Comets
One of the most exciting events to occur for amateur and professional astronomers alike is the appearance
of a bright comet.  Comets, often described as "dirty snowballs", are conglomerations of dust, ice and gas
that orbit the sun at vast distances.
 <<Comets>>
Unearthing New Planets

One of the most exciting areas of research and discovery in the broader science of astronomy is the search for new
planets in orbit around stars other than our own sun.  In our own solar system, the first six planets (Mercury through
Saturn) did not need to be “discovered.”  They were always there, visible, even if not always understood for what
they were.  Uranus was discovered by astronomer William Herschel in 1781 and Neptune’s discovery followed in
1846. Pluto was discovered in 1930, although now its classification as a bona fide planet has come into serious
question.  The discovery of new planets then hit a dry spell that lasted until the mid 1990’s.  
<<More Planets>>
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Astronomy
An Introduction to BACKYARD ASTRONOMY in 4 Easy Steps

Backyard astronomy can be an exciting and rewarding hobby for anyone. No formal scientific training is necessary.  
Try these four easy steps to begin to experience the wonder of backyard astronomy.  
 <<More Astronomy>>
NewExplorations.Net
Choosing a Telescope:  Let There Be Light!
Two of the most common questions posed by first time observers are “How powerful is this telescope?” and
“What is the magnification?”  Usually, the larger the size of the telescope, the larger the expectation that the
magnification will be a number of “astronomical” proportions.  The actual answer is often met with disappointment.
<<More About Telescopes>>
The Solar System This Month
Which planets are currently visible, and
where?  
<<More Solar System>>
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Archive
Solar Cycle Forecast - Upcoming Period of Intense Solar Storms
What's that Bright "Star" in the Southern Sky After Sunset?
The Return of the Summer Triangle - Exploring the Summer Sky
Pluto Probe - New Horizons - Approaching Jupiter
Educational & Scientific Toys and Gifts
Science Project Resources Downloadable E-Books & More
Free Newsletter
Astronomers Find Enormous Hole in the Universe
ESG Site Directory
Massive Gas Cloud Speeding Toward Collision With Milky Way
Record 5th Planet Discovered Around "Nearby" Star
Planet of the Month
Saturn's moon Titan may have a deep, hidden ocean
Pegasus Flies Again - Exploring the Autumn Sky
Astronomy: Massive stellar explosion stuns astronomers
Astronomy News
Science News & Information
Astronomy: New technology to search for Earth-like planets
Astronomy: Ten More Planets Discovered Outside Our Solar System