Universe Today » Astronomy For Kids

Sky Scouting Out Astronomy Fun!

Tammy Plotner — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:31:27 +0000

What happens when you mix a large group of kids with a telescope that talks? Chances are, you've got a recipe for loads of astronomy fun. Thanks to a generous donation of a Celestron SkyScout 90 telescope and more, the Outreach Team at Warren Rupp Observatory soon found out what it was like to take on more than 300 guests during a recent public night and just how valuable certain pieces of astronomy education equipment can be. Come on inside where it's dark and let me show you what we've found… (...)
Read the rest of Sky Scouting Out Astronomy Fun! (735 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Kid's Astronomy: Sagittarius – A Seasonal Celebration!

Tammy Plotner — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:49:34 +0000

Ah, yes… The skies have long been dark and the constellations have been on the move since the last time we've visited! Hercules now stands overhead when darkness falls. Summer's Lure, Scorpius is already going west of the meridian and Ophiuchus, the Fisher King has taken its place. In the southern hemisphere, they are tolerating winter – but the nights are warm in the north and with them comes our finest times of viewing our own Milky Way galaxy's spiral arm… Sagittarius. (...)
Read the rest of Kid's Astronomy: Sagittarius – A Seasonal Celebration! (1,906 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Kid's Astronomy: A Summer's Lure – Scorpio

Tammy Plotner — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:49:05 +0000

Howdy, kids! Over the last couple of months we've visited with a multitude of wonderful sky characters. We've located the Triangle, met the Dragon, visited in the Royal House, met a King and Queen and their children, a celestial Farmer and his grandchildren, and we've even been to starry river of the Milky Way to see one of summer's favorite passtimes… Grandpa angling along the night sky. If you don't believe he's there, then sit back and listen to the voices on the wind as Sky Wizard Kim tells you where to look to find the "lures" of summer… (...)
Read the rest of Kid's Astronomy: A Summer's Lure – Scorpio (402 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Kid's Astronomy – Ophiuchus: The "Fisher King"

Tammy Plotner — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:26:53 +0000

Hey, Kids! Did you see the crescent of the Moon last night? With the heat and humidity much higher in the northern hemisphere, it looked wonderfully like a cool slice of orange cantaloupe hung in the sky! If you're looking for something cool to do, then why not get out your binoculars and try a little star gazing? We've visited with a lot of different sky characters and it's time to learn more. Whenever you're ready, it's time to head out into the dark shadows and listen to the voices on the wind for Sky Wizard Kim… (...)
Read the rest of Kid's Astronomy – Ophiuchus: The "Fisher King" (407 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Kid's Astronomy: Bootes – Ancient Farmer of the Fields

Tammy Plotner — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:26:04 +0000

Hey, kids! Are you ready to spend another warm, northern summer evening out under the stars? Then perhaps you'd like to introduce yourself to the Celestial Farmer and his family. Before the Moon comes back and steals away our dark skies, begin when night falls and watch overhead for the appearance of a bright, orange-looking star. Congratulations! You've just found Arcturus and you're on your way to learning our next constellation lesson. Now, sit back and listen to the voice of the wind as Sky Wizard Kim tells you a story… (...)
Read the rest of Kid's Astronomy: Bootes – Ancient Farmer of the Fields (443 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Kid's Astronomy – The Crow's Nest

Tammy Plotner — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:00:53 +0000

With the Moon now gone from the early evening sky and the lightning bugs beginning to twinkle in the summer fields, isn't it time you stopped to do a little stargazing? If you're outside when the skies begin the get dark, the first star you will see overhead is the brilliant orange Arcturus, which will point the way to blue/white Spica as the skies get dark. If you listen to the wind, you'll hear the night birds beginning to call… and maybe even the voice of the SkyWizard telling you where to find the Crow's nest! (...)
Read the rest of Kid's Astronomy – The Crow's Nest (447 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Kid's Astronomy: The Royal House Of Cepheus

Tammy Plotner — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:30:31 +0000

The month of May is a fine time for flowers and colors – and even getting married! There once was an old tradition where children took ribbons and 'danced around the Maypole' in circles, weaving patterns around a central focal point. Before the month is over, why not celebrate the flowers and the dance of the stars around the northern pole as well? Let's take another look at a constellation that's becoming very visible at this time of year as we visit "The Royal House Of Cepheus"… (...)
Read the rest of Kid's Astronomy: The Royal House Of Cepheus (692 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Kid's Astronomy – Draco: The Dragon with the "Puffy Tale"

Tammy Plotner — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:34:10 +0000

Kids of all ages! With no Moon around to light up the weekend skies, isn't it time to spend an evening outside an enjoy the stars? With Spring in the air in the northern hemisphere, the nights are much warmer and a welcome time to observe the glittering jewels that turn around Polaris, the "North Star". This time we're off on an adventure to help you identify the eight largest constellation in the night – Draco the Dragon… (...)
Read the rest of Kid's Astronomy – Draco: The Dragon with the "Puffy Tale" (451 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Kid's Astronomy – Finding The Summer Triangle

Tammy Plotner — Sat, 09 May 2009 20:31:35 +0000

The seasons and the constellations are changing – and so are the times that many of us go to bed! If you're up late tonight, this would be a great time for you to spot some very special things going on in the night sky. You won't need any special equipment – just your eyes and knowing where to look. Are you ready? Then step inside as "Sky Wizard Kim" tells us about the Summer Triangle and I'll tell you what else to look for! (...)
Read the rest of Kid's Astronomy – Finding The Summer Triangle (524 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Getting Astronomers Involved in the IYA: Astronomer in the Classroom Program

