Astronomy Basics
New to astronomy? Look here for basic information, including guides to the solar system, explanation of astronomical terms and concepts and where to view images of the planets and stars.
All About Meteorites  Most of them are tiny, but their contribution to science is enormous. In this article, learn what meteorites are, and how they help us understand our solar system. All About Pluto  Lying at the farthest reaches of space, Pluto is one of the most enigmatic planets in our solar system. Learn what little we do know about it here. All About the Moon  It is our nearest neighbor, and the second-brightest object in the sky. Here, learn some of what we know about our moon. All About the Moon  It is our nearest neighbor, and the second-brightest object in the sky. Here, learn some of what we know about our moon. All About the Moon  It is our nearest neighbor, and the second-brightest object in the sky. Here, learn some of what we know about our moon. All About the Sun  Constituting over 99 percent of the solar system´s mass, the Sun is the largest object in our solar system. Bode's Law  Though once thought of as a valuable scientific tool, Bode´s Law is now believed to be inaccurate, and its predictions mere coincidences. eta Aquarids - Remnants of Halley's Comet  The annual eta Aquarids meteor shower peaks this week. Exploring the Kuiper Belt  At the outer edges of the Solar System lies a mysterious region we´re only beginning to understand. Fun Facts for Astronomy Day  Celebrate National Astronomy Day with a round-up of cool astronomy facts. Galaxies -- The Milky Way and Others  Galaxies are some of the most mysterious and unknown objects in the universe. Halley's Comet  Halley´s Comet was once thought to be a harbinger of doom. Halloween's Astronomical Origins  Halloween´s origins date back to the Celtic solar calendar. Jupiter - Mini Solar System  With more moons than any other planet, Jupiter is sometimes called a mini solar system. Kinds of Telescopes  Since the advent of the telescope, it has been adapted and refined several times. March 3 Lunar Eclipse  The upcoming total lunar eclipse is the first in two and a half years. Mars -- The Red Planet  What mysteries does the Red Planet hold? Find a few of them here. Messenger of the Gods - The Planet Mercury  Mercury may be one of the smallest planets in the solar system, but its contribution to science was significant. In this article, learn about the history of this tiny planet, and how it helped lend support to one of the most revolutionary scientific theories of all time. National Aeronautics and Space Administration [offsite link] The official website for NASA, offering pictures, guides to the solar system and an overview of NASA´s space missions. Also includes information and resources for students and teachers. Nebulae -- Birthplace of Stars  These clouds of gas and dust are often the home of forming stars. Oort Cloud -- Birthplace of Comets  Lying at the farthest edges of the Solar System, the Oort Cloud is home to trillions of comets. Quasars -- Windows to the Past  These small, bright objects may help us understand the origin of our universe. Rhea -- Moon of Saturn  Icy and rugged, Rhea is Saturn´s largest airless satellite. And now, it may be the first moon to have been discovered to have rings. Saturn - The Ringed Planet  We´ve known about Saturn for centuries, but we are only beginning to understand this complex planet. Saturn's Changing Rings  We´ve known about Saturn for hundreds of years, but we still don´t have a complete understanding of this planet. Star Sets New Speed Record  A recently observed neutron star rotates faster than any previously discovered. The Astronomy Cafe [offsite link] Website of Dr. Sten Odenwald, astronomer and author of "The Astronomy Cafe." Here, Dr. Odenwald answers basic astronomy questions and gives readers a glimpse into the life and career of a full-time astronomer. The Brilliant Comet McNaught  As the brightest comet in 40 years, Comet McNaught is stirring up interest among both amateur and professional astronomers. The Dog Days of Summer  The "Dog Days of Summer" actually stem from ancient Egyptian beliefs. The Planet Uranus  Uranus was first thought to be a comet; we now know it is a complex and fascinating planet. The Planet Venus  It is the Earth´s closest neighbor, but Venus is a dramatically different world from our own. The Unknown Planet - All About Neptune  This planet has been shrouded in mystery since it was first spotted almost 400 years ago. What secrets does the beautiful and distant Neptune hold? Uncover some of them here.
Triton - Satellite of Neptune  Neptune´s largest moon, Triton is unlike most satellites in our Solar System. What are Comets?  Called "dirty ice balls," comets may appear brilliant in the sky, but in reality are ordinary masses of space debris. What are Solar Flares?  Solar flares may take days to form, but only minutes to release megatons of magnetic energy. What is Positional Astronomy?  What was early astronomy like? Much different from today´s science, but important nonetheless. What's an Asteroid?  They are called minor planets, but they aren´t really planets at all. So what are asteroids? Find out here. Why isn't Pluto a planet?  After years of controvery, Pluto has been demoted. Links marked with the [offsite link] designation point to websites not associated with BellaOnline.com. BellaOnline.com is not responsible for the material found there.
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