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Astronomical Information
Astronomical Societies
Astronomy Information
Observatory Information

Astronomy Picture of the day from NASA

Picture of the day archive

"The surface of the Earth is the shore of the cosmic ocean. On this shore we've learned most of what we know. Recently, we've waded a little way out, maybe ankle-deep, and the water seems inviting. Some part of our being knows this is where we came from. We long to return. And we can't, because the cosmos is also within us. We're "made" of star stuff. We are a way that the cosmos can know itself. The journey for each of us begins here. We're going to explore the cosmos in a ship of the imagination, unfettered by ordinary limits on speed and size, drawn by the music of cosmic harmonies. It can take us anywhere in space and time. Perfect as a snowflake, organic as a dandelion seed, it will carry us to worlds of dreams and worlds of facts. Come with me."

-- Carl Sagan

There are more than three thousand spacecraft orbiting Earth including Communication (TV, pager, and Cell Phone for example), GPS, and weather satellites. The most noticeable is the large Hubble Space Telescope which circles the earth every 97 minutes. A thousand or more satellites can be seen with low power optical instruments such as binoculars, and some orbiters can bee seen without any optics such as the Hubble. If you're able to find a dark area away from light sources, some 3000 stars can be seen with the naked eye. The Earth is constantly bombarded with a stream of accelerated particles arriving not only from the Sun, but also from interstellar and galactic sources. Study of these energetic particles will contribute to our understanding of the formation and evolution of the solar system as well as the astrophysical processes involved.

Events

Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams

The Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams (CBAT) operates at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (specifically under the SAO umbrella), under the auspices of Commission 6 of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and is a nonprofit organization, with principal funding coming from subscriptions to the various services offered by the Bureau.

The CBAT is responsible for the dissemination of information on transient astronomical events and various IAU news including the announcement of designations and names of various celestial objects -- via the IAU Circulars (IAUCs), a series of postcard-sized announcements issued at irregular intervals as necessary in both printed and electronic form, and (as of 2002 Dec. 20) often now also via the electronic-only Central Bureau Electronic Telegrams (CBETs). The CBAT is the official worldwide clearinghouse for new discoveries of comets, solar-system satellites, novae, supernovae, and other transient astronomical events. The first Central Bureau was formally created in the 1880s in Kiel, Germany, remaining there until World War I when it was moved to the Copenhagen Observatory (Denmark), where it remained until the end of 1964; the IAU (formed in 1919) adopted the Copenhagen Observatory's Central Bureau as its official Bureau Central des Télégrammes Astronomiques in 1922. On 1965 Jan. 1, the CBAT moved from Copenhagen to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where the Harvard College Observatory had been acting as the western hemisphere's astronomy information center also since 1883.
Space Calendar

The Space Calendar covers space-related activities and anniversaries for the coming year.


Strange New Planet Baffles Astronomers, HAT-P-1

Hungarian Automated Telescope

A compact observatory that operates without human intervention. Development of HAT was initiated by Bohdan Paczynski in 2001, with the original goal monitoring the sky for bright variables. We started searching for planetary transits in 2003. Since then the project expanded to what we call HATNet: a network of HAT telescopes that are installed to two sites on the globe: the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (FLWO) in Arizona and the Submillimeter Array of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) atop Mauna Kea, Hawaii. This expansion was very much promoted by the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA), the host institution of the PI, Gaspar Bakos. We were also helped out by the decommissioned ROTSE-I project by using their lenses and CCDs. Currently the project is funded by the NASA TPF project.

There are six HAT wide field instruments altogether; 4 at FLWO (called HAT-5,6,7,10) and 2 at Mauna Kea (called HAT-8 and HAT-9). We also installed a bigger, follow-up instrument called TopHAT to FLWO.

The Hatnet page is updated often.

Universe Today

1997 XF₁₁ From NASA On October 26, 2028, the Astroid "1997 XF₁₁"> will come very close to earth. This site has detailed maps and the latest information.

The Pluto Controversy or Scientists vs Linguists

Pluto is a planet, has always been a planet, and will always be a planet, as long as we continue to call it a planet. Usage of words drives the definitions found in dictionaries. The AIU tried to describe, explain, and demote Pluto objectively, however they cannot change the meaning of words. As long as we as people think of Pluto as a planet, Pluto will always be defined as a planet.

