Astronomers and their Contributions

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

A little disclaimer before we begin: There have been thousands of astronomers since the field originate, and every one of them deserves credit and recognition. Unfortunately, only the ones who contribute significantly to our understanding of science...

How To Set Up the Celestron NexStar Computerized Telescope

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

Telescopes have seen some incredible improvements. Not only can you have a mini observatory in your backyard, you can now find celestial objects that may have eluded you in the past thanks to computerized technology. But before you can start observing...

How To Install Kerbal Space Program Mods

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

Kerbal Space Program is an extremely popular and entertaining game that allows you to manage your own space program and fly ships, all from your computer. The base game is excellent on its own, but you can always customize it to your liking with mods...

Mathematics and Measurements in Astronomy

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

Mathematics and astronomy go hand in hand. You really can’t have one without the other if you want to get a clearer picture of the universe. Great minds of the past have developed some extremely useful equations and laws that help us measure distances...

How To Determine a Planet's Radius

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

Our search for life out in the universe has led to the development of a few different methods for detecting exoplanets. One method, the transit method, allows us to not only spot planets orbiting around their suns, but also determine the size of these...

How to Determine a Star's Radius

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

How do you measure something that’s light-years away? How can we comprehend the enormous size scales that dominate our universe when we’re nothing but little grains of sand on a floating rock? Amazingly, mathematics combined with observation has given...

Most Interesting Astronomical Problems

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

Science attempts to explain the universe using logical and tested hypotheses. But even though we’ve been studying the universe and everything in it for centuries, we still don’t know everything. We probably never will! Some of the strangest and most...

How to Learn Astrophysics at Home

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

The term “astrophysics” makes some people shudder with apprehension. “Astrophysics?” they ask, “Doesn’t that mean a lot of math?” While fancy equations with little to no discernible meaning to an outsider do characterize many branches of science...

Astronomy vs Cosmology

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

Astronomy and cosmology are both branches of science that focus on things that happen out in the universe. That might make you think that they’re one and the same. On the contrary, while they are both related to one another, they have a few distinct...

Astronomy vs Astrology

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

Oh boy. How many times have you heard someone say “astrology” instead of astronomy and wanted to strangle them? The two words are easy enough to muddle up, but the concepts behind them are and should be kept far away from one another. So, to settle...

How To Clean and Maintain a Telescope

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

Did you know that some of the dust that’s collecting on every available surface in your home is actually space debris? Makes you not want to clean your house, doesn’t it? While no one will judge you if you refrain from dusting for the rest of your life...

The Best Night Sky App for Android

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

If you type “stargazing app” into the Google Play Store search bar, you’ll get over 50 results. How on earth are you supposed to choose? Thankfully, we’ve done our research in order to determine which are superior. Which one comes out on top, and why...

Star Tracker App on Android

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

Times have changed. Gone are the days when you needed to tote around a sky chart to figure out the layout of the heavens. Now, whenever a brilliantly bright object in the night sky catches your attention, all you have to do is pull out your phone and...

How To Use The SkyView App on iPhone

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

Many augmented reality stargazing apps are clunky, difficult to use, and cluttered. When you’re trying to learn the layout of the night sky, the last thing you need is an app that makes it even more confusing! Thankfully, apps like SkyView exist...

How To Use Skyview App on Android

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

There are dozens of apps available that are tailored to stargazers, but many of them fall short of their promises. SkyView, however, does not disappoint. Quality AR (augmented reality), beautiful graphics, and extra features like facts about celestial...

The Best Stargazing in the North East

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

The north east isn’t exactly known for clear skies and prime stargazing conditions. Humidity and cloud cover are a couple factors you’ll have to deal with, but there are also several places off the beaten path where you can find dark skies and a wide...

How To Use Stargaze with Light Pollution

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

It’s everywhere. It makes night seem like day, guides our steps so we don’t stub our toes, and turns every city into a mini sun. In our modern world, when someone says “Let there be light,” a switch isn’t too far away. What does all of this lead to...

How To Use The Sky Map App on Android

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

Have you ever looked up at the sky at night, only to wonder what exactly it was you were looking at? The layout of the thousands of stars can be a confusing yet wondrous sight. Our ancestors may have had to hand draw maps and constellations, but...

How To Use The Star Tracker App on iPhone

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

What’s that really bright star in the sky? Where’s Jupiter tonight? What’s the shape of that constellation? Without the right stargazing app, all of these questions go unanswered. Star Tracker can help you up your stargazing game and help you identify...

How To Open Google Mars

jsimenhoff Oct 4, 2019

• Thread
• Replies: 0

Have you ever wanted to explore Mars? Robots get to traverse the Martian surface, but humans might not be able to until far into the future. Until that time comes, you can use the incredible technology we do have to experience the red planet from afar...