You can figure out which direction is which by looking at the night sky. Humans have been doing this for thousands of years. And, there’s no reason why you can’t find your way today from reading the position of stars and planets. Key takeaway: Unlike stars, planets tend to move around the night sky. However, … Read more
Traditional peoples across the world developed stories and beliefs about the stars and cosmos. They were guided in many ways by the night sky. Here are 10 cultural astronomy examples. Many early cultures used astronomy to understand their place in the world and the cosmos. The position of stars, star groups, and clusters helped them … Read more
You see the Milky Way as a hazy band of lights stretching across the night sky. Here’s what to know about the Milky Way, especially in the number of stars and what we can or can’t see as backyard astronomers. The Milky Way is made up of various types of matter, including stars, gas, and … Read more
If you’re looking to get away from the light pollution there are several dark sky places to enjoy the ultimate stargazing experience. Here are some fantastic options for you, including those said to be the darkest places on Earth to experience the best night sky viewing. Where are the darkest places on Earth to stargaze? … Read more
Fascinating phenomena are happening above us every night. From shimmering auroras to mysterious black holes, join me as I cover 25 fascinating astronomy facts about the night sky to enhance your cosmic viewing and leave you starstruck. These will expand your understanding and spark intrigue for when you start stargazing.
If you’re wondering about that large ring around the Moon and what it means, you might be interested in the following. It’s what I discovered about the cause and meaning of Moon halos used for weather prediction. I’ve always held the belief that when you see a ring around the Moon it means rain is … Read more
There are a total of 88 constellations in the night sky. A few constellations are unique to ‘down under’. Here, the sky is ‘upside down’ compared to the northern hemisphere and groups of stars display particular patterns of interest because of the orientation and cultural significance. I mentioned how the Moon appears upside down in … Read more