I love astronomy. I was an astrophysics major at one point, but needed more time than I had funding so I switched majors. It’s always had a place in my heart, so I thought I would share with you. Astronomy is one of the only fields of science today that routinely benefits from amateur research. Amateur astronomers across the globe work hand-in-glove with professional scientists at academic and government institutions, furthering our understanding of our place in the larger universe.

1 – Google Moon
Explore the sites on the Moon that we’ve landed and explored so far. Kind of makes you want to wander up there, doesn’t it?

2 – NASA: Our Solar System
A great site managed by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, it educates the viewer about our Solar System. Also links to NASA’s main site, which is full of interesting information including a history of NASA itself.

3 – Dr. Sten Odenwald’s Astronomy Cafe
One of the best sites on the internet for astronomy information. He covers all sorts of things, including the job outlook in the astronomy field. I love this guy!

4 – Another NASA site, Solar System Exploration
This covers the latest updates in the exploration of our solar system, from the Mars rovers to the Cassini satellite. Fun stuff!

5 – Space Weather
Discusses the importance of understanding solar storms and why they’re a problem. Associated with Dr. Sten Odenwald.

6 – European Space Agency’s Science and Technology Page
Produced by Europe’s version of NASA, discusses what’s new in the European theater in terms of space exploration and research.

7 – Hubble Telescope
See images produced by the flawed Hubble Telescope. Talks about history and research as well; an interesting overview of applied astronomical technology.

8 – Science World
Not limited to astronomy, this site has a bunch of interesting information on all aspects of current science. You could get lost in here for hours.

9 – Exploring Space: The Quest for Life, a PBS production
Fascinating collection of history, research, and cutting-edge science in the field of space exploration. There’s a cool Space Simulator to play with and lots of other things. Kid friendly, as long as they’re old enough to understand the topic.

10 – NOVA’s Science NOW
NOVA, a popular production of the American Public Broadcasting series, has collected a number of science resources in a family-friendly website. You can even ask questions of Cal-Tech Astronomer Michael Brown.

11 – The Sky
All sorts of fun astronomy-related stuff in here. You can also get to the Ultimate Space Guide from their main page.

12 – US Naval Observatory
A bit dry, but one of the best places to go for hard research (read: data) on astronomy. You may have to digest their storage methods a little before finding what you want, but if it’s available, they’ve got it. (This is a more hard-core site for those serious astronomy geeks out there.)

13 – Federal (U.S.) Government Teaching Resources for Astronomy
If you have students of astronomy in your family or are one yourself, this site may help you. A collection of a massive number of resources of interest to student and teacher alike.

Happy TT!