If any change is needed, it might be correct to call Pluto and Charon a double planet, because both Pluto and Charon orbit around a barycenter between the two.

Editor - Is Mercury next? It doesn't clear its neighborhood as required by the AIU to be a planet, nor does it have any moons, and only about twice the size of Pluto. And then, Earth isn't that big either!

Tools

HM Nautical Almanac Office, Websurf

Includes a sunrise and sunset time calculator, equinox and solstice dates, visibility predictions for the new crescent Moon, maps of forthcoming eclipses and information on UK public holidays.

NASA Astrophysics Data System

The Astrophysics Data System (ADS) is a NASA-funded project which maintains three bibliographic databases containing more than 4.6 million records: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Physics, and ArXiv e-prints.

US Naval Observatory, Astronomical Applications Department

Sun and Moon rise and set times, Moon phases, eclipses, seasons, positions of solar system objects, and other data.

Space Weather

News and information about meteor showers, solar flares, auroras, and near-Earth asteroids.

Astronomical Glossary

Asteroid, Comet & Planet Information

Planets
Name	Astronomical Symbol	Mean Distance From the sun		Period of Revolution In Days Or Years	Equatorial Diameter In Miles
		Astronomical Units	million miles
Mercury		0.387	36.0	87.97 d.	3,032
Venus		0.723	67.2	224.70 d.	7,523
Earth		1.000	92.9	365.26 d.	7,928
Mars		1.524	141.5	686.98 d.	4,218
Jupiter		5.203	483.4	11.86 y.	88,900
Saturn		9.522	884.6	29.46 y.	74,900
Uranus		19.201	1783.8	84.01 y.	31,800
Neptune		30.074	2793.9	164.79 y.	30,800
Pluto		39.725	3690.5	247.69 y.	1,400

The Planetary Society
Asteroids and Comets
Earth
  The Moon
Jupiter
  Jupiter's Moons
Mars
  Mars' Moons Phobos Diemos
Mercury
Neptune
  Neptune's Moons
Pluto
Saturn
  Saturn's Moons
Trans-Neptunian Objects
Uranus
  Uranus' Moons
Venus
Xena, 2003UB313 the 10^th Planet

Kid Sites

European Space Agency Kids Highlights

StarChild: A Learning Center for Young Astronomers

Planetary Society Activities for Kids

Teen and Young Adult Sites

Imagine the Universe!
News and events from NASA.

Night Sky Network

The Night Sky Network is a nationwide coalition of amateur astronomy clubs bringing the science, technology, and inspiration of NASA's missions to the general public. Includes a club locater.

Space Missions - Past, Present and Future

This list contains missions probing or orbiting the moon and beyond.

2001 Mars Odyssey Launched April 7, 2001, and arrived at Mars on October 24, 2001

Odyssey's primary science mission took place February 2002 through August 2004, and the orbiter began its extended mission on August 24, 2004. For the first time, the mission mapped the amount and distribution of chemical elements and minerals that make up the martian surface. The spacecraft globally mapped many elements, and the maps of hydrogen distribution led scientists to discover vast amounts of water ice in the polar regions burried just beneath the surface. Odyssey recorded the radiation environment in low Mars orbit to determine the radiation-related risk to any future human explorers who may one day go to Mars.

Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) Launched on 25 August 1997.

The primary purpose of ACE is to determine and compare the isotopic and elemental composition of several distinct samples of matter, including the solar corona, the interplanetary medium, the local interstellar medium, and Galactic matter.

The Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft carrying six high-resolution sensors and three monitoring instruments samples low-energy particles of solar origin and high-energy galactic particles with a collecting power 10 to 1000 times greater than past or planned experiments. The spacecraft is 1.6 meters across and 1 meter high, not including the four solar arrays and the magnetometer booms attached to two of the solar panels. The mission was on a McDonnell-Douglas Delta II 7920 launch vehicle and launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

BepiColombo

ESA's Cornerstone mission to Mercury, it will endure extreme temperatures to bring us new images and data about composition and history of the least explored planet in the inner Solar System. Europe's space scientists have identified it as one of the most challenging long-term planetary projects. Why? Mercury's orbit is so close to the Sun that it makes the planet difficult for a spacecraft to reach and difficult to observe from a distance. Scientists want to study Mercury because of the valuable clues about understanding how planets form.