Nancy Atkinson — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:37:31 +0000

We just received some great information from Kris Koenig, the producer/director of the PBS documentary that is now airing "400 Years of the Telescope," and we wanted to help get the word out to both astronomers and teachers about this new educational program called Astronomer in the Classroom. The project is being facilitated by the University of Hawaii Institution for Astronomy along with Koenig's Interstellar Studios as an educational program for the International Year of Astronomy (IYA). The program will be done via webcasts and is beginning today! They are looking for astronomers that are interested in volunteering 3 hours to this worthy activity, and want to let teachers know about the availability of this program for their classroom.
(...)
Read the rest of Getting Astronomers Involved in the IYA: Astronomer in the Classroom Program (378 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

StarGazer's Telescope: Jumpin' Jupiter!

Tammy Plotner — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:35:58 +0000

Greetings, Fellow Stratos Dwellers! Have you had more than your fair share of clouds lately and are hankering for a few photons? Skies haven't been spectacular in this part of the world either and when it is clear, the heat is sure making it difficult to get a nice steady view. But, it's a nice night out. Wanna' take out the StarGazer's telescope and have a look at Jupiter? I'll see you in the back yard… (...)
Read the rest of StarGazer's Telescope: Jumpin' Jupiter! (425 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

StarGazer's Telescope – Last Dance With Mars

Tammy Plotner — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:01:57 +0000

Have you ever wondered what it was like to look through a real telescope? Tired of being clouded out night after night and would be happy with a look through any telescope? After all the exciting news we've heard about Mars, I thought it might be fun to let you take a look through a small telescope and see what Mars really looks like – flaws and all.(...)
Read the rest of StarGazer's Telescope – Last Dance With Mars (287 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

The Weekend SkyWatcher's Forecast: June 27-29, 2008

Tammy Plotner — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:27:57 +0000

Greetings, fellow SkyWatchers! It's that time again and darker skies are in our favor for this weekend. Are you working towards Astronomical League studies? Then tag along as we seek out one of the most difficult of all targets – Palomar 5. But don't despair – there's just slightly easier ones to study, too! Come along for the double galaxy ride and the peak of two minor meteor showers as we head out into the night…(...)
Read the rest of The Weekend SkyWatcher's Forecast: June 27-29, 2008 (1,260 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Weekend SkyWatcher's Forecast: June 20-22, 2008

Tammy Plotner — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:19:42 +0000

Greetings, fellow SkyWatchers! As the Moon slowly departs from the early evening scene, we have the chance to start the weekend off with shooting stars as we pass through a branch of the Ophiuchid meteor stream. Over the next few days we'll take a closer look at variable stars, new star clusters and old friends as we head out into the night together…(...)
Read the rest of Weekend SkyWatcher's Forecast: June 20-22, 2008 (799 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

SkyWatcher Alert: Moon, Mars, Saturn and More…

Tammy Plotner — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:50:26 +0000

Greetings, fellow SkyWatchers! As the summer heats up for the northern hemisphere and the winter cools down the southern, we're in for interesting celestial scenery over the next few days. No special equipment is needed – only your eyes and the knowledge of knowing where and when to look….(...)
Read the rest of SkyWatcher Alert: Moon, Mars, Saturn and More… (461 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

World's Strangest Telescope – The IceCube

Tammy Plotner — Tue, 20 May 2008 20:18:03 +0000

Since the 1950s and the beginning of the "space race" scientists have wanted to practice astronomy and particle physics using high-energy neutrinos. So what's stopping them? The challenge of building the kilometer-sized observatory they predict is needed to do the science. Enter IceCube, a revolutionary new design in neutrino detecting telescopes. Deep in the frozen wastelands at the South Pole, the world's most extreme telescope will search for neutrinos from our Universe's most violent astrophysical sources.(...)
Read the rest of World's Strangest Telescope – The IceCube (333 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Weekend SkyWatcher's Forecast – May 16-18, 2008

Tammy Plotner — Fri, 16 May 2008 00:10:06 +0000

"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 the rest of Weekend SkyWatcher's Forecast – May 16-18, 2008 (830 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Happy Space Day!

Nancy Atkinson — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:14:15 +0000

Itâ€™s the first Friday in May; therefore it must be Space Day! Since 1997 people around the world have used this day to celebrate humankindâ€™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 â€œpromote 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.â€ 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….
(...)
Read the rest of Happy Space Day! (124 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

What to Look at With Binoculars

Tammy Plotner — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:17:14 +0000

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 the rest of What to Look at With Binoculars (1,078 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Name a Star

Tammy Plotner — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:08:19 +0000

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 after someone?
(...)
Read the rest of Name a Star (987 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Binoculars for Astronomy

Tammy Plotner — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:18:28 +0000

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.
(...)
Read the rest of Binoculars for Astronomy (2,532 words)

© tammy for Universe Today, 2008. | Permalink | 29 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Astronomy, binoculars, magnification

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Moon for Kids

Tammy Plotner — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 23:47:26 +0000

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 donâ€™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 the rest of Moon for Kids (558 words)

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh