Astronomy Links

Our science this year will include astronomy.  Nice, because it was a particular interest of mine (although my mathematical skills fell short when it came to advanced work).  The girls have an interest as well, in part because we have a telescope (similar to this, but without the computer assist):



Unfortunately we lack the space to be able to keep it up and available, but we do set it up and drag it outside from time to time.

While inside, where it is warm, we can look at a couple of interesting web sites. First, a site for tracking satellites. My brother sent me this link when he knew SkyLab was going overhead. We could not see it because of our location, but I find the link fascinating. I usually click the "Satellite" setting on the Google map, and tracking the orbit also becomes a geography and geology lesson.

 Next is NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day.  They are not all masterpieces, but they are informative, and link to tons of information about the subject in question - for instance, the International Space Station.