Only one probe has visited Mercury so far, NASA's Mariner 10. It flew past three times in 1974-5 and returned the only close-up images of the planet. Once BepiColombo arrives, it will help reveal information on the composition and history of Mercury, and the history and formation of the inner planets in general, including Earth.

BepiColombio as of January 2006 was scheduled to launch in April 2012.

Cassini-Huygens Launched 15 October 1997 at 4:43am EDT, entered orbit around Saturn on June 30, 2004.

Picture of Cassini

Mission to Saturn and its moon Titan. The first launch attempt 13 October 1997, was scrubbed due to upper atmosphere winds.

With Saturn's stunning rings and dozens of moons, Saturn is an intriguing planet. The giant planet has a huge magnetosphere and a stormy atmosphere with winds clocked at about 1,800 kilometers per hour (1,118 mph) near the equator. These super-fast winds, combined with heat rising from within the planet's interior, cause the yellow and gold bands in its atmosphere.

Saturn, like Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune, is a gas giant. Saturn is about 75% hydrogen and 25% helium, with a specific gravity of 0.7 (it is lighter than Water).

Cassini-Huygens is an international collaboration between three space agencies. Seventeen nations contributed to building the spacecraft. The Cassini orbiter was built and managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The Huygens probe was built by the European Space Agency. The Italian Space agency provided Cassini's high-gain communication antenna. More than 250 scientists worldwide are studying the data streaming back from Saturn on a daily basis.

Four NASA spacecraft have been sent to explore Saturn. Pioneer 11 was first to fly past Saturn in 1979. Voyager 1 flew past a year later, followed by its twin, Voyager 2, in 1981.

The Cassini spacecraft is the first to explore the Saturn system of rings and moons from orbit. Cassini entered orbit on Jun. 30, 2004 and immediately began sending back intriguing images and data. The European Space Agency's Huygens Probe dove into Titan's thick atmosphere in January 2005. The sophisticated instruments on both spacecraft are providing scientists with vital data and the best views ever of this mysterious, vast region of our solar system.

Saturn's 47 or so moons are equally mysterious, especially Titan because of its atmosphere.

These three views of Titan from the Cassini spacecraft illustrate how different the same place can look in different wavelengths of light. Cassini's cameras have numerous filters that reveal features above and beneath the shroud of Titan's atmosphere.

The first image, a natural color composite, is a combination of images taken through three filters that are sensitive to red, green and violet light. It shows approximately what Titan would look like to the human eye: a hazy orange globe surrounded by a tenuous, bluish haze. The orange color is due to the hydrocarbon particles which make up Titan's atmospheric haze. This obscuring haze was particularly frustrating for planetary scientists following the NASA Voyager mission encounters in 1980-81. Fortunately, Cassini is able to pierce Titan's veil at infrared wavelengths.

The second, monochrome view shows what Titan looks like at 938 nanometers, a near-infrared wavelength that allows Cassini to see through the hazy atmosphere and down to the surface. The view was created by combining three separate images taken with this filter, in order to improve the visibility of surface features. The variations in brightness on the surface are real differences in the reflectivity of the materials on Titan.

The third view, which is a false-color composite, was created by combining two infrared images (taken at 938 and 889 nanometers) with a visible light image (taken at 420 nanometers). Green represents areas where Cassini is able to see down to the surface. Red represents areas high in Titan's stratosphere where atmospheric methane is absorbing sunlight. Blue along the moon's outer edge represents visible violet wavelengths at which the upper atmosphere and detached hazes are better seen.

Bigger than the planets Mercury and Pluto, Titan is of particular interest to scientists because it is one of the few moons in our solar system with its own atmosphere. The moon is cloaked in a thick, smog-like haze that scientists believe may be very similar to Earth's before life began billions of years ago. Further study of this moon promises to reveal much about planetary formation and, perhaps, about the early days of Earth as well.   Cassini Orbiter Instruments

Corot Launch Date: June 2006

From the ground, the only planets detected around other stars have been giant gaseous worlds (Jupiter-like planets), over 10 times the diameter of the Earth. Not affected by the distorting effects of the atmosphere, Corot will be the first spacecraft capable of finding worlds made of rocks.

