Astronomical Information

Stargazing is an inexpensive pastime that can reward you with beautiful sights, the excitement of discovery, and the satisfaction of knowing your home in a vast universe. Knowing when and where to look to see the wonders around you calls for some general information. The information contained here or a visit to the Planetarium can help you discover the treasures scattered across the night sky.

The night sky is constantly changing. The moon drifts across the sky and changes shape through the month while the planets wander across the background of stars and the constellations gradually shift westward with the passing seasons. On some nights shooting stars flash across the sky, on others faint auroras dance in the north. Every few years a bright comet traces a path across the sky.

With binoculars and small telescopes there’s even more to see. There are clusters of stars and glowing clouds of gas called nebulae to view. A small telescope will reveal the rings of Saturn or the cloud belts and moons of Jupiter.

The selections to the left will give you a brief guide to begin your exploration.