Astronomy Near and Far

Windows to the Universe

Windows to the Universe, from the University of Michigan, just seems to grow more and more incredible each month. Astronomy is a hook to interdisciplinary resources in the humanities. The summer edition of Science Scope, NSTA publication, is devoted to astronomy and the arts.

Solar Center at Stanford

The Solar Center explains sunrise-sunset, folklore and art about the sun around the world, magnetic fields and simulations of the sun's interior where no instruments can go. Its section about folklore tells sun stories all over the world. Activities, a scavenger hunt and Q&A space for expert scientists to respond to student queries can also be found at this excellent site.

The American Meteor Society

The American Meteor Society has an excellent site about meteors and includes a calendar of upcoming meteor showers--capture your students' dreams via just the naked eye.

Your Weight on Other Worlds

Ever wonder what you might weigh on Mars or The Moon? The Exploratorium has provided a chance to find out. Fill in your weight and see what you'd weigh on different planets and moons, and even on a white dwarf star (heat shield not included).

Astronomy With A Stick

What about astronomy during daylight hours when most students, of course, are in school? See Astronomy With A Stick.

Shallowsky

For a special view of Jupiter and its moons look at Shallowsky.

Earthsky Earthcare

EarthSky Earthcare's topics and resources are divided between today and tonight. Its main dissemination source is the radio.

Archaeoastronomy

Since speculation about Stonehenge, a new interdisciplinary exploration has emerged, archaeoastronomy. It is the blending of understanding ancient civilizations and the constellations.

Fascinating...

Once in a Blue Moon

To help students understand rare events go to Once in a Blue Moon.

Starry Night

The Starry Night software shows what the local sky will look like at 8pm on a given evening as well as patterns of movement of the constellations.

NASA Planetary Defense

Looking for a real-world example of why this is important? Check out NASA's Planetary Defense page.

NASA is looking at the capabilities needed to detect the possibility and warn of potential asteroid or comet impacts with Earth, and how to prevent an impact or mitigate their possible effects. Topics include finding and tracking near-Earth objects, and testing measures to deflect or disrupt an object on an impact course with Earth.