Such rocky worlds are smaller than the gas giants but several times larger than the Earth, itself the biggest rocky planet in the Solar System. Such planets would represent a new, as yet undiscovered, class of world that astronomers believe exists. With Corot, astronomers expect to find between 10-40 of them, together with tens of new gas giants.

The Eddington mission will develop the techniques that Corot will pioneer. It will be a larger telescope, in a more distant orbit, capable of detecting worlds down to half the size of Earth, and it will search for planets around more than 500 000 stars.

ESA then plans to continue its search for Earth-like worlds into the second decade of the century with the launch of the Darwin mission. This flotilla of eight spacecraft will take pictures of Earth-like worlds, allowing scientists to search for signs of life.

Eddington Status as of 14 December 2005: Cancelled.

In 2008, ESA plans to launch its 'rocky planet' finder Eddington. By detecting the drop in light seen when a world passes in front of its parent star, Eddington will be capable of discovering planets the size of Jupiter, and also those smaller than Mars.

That means, if our own Solar System is anything to go by, it will be capable of detecting moons similar in size to Titan and the four large moons of Jupiter.

It would be particularly exciting if such combinations of planets and moons were found orbiting a star at Earth's distance from the Sun.

NASA's Explorer Missions, Listing of Explorer Missions and Experiments

From the days of the early explorers like Christopher Columbus and Magellan, there has always been an inherent desire in humanity to explore its surroundings. From the exploits of those early knowledge seekers, many incredible discoveries were made. So it was fitting and understandable that the first spacecraft launched by the Army Ballistic Missile Agency on January 31, 1958, was named "Explorer".

Since the first mission, more than 70 U.S. and cooperative international scientific space missions have been part of the much celebrated Explorer program. Explorer satellites have made impressive discoveries: Earth's magnetosphere and the shape of its gravity field; the solar wind; properties of micrometeoroids raining down on the earth; much about ultraviolet, cosmic, and X-rays from the solar system and universe beyond; ionospheric physics; solar plasma; energetic particles; and atmospheric physics. These missions have also investigated air density, radio astronomy, geodesy, and gamma ray astronomy. Some Explorer spacecraft have even traveled to other planets, and some have monitored the Sun.

The mission of the Explorer program is to provide frequent flight opportunities for scientific investigations from space. The Explorer program enables the definition, development and implementation of mission concepts through a variety of modes to meet the need of the scientific community and the NASA space science enterprise.

The Explorer Program Office at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD, provides management of the multiple scientific exploration missions in the Explorer space flight program. The missions are characterized by relatively moderate cost, and by small to medium sized missions that are capable of being built, tested and launched in a short time interval compared to the large observatories.

Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Launched in 1990.

Hubble is located about 600 km (375 miles) above the surface of the Earth. Hubble was named after Edwin Hubble, (1889-1953). In what is now known as Hubble's Law, he was the first to offer observational evidence supporting the theory of an expanding universe.

Hubble is 13.2 meters (43.5 ft.) long and its maximum diameter is 4.2 meters (14 ft.). Hubble completes one orbit around the Earth (crossing over the same longitude line) every 97 minutes. Its estimated speed is 8 km per second (5 miles per second). Hubble's primary mirror is 2.4 m (7 feet 10.5 inches).

Mars Express Launched June 2, 2003.

It left Earth shortly before Earth and Mars make their closest approach to each other for 17 years. The Mars Express was launched, which consisted of a Lander and Orbitor. Mars Express is so called because it will be built more quickly than any other comparable planetary mission. Beagle 2 (the lander) was named after the ship in which Charles Darwin sailed when formulating his ideas about evolution.

The ESA ground station is in New Norcia, near Perth, Australia. Planned operational duration: One Martian year (687 Earth days) is funded. The spacecraft is designed for a further Martian year's operation.

