Astronomy

LC Classification

Astronomy books may be found in the QB call numbers. For specific titles, don't forget to check the Catalog.

Databases
There are no subject specific databases available. Use Academic Search Complete , Research Library and OmniFile Full Text to research your topic.

Web pages

Astronomy magazine - the Library subscribes to this periodical
Astronomy picture of the day - from NASA
Space Telescope Science Institute - the folks that run the Hubble Telescope project
Absolute Astronomy - facts and statistical information
Cosmic Evolution

The following sites are recommended by Steve Morgan, Rollins Planetarium Director at Young Harris College and include his comments.

What’s going on in the sky tonight?
http://skyandtelescope.com
One of our favorite all-purpose astronomy web sites is that of Sky & Telescope magazine. On the left, click on Observing, then click Sky at a Glance. Lots of other good stuff here, too.

Will any artificial satellites be visible tonight?
http://www.heavens-above.com
Great site, with visibility predictions for the International Space Station and other satellites, spectacular events such as the dazzlingly bright flares from Iridium satellites , as well as a wealth of other spaceflight and astronomical information. Near the bottom of the page, click Select to choose your location from their huge database.

What’s happening on the Sun today?
http://www.spaceweather.com
http://www.bbso.njit.edu/Images/daily/images/wfullb2.jpg

The first site will give you the latest news and information on solar activity, such as sunspots, flares, and displays of the aurora borealis, or “Northern lights.” The second site will give you a current close-up image of the Sun’s surface for tracking sunspots, etc.

What’s new at NASA lately?
http://www.nasa.gov/news/highlights/index.html
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/

These sites serve as your gateways to the vast NASA online universe.

What have the Mars rovers been up to lately on the Red Planet? http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.html

This is NASA’s main site for information and updates regarding the Mars Exploration Rover Mission. Follow the progress of the twin rovers Spirit and Opportunity as they explore the Martian surface and search for clues regarding the role of water.

Has the Hubble Space Telescope taken any cool new pictures lately? http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/

The latest images from HST are posted here.

Are there any web activities or classroom resources to go along with the Hubble pictures?
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/

Amazing Space is a set of web-based activities designed for classroom use. The lessons are interactive and include spectacular photos taken by Hubble and many high quality graphics, videos, and animations designed to enhance student understanding and interest.

What’s a good online site if I’m looking to buy a telescope or learn more about them before making a purchase?
http://www.telescope.com

This is the web site of Orion Telescopes & Binoculars, one of the favorites among amateur astronomers for purchasing scopes and accessories. Near the top of the page, click on the Learning Center for some very informative articles. (Note: the inclusion of this link should not be construed as an endorsement for any particular company.)

Is there a way for teachers and/or families to receive updated astronomy-related educational activities geared for students?
http://skycalls.org/

Subscribe to Sky Calls and you'll receive, as often as once a week, educational activities about breaking science news and astronomy. These materials, developed by a team of professional teachers, are suitable for 3rd to 8th graders in traditional classrooms or home settings. In addition to the activity sheets, you will get phone alerts reminding you to step outside and view events in the night sky. (Note: there is a subscription fee for this service.)

Is there a web site that debunks some of the misinformation that is spread about astronomy?
http://www.badastronomy.com

Phil Plait’s “Bad Astronomy” web site is devoted to airing out myths and misconceptions in astronomy, whether on TV, in the movies, or plain old word of mouth.