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For comprehensive lesson plans on each topic in astronomy click on the image. Some plans, lessons & resources are free!
Astronomy Internet/Media Guide
All of the content on the sites listed below are educational and are free - however some of the websites (space.com for example) have advertisements that help offset their costs. The website URL's are listed accurately and are working properly as of January, 2025 .
Recommended Websites for Astronomy Beginners & Educators.
Did you know that the first detailed photograph of the Moon was taken in 1840? And the Sun in 1845? Cassie found this site https://naplab.com/guides/astrophotography-guide/while working on her Girl Scout Space Science Research badge. "Sleeping Under the Stars: A Beginners Guide to Stargazing & Astrophotography." This site has many interesting links related to amateur astrophotography - including the history, recommended techniques and what equipment to use. Thanks for sharing Cassie & good luck with your future endeavors :)
Ashley enjoyed reading this site's latest information on "Telecommunications Satellites and Space Exploration." It discusses the evolution of satellite communication - starting with the launch of Sputnik, improving with NASA's developments and continuing to evolve with SpaceX's Starlink - has changed the course of space exploration! There's a nice selection of additional reading about technology and space exploration for students of all ages.
www.ooma.com/blog/telecommunications-satellites-and-space-exploration/
Thanks Ashley (and Grandmom!) and to their Middle School "Stemettes" for sharing.
Jeremy was doing some "extra credit research" and found this article www.datascienceprograms.com/learn/the-role-of-data-science-in-astronomy-and-interstellar-exploration
The article gives a nice overview of how data is collected and analyzed in astronomy with the use of space probes and other technology. Thanks for sharing Jeremy (and instructor Ms. Elizabeth Dean)!
Payton M. (and Mom) shared this site astronomy and planetary science guide that she recently found: https://blog.aaastateofplay.com/2022/02/astronomy-resources-for-kids.html
A very comprehensive and up to date resource page for kids that includes virtual tours, fun games & quizzes. Thanks for the share Payton :)
Explore the latest gallery of images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) with this zoomable format courtesy of NASA. Very exciting pictures from the most advanced space telescope ever built. https://webbtelescope.org/
the detail of Webb’s high-resolution images with this zoomable forma
Zane R. found this site called Blast Off! Space And Solar System Resources And Word Games For Kids. (From the website) "If you have little ones, how to help them learn a new language? The answer might just be through some fun games." Appreciate the resource Zane! https://word.tips/space-solar-system-games/
Amelia and Dad from PA found this excellent site for students that explains everything about eclipses. solarpower.guide/students-guide-to-eclipses
The site includes fun facts, games and dates on upcoming eclipses as well as a wealth of information on solar power ("Bob's Page"). Thanks for the addition Amelia :)
Top 25 Public Observatories https://www.publicrecordsreviews.com/education-center/top-25-public-observatories
Top Astronomy NASA Photos Of All Time https://www.thehubpost.com/top-50-astronomy-nasa-photos-of-all-time/
Edelyn Cali has sent in these two recent resource gems (self-explanatory!). Thanks for the contribution Edelyn.
www.homeadviceguide.com/beginners-guide-to-backyard-astronomy/
http://bluewaterastronomy.info/resources/618128YourGuidetotheMoon.pdf
Two up-to-date resources from William T. in Florida. The first link provides an "A-Z" guide for backyard astronomers. Everything a beginning astronomer would need to know with detailed info on Identifying Constellations; Observing the Planets; Star Charts; Observing with Your Eyes; Meteor Showers; Binoculars; Choosing a Telescope and Resources For Educators
The second link leads to a PDF file from a supplementary Astronomy magazine article titled "Your Guide to the Moon" by Robert Burnham. The article has many close-up pictures of the Moon with names of craters (my favorite of course is the Tycho crater which can be seen with the naked eye}. Different craters can best be seen by binoculars or a small telescope during the different phases of the Moon. Excellent info & much appreciated William!
https://www.halloweencostumes.com/constellations-mythology.html
From our future astronomer Alyssa who found this website on the mythology behind the constellations. Gives a brief history on constellations with links to more detailed info on the common constellations like Andromeda, Perseus, Ursa Major & Minor and many more. Also includes great ideas for Halloween themes & costumes for all ages. Perfect for October. Much appreciated Alyssa and always keep looking up!
https://lovethenightsky.com/
Lots of "how-to" guides on many astronomy topics; best telescopes & other equipment reviews, informational posts and mini-courses for the backyard astronomer and more. Awesome resource thanks to Adam of Nottingham, UK (home of Robin Hood :)
https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/home-science-backyard-astronomy/
Recommended by Ava Campbell working on her astronomy badge in the girl scouts.
This beginners page gives easy-to-understand information on the "basics" as in the constellations, famous astronomers, the solar system, space exploration, links to online games/activities and more. Thanks for the website suggestion Ava!
Another good resource - courtesy of beginner astronomer Ben Powell!
www.e-aircraftsupply.com/aircraft_products/file/space-education-for-kids.aspx
"Space Education For Kids." Lots of easy-to-understand information & links to the planets, the Moon, stars & the solar system. Also links to online webquests & games. Web page is designed for elementary students but the activities can appeal to all age groups. Thanks Ben!
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/resources/explorations/
Games, myths and legends about comets. Also has great information about telescopes and amazing facts. Web page is designed for students in grades 9-12.
http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/gr/public/cos_home.html
Cambridge Cosmology public home page. Movies and topics such as relativity. Current research on other topics such as the Big Bang; Galaxies and clusters; Relic radiation; Cosmic Strings and Inflation.
http://www.galaxyzoo.org/
Complete info on galaxies. Detailed information. Stunning & thought-provoking pictures and images. Just about everything you would want to know about galaxies!
www.triviaplaza.com/science-astronomy-quizzes/
“Astronomy Science Quizzes” website that provides the teacher with online assessments in astronomy subjects – starting with the constellations, planets & stars.
http://www.space.com
Space.com provides the latest news augmented by space.com writers.
This comprehensive web site includes interactive lessons and activities.
Always kept up-to-date!
http://stardate.org/nightsky/meteors/
This website discusses current/past meteor showers and provides tips; resources &
keyword searches.
http://astronomycenter.org/
Website for educational resources in beginning astronomy. Resources for college level
introductory astronomy; faculty and high school students as well as a browser
for keyword searches.
http://janus.astro.umd.edu/
Astronomy workshop provides you with what’s new, hot topics and provides classroom instruction for students and teachers.
http://www.nineplanets.org/
Features info on the 8 major planets and provides you with a multimedia tour of the solar
system. It also has keyword contents and a Google search.
http://www.compadre.org/student/
“The Nucleus.” Website designed for physics and astronomy undergrads that has all sorts of research and resource tools for learning; interesting links and discussion forums for chatting with fellow students.
http://www.fourmilab.ch/yoursky/#Skymap
This site is also called the “interactive planetarium of the web.” Provides a sky map that shows the view of the entire sky; horizon views and virtual telescope views.
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/universe/index.html
"Solar System & Beyond." Excellent up-to-date current events in astronomy; current space missions as well as topics relating to everyday events.
*If you have a website or resource that you would like to share please email [email protected]. Thanks!
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There will be plenty of updated links to all kinds of cool astronomy sites! If you are an educator and are interested in comprehensive lesson plans in astronomy click here. There are also free lessons/activities available. Thanks!