The Mars Express Orbiter will:

• image the entire surface at high resolution (10 metres/pixel) and selected areas at super resolution (2 metres/pixel);

• produce a map of the mineral composition of the surface at 100 metre resolution;

• map the composition of the atmosphere and determine its global circulation;

• determine the structure of the sub-surface to a depth of a few kilometres;

• determine the effect of the atmosphere on the surface;

• determine the interaction of the atmosphere with the solar wind.

The Beagle 2 Lander was planned to:

• determine the geology and the mineral and chemical composition of the landing site;

• search for life signatures (exobiology);

• study the weather and climate on Mars.

The orbiter successfully entered Martian orbit on 25 December 2003. First it went into a highly elliptical capture orbit from which it moved into its operational near polar orbit later in January 2004.

Beagle 2 was planned to descend to the surface, entering the atmosphere at more than 20,000 kilometres per hour. A heat-resistant shield would have protected it as friction with the upper atmosphere slowed it down. When its speed had fallen to about 1600 kilometres per hour, a parachute would have deployed to slow it further. Finally, large gas-filled bags inflate to protect it as it bounced to a halt on the chosen landing site. As soon as the lander came to a halt, the gas bags would have been jettisoned, its clam-like outer casing sprung open, its solar panels unfurled, the robotic arm deployed and its cameras started to take in the view. Unfortunately, the Beagle 2 lander was declared lost after it failed to make contact with orbiting spacecraft and Earth-based radio telescopes.

Data collected by the orbiter instruments is transmitted to an ESA ground station at New Norcia near Perth, Australia, at a rate of up to 230 kbps. Between 0.5 and 5 Gbits of scientific data is downlinked from the spacecraft to Earth every day. From Perth they are sent on to the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, which adds spacecraft attitude and orbital data, and then retransmits the data to the instrument Principal Investigators (PI) for further processing and analysis. After about six months, the processed data will be sent to the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in the Netherlands for placing in a publicly available Mars Express science data archive.

Mars Express cost approximately 300 million Euros. This includes the launch, the spacecraft, the scientific payload (including the lander) and operations.

Mars Global Surveyor Launched November 7, 1996, arrived at Mars on September 12, 1997.

After a year and a half trimming its orbit from a looping ellipse to a circular track around the planet, the spacecraft began its prime mapping mission in March 1999. It has observed the planet from a low-altitude, nearly polar orbit over the course of one complete Martian year, the equivalent of nearly two Earth years. Mars Global Surveyor recently completed its primary mission on January 31, 2001, and is now in an extended mission phase.

NASA's Mars Global Surveyor orbiter is the oldest Mars spacecraft currently in operation, and it has been studying the red planet for nearly a decade. Mars Global Surveyor was the first successful U.S. mission launched to Mars since the Viking mission in 1976. After a 20-year absence at the planet, Mars Global Surveyor ushered in a new era of Mars exploration.

New Horizons Launch: January 2006, it should arrive at Pluto in 2015.

New Horizons' closest approach to Jupiter occurred at 12:43 a.m. EST February 28, 2007, when it passed 1.4 million miles from the planet. The studies of Jupiter and its four largest moons began several weeks ago and are scheduled to continue through June 2007.

New Horizons Goal:

Pluto's atmosphere is escaping into space like a comet, but on a planetary scale. Nothing like this exists anywhere else in the solar system. It is thought that the Earth's original hydrogen/helium atmosphere was lost to space this way. By studying Pluto's atmospheric escape, we can learn a great deal about the evolution of Earth's atmosphere. New Horizons will determine Pluto's atmospheric structure and composition and directly measure its escape rate for the first time.

Pluto's moon, Charon, is half the size of Pluto. The pair form a binary-planet, whose gravitational balance point is between the two bodies. Although binary planets are thought to be common in the galaxy, as are binary stars, no spacecraft has yet explored one. New Horizons will be the first mission to a binary object of any type.

Our solar system contains three zones: the inner, rocky planets; the gas giant planets; and the Kuiper Belt. Pluto is the largest body in the icy, "third zone" of our solar system.

Smart-1

Over 30 years after the last Apollo mission visited the Moon in 1972, there is still much that we do not know about our nearest satellite. For example, how was it created? What role did it play in the formation and evolution of Earth? SMART-1 may help to answer these questions.

