful... Read more >

Isaac Newton

A year after the death of Galileo, an infant came into the world who was christened Isaac Newton. Even the great fame of Galileo himself must be relegated to a second place in comparison with that of the philosopher who first expounded the true theory of the universe.   Isaac Newton Biography: The Early Years Isaac Newton was born on Dec. 25, 1642, in England. His father, Mr. Isaac Newton, had died a few... Read more >

Halley

Famous Astronomers: The Life of Edmund Halley Isaac Newton was just 14 when Edmund Halley, who was destined in after years to become Newton's dear friend and one of his most illustrious scientific contemporaries, was born. Halley's fame, great as it certainly was, would have been even greater still had it not been somewhat impaired by the misfortune that he had to shine in the same sky as the unparalleled... Read more >