The feature image of the observer's page was taken during observations of Comet Hale-Bopp. The dark shadow of a telescope with a camera mounted on it is highlighted in the vanishing twilight. The blue component of the comet's tail is cropped off the image.
"What's Up in the Night Sky?" is Astra's monthly almanac! Use this to find out what can be observed this month. Each monthly features constellations that are currently visable or other astronomical topics of interest to observers. This feature was original written by the Star Geezer, Ron Leeseberg who retired in December 2011. Bookmark this page to find out what to look for this month by reading the latest issue. Find out more about this feature by clicking on the home page, "What's Up? home".
The Observer's Page offers advice to newbies, stargazers, amateur astronomers and astronomy clubs. Welcome to the new Observer's Page!
Stargazing Basics - from Sky and Telescope
Astra's Guide to Commercial Vendors - Just links, no endorsements, find the equipment you need to get started.
Observational Astronomy - from David Haworth
Suzieastro presents Starry Trails - local observational help
What's Up in the Night Sky? - Astra's montly almanac at the 'Gate
Check Abram's Sky Calender for monthly sample
Astronomy Center - at the Old Farmer's Almanac (eclipse and weather info available)
NGC/IC Observing List Generator - Professionals and Amateurs working together
The Interactive NGC Catalog Online - SEDs.org
Sky Insight Online Observing List and Catalog Cross Reference
It's About Time ! - An observing article from By John A. Morris
Astra's Celestial Challenge: Star Associations Group
Astra's Celestial Challenge: Naked Eye Group of Objects
Learn Naked Eye Astronomy with
Aboriginal Star Knowledge - Native American Indian
International Space Station Visibility - and other spacecraft on NASA's Sightings Page!
Learn your way around the Moon - pdf from Lunar-occultations.com
Don't forget the King of the Naked Eye Observers The Star Hustler
Check out *MeteorObs* an internet discussion group for meteor astronomy and observing.
This is a short list of the many comet sources that are out on the www. The first goes to an article written a few years ago. By clicking the title of this section, the browswer will go to the main comet page at Astra's Star Gate
Link to the Astronomical League's Observing Notes
Astra's Pages
What's Up?
This Month's Sky
Guide to Commercial Astronomical Equipment - just links no endorsements
Dawn's Tips for Observing Jupiter
ATM - Astra's Telescope Making Page
Comets! - Read Astra's Comet Article
Link Topics
Online Planetariums and Downloads
Observing Solar System Objects
Information for Astronomy Clubs - and - Ohio's Own OTAA
Beam me back, Astra!