Night Sky Network Articles

Astronomy clubs bringing the wonders of the universe to the public

These views, captured from the Sun-facing side of Earth, show the change in Earth’s tilt between the December (left) and June (right) solstices. These images were taken by NASA’s Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s DSCOVR satellite in December 2018 and June 2019.

Tropical Solstice Shadows

4 min read

Solstices were some of our earliest astronomical observations, celebrated throughout history via many summer and winter celebrations.

Article2 weeks ago
NASA's Spitzer, Hubble, and Chandra space observatories teamed up to create this multi-wavelength view of the M82 galaxy. The lively portrait celebrates Hubble's "sweet sixteen" birthday.X-ray data recorded by Chandra appears in blue; infrared light recorded by Spitzer appears in red; Hubble's observations of hydrogen emission appear in orange, and the bluest visible light appears in yellow-green.

June’s Night Sky Notes: Constant Companions: Circumpolar Constellations, Part III

2 min read

In the final Circumpolar Constellations installment, learn about objects in Cepheus, Draco, and Ursa Major, and how to find them in June's Night Sky Notes!

Article1 month ago
Photo of two pairs of binoculars side by side.

Binoculars: A Great First Telescope

3 min read

Do you want to peer deeper into the night sky? Are you feeling the urge to buy a telescope? There are so many options for budding astronomers that choosing one can be overwhelming. A first telescope should be easy to…

Article2 months ago
A map of constellations at night for mid-May 2024 in the Northern Hemisphere

May’s Night Sky Notes: Stargazing for Beginners

3 min read

Were you inspired by the solar eclipse to become an amateur astronomer? If so, here are some high-level tips on how to get started, from Night Sky Notes!

Article2 months ago
Artist concept of TESS satellite

Citizen Science Resources

2 min read

We continue Citizen Science Month with these ongoing NASA projects! Remember: everybody can participate in science – not just professional scientists. Although it is referred to as citizen science, people from around the globe can participate. In fact, many valuable…

Article3 months ago
Alma Thomas, The Eclipse, 1970, Smithsonian American Art Museum

Solar Eclipse Resources

2 min read

A spectacular eclipse will sweep across North America on April 8, 2024! Enjoy these free resources from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific!

Article3 months ago
Typical of Cloudspotting on Mars data, this graphical representation shows data in white on a dark field. The graph is labeled with time increasing from left to right and altitude increasing from bottom to top. In this image, the cloud indicating data look like pure white flames that reach almost halfway to the top of the image, with seven “peaks” irregularly distributed along the timeline. This strong signal is the Martian atmosphere. Some peaks have a faint but distinct blue arch or arches near to them.

April’s Night Sky Notes: Participate in Eclipse Science

3 min read

April is Citizen Science Month at NASA. Here are some projects that you take part in during the eclipse on April 8th, and beyond!

Article3 months ago
A woman in blue looking at the Sun through a red telescope with a solar filter.

Partner with Local NASA Volunteers

2 min read

Partner with NASA's Solar System Ambassadors and Night Sky Network and help bring the wonders of NASA science down to Earth!

Article4 months ago
Top left of the image shows a ground based shot of Caldwell 14. Countless stars. To the right is a shot from Hubble of an inset area. Blue stars with a black background.

March’s Night Sky Notes: Constant Companions: Circumpolar Constellations, Part II

2 min read

Some constellations can be as familiar as old friends. Learn about three of them in March's Night Sky Notes!

Article4 months ago
A photo of Jupiter from the Hubble Space Telescope. The map shows Jupiter's Great Red Spot and its striking striated bands of color.

Spot the King of Planets: Observe Jupiter

4 min read

Jupiter is easy to observe, and well-documented by astronomers. Learn more about the King of the Planets in February's mid-month article!

Article5 months ago