There are loads of excellent astronomy sites, and it would be beyond the scope of this article to try to mention them all. Instead, here are a few I personally keep bookmarked, with some spiel about what they include and why they’re worth checking out.

Universe Today (universetoday.com)

This site focuses on (but isn’t limited to) the current affairs of astronomy. It has a clean design and is very easy to get around. Features include:

• A well-written blog covering space developments.


• A “Guide to Space” section, including links to popular articles covering several topics, such as the solar system and astronomy equipment.


• An “Additional Resources” section, including lists of eclipse days and Moon phases.


• A discussion forum, including a questions and answers section.

Bad Astronomy (blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy)

If you’re looking for light-hearted learning, this is the site for you. I’m going to confuse you now are there are actually two sites – the original site at badastronomy.com and the newer site at Discover Blogs. Astronomer Phil Plait debunks astronomy misconceptions, though he also blogs about other space issues too. There is great stuff on both sites, though I prefer the newer blog’s design. The sites contains:

• Well-written and interesting posts, casting a skeptical eye on astronomy issues.


• Answers to lots of interesting astronomy-related questions, organized by year.


• A list of links to other astronomy sites.

Astronomy Notes (astronomynotes.com)

This is a fantastic educational resource by astronomer Nick Strobel, and is an asset if you’re learning about astronomy. I think the design is a bit cluttered, but he does advise how best to find your way round the site. You’ll find:

• Many well-written astronomy notes, covering subjects such as astronomy without a telescope, life beyond Earth and history of astronomy.


• Useful appendices, including maths revision and some astronomy tables, such as profiles of the planets and a list of the nearest stars.


• A list of links to other astronomy sites.

SETI (seti.org)

SETI (the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) are a private, non-profit organization concerned with life in the universe. If you’re interested in astrobiology, this site is a must. It is easy to navigate and includes:

• Information about SETI’s work, including their educational and public outreach programs.


• Research news, including an events calendar.


• Podcast radio shows, which you can listen to online.


• Information on volunteering, and details of placement opportunities for undergraduates.

NASA (nasa.gov)

Of course, I couldn’t leave NASA out. NASA stands for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and is a US government agency. However, they cover much more than US space affairs. There are several useful interactive NASA sites (I think it’s best going straight to the site-map, which makes navigation really straightforward). Content includes:

• Mission information (old and new), covered via various factsheets and blogs.


• NASA TV, including public, media and education channels, and also mission audio.


• Other informative sites, including resources for educators and students, tailored to different age groups.


• An “Ask an Astrophysicist” section.

Sources

Universe Today website, accessed: 7th December 2008, author: Cain, F

Bad Astronomy website, accessed: 7th December 2008, author: Plait, P

Astronomy Notes website, accessed: 7th December 2008, author: Strobel, N

SETI website, accessed: 7th December 2008, no authors specified

NASA website, accessed: 7th December, 2008, no authors specified