The Universe
To begin learning about the universe, you just need to look up at the night sky. That's how astronomy began. Sure, at NASA we have school-bus-sized instruments hundreds of miles above the Earth. But they are simply better tools to do what you can see with just your eyes.
How much you can see depends on where you are. In the city or suburbs at night, the street lights around you flood the night sky with light which overwhelm most stars. But you can still see the moon, a few bright stars, and some nearby planets.
If you get away from the city lights, you'll be stunned by the millions of bright pin points of light you will see. You can use constellations to find your way around the sky – here's a way to make yourself a constellation finder. Using binoculars or a telescope, you can see that some of these bright lights are not just stars: others are planets, and still others are entirely separate galaxies.
A great way to get started learning about the universe is to join an astronomy club. You can find a list at the Night Sky Network. Astronomy clubs have star parties where experienced observers will give you a chance to look through their telescopes.
Want to know the best part about astronomy? You have a great excuse to stay up past bedtime! During the daytime, you can visit the games and activities listed below to explore the cosmic circus.
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Amazing Space For everything you ever wanted to know about the universe. |
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Amazing Space Homework resources Do you have a question about the cosmos? Check out Amazing Space for help. |
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Cool Cosmos A multi-wavelength look at the universe (lessons, games, videos). |
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Explore the Universe in 3D The New Worlds Atlas is a continuously updated database of all planets that have been discovered around stars other than the Sun. Begin exploring our extrasolar neighborhood in 3D. |
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Hubble Telescopes Fun & Games Find out where the Hubble telescope is now, build your own hand held Hubble, and play games. |
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Imagine the Universe Learn all about the universe and even ask an astrophysicist a question. |
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Photo journal of the Universe View over a 100 images from the universe and download your favorite. |
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Sky Spy Safari See the universe through the eyes of NASA's Great Observatories. |
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Space Place Games, activities and movies and Earth, space and the universe. |
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Star Child Where younger children can learn about the universe. |
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Star Light, Star Bright For a beginners look at light, waves, and stars. |
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The truth about black holes Learn more about black holes. |
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X-Ray Sky Map Visit the many known galaxies in stars and other wonders of the universe using an x-ray sky map. |