For those of you who are curious about astronomy and would like a list of good references, here they are! Not all of these pages are geared to the same audience, so I've tried to categorize them in a meaningful way (at least to me!). Some of the stuff could easily fit into more than one category, so browse through them all! If any of you are teachers, I have some resources here that you will find particularly useful.

Keep in mind that there are a lot of astronomy references out there, many of which I may not know about, so my list is not inclusive of all the good ones that might exist. However, these are some good ones that I'm aware of. I will add more periodically, so check back for additions and corrections

Since I'm not particuarly fond of cookies and pop-up windows, I have indicators of which sites contain a lot of these:

  Indicates a site which sends cookies.

  Indicates a site which contains pop-up windows.

  Indicates a site which is essentially free of both.

 For the Public At Large

Astronomy Picture of the Day   Definitely a favorite of many astronomers! This sight features a different astronomy picture every day. The featured image comes with a description written by an astronomer. Don't forget to browse through the archive of past images!

Bad Astronomy   This site is one I absolutely love! This site showcases astronomy's treatment in the news and movies. It talks about what they got right, and more importantly, what they didn't get right. The site also clears up common misconceptions.

NASA Homepage   The main page for the authority in space exploration. Obviously, it contains lot of links to facilities and other online resources.

NASA Astrobiology Institute   Working towards a better understanding on the origin and development of life.

Search for Extraterrestrial Ingelligence (SETI)   The ongoing search for extraterrestrial life.

Space Telescope Science Institute   The main page for the Hubble Space Telescope.

Welcome to the Planets   A gallery of the best images ever taken of the planets.





 Education Resources

Astronomy Notes   A site with many pages covering concepts in introductory astronomy and physics.

Astronomy Workshop   This site was created by a faculty member in my department, primarily for college undergraduates. However, it is easily used for high school or anyone wanting a fun introduction to astronomy, particularly in the area of orbit dynamics.

IAU Newsletter on Astronomy Education   The IAU commission on education puts out newsletters on astronomy education issues. The particular newsletter I have linked is one detailing why astronomy is useful and should be taught in schools.

Imagine the Universe   An interactive site designed primarily for students ages 14 and older.

Starchild   An interactive learning site designed primarily for lower elementary school.

UniverseForum   This is an educational forum for teachers and scientists, produced by Harvard's Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

U.S. Space Camp   Information on locations, times, and program profiles for Space Camp and Aviation Challenge.


Educational Resources on Female Scientists:

4000 Years of Women in Science   A database of biographies of women from all scientific disciplines over the past 4,000 years. Yes, you heard me right!

Women in Astronomy: An Introductory Resource Guide   A great place to get started if you want to do a report on female astronomers.





  Organizations and Publications

American Association of Variable Star Observers   Organization of professional and amateur astronomers interested in observing variable stars.

American Astronomical Society   Professional society of astronomers, primarily from the United States

Astronomical Society of the Pacific   Astronomical organization with an emphasis on astronomy education.

Astronomy Magazine   An astronomy magazine with popular appeal.

International Astronomical Union   International organization of astronomers and the organization that oversees the naming of astronomical objects.

International Dark-Sky Association   Devoted to awareness, prevention, and reduction of light pollution.

Sky & Telescope   The premier magazine of amateur astronomy, also a favorite of professional astronomers.





 For Planetary Science

Deep Impact  Better than the movie! This is a NASA mission designed to excavate a crater on a comet! I'm excited about this one because I'm contributing to it.

Division for Planetary Sciences   Professional organization for Solar System researchers.





 For Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy

Astronomy Smackerels   These are pages written by a friend and fellow astronomer. This is currently a work in progress, so check back for updates.

Thanks go to Bryan and Jana Brown for the animated planet gif!

  University of Maryland Astronomy Department

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