General Astronomy

Do Astronomers Go To Space? (Yes, But…)

Yes, astronomers go to space. But not all astronauts are astronomers, and not all astronomers are astronauts. Let us explain. Do Astronomers Go To Space? (Explained) What Is The Difference Between An Astronomer and An Astronaut? An astronomer is a scientist who studies space and the universe, while an astronaut is a person who travels…

30 Female Astrophysicists You Should Know About

Women are active contributors to the growing knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics, yet they are rarely made famous for it. Here’s some of the top female astrophysicists you should know about. 30 Female Astrophysicists You Should Know There are many women who have made significant contributions to the fields of astronomy, physics, and the exploration…

Stellar Parallax: Explanation and Common FAQs

In this article, you’ll obtain answers to common questions about the stellar parallax. What Is A Stellar Parallax? A stellar parallax is a measure of the difference in position of nearby stars when viewed from different vantage points. It is measured by observing the shift in position of a nearby star against the background of…

Facts About The Moon: Answering 40+ COOL MOON Questions

There’s so much to learn about the moon, this serene and peaceful sentinel in the night sky. In this article, we’ll answer the most interesting questions about the moon we could find. Fun Facts About The Moon Everyone Should Know What Is The Moon Made Of? The moon is made of rock, dust, and ice….

Asterism vs Constellation: What Are They, and What’s The Difference?

This article explains the differences between asterisms and constellations, and finishes with some popular asterism examples. Asterism vs Constellation: Summary Explanation While both asterisms and constellations are patterns of stars, there is a key difference between the two: asterisms are unofficial star patterns that are not recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), while constellations…

Do All Planets Rotate In The Same Direction? (And Other Planet Rotation FAQs)

The planets are curiously unique, in color, size, and rotation. In this article, we’ll answer some common questions about the rotation of planets. Do All Planets Rotate In The Same Direction? Most planets in our solar system rotate in the same direction that they orbit the sun. However, there are a few exceptions. Venus and…

Facts About The Sun: Answering 50+ FUN SUN Questions

There is so much to learn about the sun, this vital and bright fixture in the sky. In this article, we’ll answer more than 50 of the most interesting questions about the sun we could find. Fun Facts About The Sun Everyone Should Know What Is The Sun Made Of? The sun is mostly made…

What Are Circumpolar Stars? (What They Are and How To Find Them)

Most people in the northern hemisphere have heard of the North Star, but few understand why it is such a fixture in our night sky. In this article, you’ll learn about circumpolar stars, the circumpolar zone, and how to find the North and South Stars. What Are Circumpolar Stars? Circumpolar stars are, quite simply, stars…

Quasar vs Magnetar (A Comparison and Other FAQs)

Many strange astronomical bodies riddle the pitch expanse that we call “outer space.” It burgeons with planets, stars, black holes, asteroids and many others; some of which we have yet to fully understand. Discoveries come up all the time with the most recent of these being quasars and magnetars. Quasar vs Magnetar (Summary) A magnetar…

Neutron Star vs Pulsar (and other FAQs)

Pulsars are actually a subset of the neutron star family, given a different name because of the way they behave and the way they are viewed by astronomers. Not every neutron star is a pulsar, but many of them are. The article will explore the following topics: What a Neutron star is and how it’s…

Constellations Used For Agriculture: 4 Stories Written In The Stars

In early days, before the invention of things like the calendar and the almanac, farmers used the constellations to determine the best times to plant, as well as other activities. Though the constellations of the zodiac were the main favorites,  there were several other constellations that helped mark the best times to plant and harvest. …

Egyptian Constellations: A Complete List and Stories of Our Favorites

The ancient Egyptians saw different constellations in their skies than the ones we identify today. Scholars estimate there are around 38 constellations, but we don’t know all of their names or where their location is/was. However, we do know each one connects to an important deity common to the Egyptian pantheon. There is no full…