Astronomy

Articles on astronomy and exploration and observation of the solar system for astronomy students, teachers, and hobbyists.
  • Star Classification: A Look at Different Types of Stars
    There are different types of stars in the universe and their characteristics also vary from each other. Some stars twinkle, as their luminous intensity varies, while others are dim, hot, large, etc. To know more about the different types of stars that make the sky beautiful, read on...
  • Shortest Day of the Year
    A compilation of some interesting facts about the shortest day of the year - Winter Solstice, which will help you get a better understanding of the entire concept. Continue reading, to understand how the movement of Earth determines the length of a day.
  • What is Solstice
    A write-up on solstice which will help you get rid of numerous misconceptions associated with this astronomical event. A must read, if terms like June solstice, December solstice, summer solstice and winter solstice confuse you.
  • When Does Winter Solstice Occur
    Winter solstice occurs in the northern hemisphere in the month of December, and in the southern hemisphere in June. Now that is bound to leave many people confused, and hence this write-up which will answer some of the FAQs about this astronomical event, and help you get rid of all the confusion.
  • Longest Day of the Year
    You must have noticed that the duration of the day - from sunrise to sunset - increases and decreases over the course of a calendar year, but have you ever wondered which is the longest day of the year? Continue reading to find out...
  • Constellations for Kids
    The following article will provide some basic information about the constellations, for kids to understand this amazing attribute of the universe. Read more on the various constellations that decorate the sky, and add to its beauty.
  • What is the Closest Star to Earth
    If you have been wondering which is the nearest star to Earth other than the Sun, then you need not look any further as this page has the answer for you. Read to know all about it.
  • Perseus Constellation
    If astronomy is something that fascinates you, this information about Perseus constellation is bound to be of your interest. Continue reading....
  • Cassiopeia Constellation Facts
    The Cassiopeia constellation is one of the oldest recognized constellations. In this article, I share some interesting facts about this constellation, including information about the stars that constitute it, its location and sighting.
  • Facts About Andromeda Constellation
    The Andromeda constellation is a pattern created by distant stars in the nighttime sky. In this article, you will find some interesting facts about it.
  • Super Earth Discovered
    A planet called Super Earth has been discovered, which is very much similar to our own Earth.
  • Neutron Star Facts
    Neutron stars are the 'afterlife' stage of heavy mass stars, after they die. This article is a compilation of neutron star facts, which will certainly amaze you!
  • Nuclear Fusion in Stars
    How does the nuclear fusion process work in stellar cores? What are its initial starting particles? What is the difference between fusion and fission? Read this article to get answers to all these questions in a simple and comprehensive manner. In the process you will know how the fusion process in stars is related to creation of life on earth.
  • What are Stars Made of
    How does the Sun, a star manage such a phenomenal output of energy? What are stars made of? If these questions have bamboozled you for long, you have landed on the right page, which will satiate your curiosity. Not only will you learn about their composition, but you will learn the secret of their energy too. Life is intimately connected with stars as the stuff we are made of, was cooked in the belly of a star, years ago. Read on to know more.
  • Big Dipper Constellation
    The Big Dipper constellation is one of the most popular constellations known to mankind. It appears like a ladle in the sky with a long handle and bowl-like shape.
  • Evolution of Stars
    There are a lot of theories about how stars came into being. Modern astrophysics goes deep into the history of the universe to solve the mystery of these heavenly bodies.
  • Fun Facts About Astronomy
    Did you know there are stars which are nearly 600,000 times as bright as the Sun? Or the sunspots on the surface of the Sun are 3000º C cooler than the other sun surface areas? Surprised! Then read on to know some more fun facts about astronomy.
  • Protostar
    We see billions of stars in the sky. The age of all those stars may be different; but, they are all born out of protostars. To know more about a protostar, read on...
  • Supernova - A Stellar Explosion
    Our universe, at least that which is known to us, is vast and very enigmatic in its stellar formations, features and the uniqueness that abounds each component. One such spectacular event in the deep recesses of outer space is that of a stellar explosion or a supernova.
  • Horsehead Nebula
    As the name suggests, the Horsehead Nebula appears to be in the shape of a horsehead, and is no doubt a masterpiece by the creator of the universe. Read on to know more...
  • White Dwarfs
    All stars become white dwarfs at a certain stage in the lifespan, after the exhaustion of their nuclear fuel. A white dwarf star is characterized by higher density and fainter luminosity than the previous stages. Here is some information on white dwarfs.
  • Top Astronomy Discoveries of 2008
    In 2008 astronomers made some fascinating discoveries thanks to bigger and better telescopes and an ever-increasing interest in the heavens.
  • Why do Stars have Different Colors
    Do stars really have color? If yes, why do they have different colors?
  • Life Cycle of a Star
    The life cycle of a star begins in a nebula and ends in a black hole. The lifespan of a star depends on its mass. The more massive it is, the shorter it lives. This 'long' and 'short' however, is in millions and billions of years! Now you know how long the life cycle of a star is! Find out more...
  • Why do Stars Twinkle?
    We're all familiar with the rhyme 'twinkle, twinkle little star' and as kids have always wondered about what is that makes stars shine like diamonds in the sky. Even as adults, many of us don't know why stars twinkle; let's learn how this happens.
  • Astronomy for Beginners
    Astronomy is an age-old science and involves the exquisite study of celestial objects. Their placements and certain derived and calculated movements are part of a scientific study to understand the phenomena beyond the atmosphere that is home to us.
  • Radio Telescope
    The different types of radio telescopes and the examples therein are mentioned in this article. Some of these are specially dedicated to astronomy. Read ahead to know more...
  • The Celestial Lightshow
    The stars in the sky seem unexciting to many. Yet the universe contains more than meets the eye, at least the naked eye. A celestial lightshow is taking place about which you may be unaware.
  • Cosmic Rays: Detection and Composition
    High-energy cosmic rays are samples of material from outside the solar system. The elemental and isotopic compositions of the cosmic rays constrain the models for element production in a variety of astrophysical sources. A brief insight into the fascinating world of cosmic rays.
  • Astrophotography
    Photography plays an important role in astronomy. Observational astrology can be carried out at night, which restricts the available time to only 12 hours. So in order to utilize the rest of the day astronomers take photograph of the sky during the day. This may sound a bit professional but it is not so. Amateur can take successful photographs and do the same or keep them as memories.
  • Solar system's twin found
    Astronomers have found a planetary system similar to ours - a Jupiter-like world circling a Sun-like star in roughly the same orbit that Jupiter follows our Sun.