Astronomy For Kids | Universe Today

"Everybody dancing in the moonlight… Dancing in the moonlight… Everybody feeling warm and bright… It's such a fine and natural sight… Everybody dancing in the moonlight." Oh! Greetings, fellow SkyWatchers! Pardon me while I celebrate the return of Spring and enjoy viewing the Moon. This weekend will be a terrific time for you to dance, too. Talk a waltz around the "Bay of Rainbows" as you view Sinus Iridum and enjoy the cool blues with Spica. You'll be seeing double before the weekend is out. Time to dust off the optics and turn and eye to the sky, because… Here's what's up! Read more…

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It’s the first Friday in May; therefore it must be Space Day! Since 1997 people around the world have used this day to celebrate humankind’s accomplishments in our exploration of space, as well as recognizing the benefits and opportunities that space exploration provides. While anyone can celebrate this occasion, the main goal of Space Day is to “promote math, science, technology and engineering education by nurturing young peoples' enthusiasm for the wonders of the universe and inspiring them to continue the stellar work of today's space explorers.” So, if you can, spend some time today talking about space and astronomy with a young person. Even better: do a space-related activity together….
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Last week we gave you advice on how to choose a pair of binoculars for astronomy. This week we help you put them to use by viewing some great binocular astronomy targets. Now that the Moon is quickly leaving the early evening skies, we're ready to begin. Just give yourself ample time to allow your eyes to dark adapt. No matter what size binoculars you have, or what your binocular astronomy experience may be, there are things I think you'll enjoy viewing. All you'll need to do is follow the instructions, wait for some clear skies and use the rough location binocular star charts provided. Remember, if you don't have success the first time, try again! Now, if you're ready, then dust off your optics and let's step outside… Read more…

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One of my many hats is as the president of a public observatory, helping people discover the wonders of the night sky. On many occasions people have come into the observatory with a certificate and locater chart to help them find the star they named. Since the fourth century BC, mankind has been looking up at the heavens and assigning names to the stars. Nearly 2400 years later, we're still doing the same thing. Is the process recognized by the science community? Can you really name a star?
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Astronomy is best when you get outside and look into the skies with your own eyes. And the best way to get started is with a set of binoculars for astronomy. They're light, durable, easy to use, and allow you to see objects in the night sky that you just couldn't see with your own eyes. There are so many kinds of binoculars out there, so we've put together this comprehensive guide to help you out.
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Everyone seemed to enjoy the answer to my daughter's question, "what's the biggest star?", so I thought I'd give you another insight into space science at the Cain household. A couple of months ago, we built a scaled map of the Solar System. I thought I'd share my process and resources with you, and throw in a few cute pictures of the kids. So come on, let's build a solar system in your neighborhood.
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Right now, while the sky still gets dark early, is a great time to enjoy looking at the Moon with your small children or grandchildren. Even if you don’t have a telescope or binoculars, there are lots of fun ways that you can both enjoy our mysterious Moon together. Each evening as it gets dark, go outside and take a look at where the Moon is. There are nights when it will be cloudy, so it makes the game even more fun! Read more…

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