The main purpose of the SMART-1 mission is to flight-test the new solar-electric propulsion technology, a kind of solar-powered thruster that is ten times more efficient than the usual chemical systems employed when travelling in space. If all goes well, such a system could be providing the propulsion system for future ESA missions into deep space, such as BepiColombo.

However, in the process, the mission will be providing some fascinating science. For example, SMART-1 will be mapping the lunar surface chemical composition more accurately than ever before. Apollo spacecraft carried hand-held cameras to photograph the lunar surface. SMART-1 will be leading the way in the latest imaging techniques. Images taken from many different angles and X-ray and infrared detection work will allow scientists to draw up new three-dimensional models of the Moon's surface.

SMART-1 will be looking at the darker parts of the Moon's south pole for the first time. It will be mapping the so-called Peak of Eternal Light, an eerie mountaintop that is permanently bathed in sunlight, while all around are dark craters never touched by the Sun. These craters are believed to harbour water-ice in the lunar soil. SMART-1 will also help scientists to confirm if ice is present at the lunar poles, where the temperature never rises above -170 Degrees C. Any water on the lunar surface would be very helpful in the creation of permanent bases on the Moon.

SMART-1 is also the first European spacecraft to go to the Moon. It's main objective is to test solar-electric primary propulsion for future deep-space missions.

The engine was finally shutdown on 17 September 2005. From then, the SMART-1 was left in a natural orbit determined by lunar gravity and perturbations caused by gravitational influence of the Earth and Sun. The preliminary orbit propagation done by Flight Dynamics indicated that SMART-1 would its life naturally, through an impact on the Moon's surface in Mid August, 2006. On September 3, 2006 at 05:42 GMT SMART-1 crashed into the moon, as shown in the animated image on the left or above depending on your monitor's resolution.

Stardust Launched 7 February 1999, scheduled return 15 January 2006

The primary goal of Stardust is to collect dust and carbon-based samples during its closest encounter with Comet Wild 2 - pronounced "Vilt 2" after the name of its Swiss discoverer - is a rendezvous scheduled to take place in January 2004, after nearly four years of space travel.

Additionally, the Stardust spacecraft will bring back samples of interstellar dust, including recently discovered dust streaming into our Solar System from the direction of Sagittarius. These materials are believed to consist of ancient pre-solar interstellar grains and nebular that include remnants from the formation of the Solar System. Analysis of such fascinating celestial specks is expected to yield important insights into the evolution of the Sun its planets and possibly even the origin of life itself.

In order to meet up with comet Wild 2, the spacecraft will make three loops around the Sun. On the second loop, its trajectory will intersect the comet. During the meeting, Stardust will perform a variety of tasks including reporting counts of comet particles encountered by the spacecraft with the Dust Flux Monitor, and real-time analyses of the compositions of these particles and volatiles taken by the Comet and Interstellar Dust Analyzer (CIDA). Using a substance called aerogel, Stardust will capture these samples and store them for safe keep on its long journey back to Earth. This silica-based, material has been inserted within the Aerogel Collector Grid, which is similar to a large tennis racket. Not until January 2006, will Stardust and its precise cargo return by parachuting a reentry capsule weighing approximately 125 pounds to the Earth's surface.

Stardust is the fourth NASA Discovery mission to be chosen and follows on the heels of Mars Pathfinder, the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) mission, and the Lunar Prospector mission. The Discovery Program, is an ongoing program that is intended to offer the scientific community opportunities to accomplish frequent, high quality scientificinvestigations using innovative and efficient management approaches. It seeks to keep performance high and expenses low by using new technologies and strict cost caps.

The Stardust capsule was visible from parts of Nevada and Utah when it returned on January 15, 2006.

See also Stardust@Home

Rosetta

ESA's Rosetta spacecraft will be the first to undertake the long-term exploration of a comet at close quarters. It comprises a large orbiter, which is designed to operate for a decade at large distances from the Sun, and a small lander. Each of these carries a large complement of scientific experiments designed to complete the most detailed study of a comet ever attempted. After entering orbit around Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in 2014, the spacecraft will release a small lander onto the icy nucleus, then spend the next two years orbiting the comet as it heads towards the Sun. On the way to Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko, Rosetta will receive gravity assists from Earth and Mars, and fly past main belt asteroids.

The main spacecraft, the orbiter, has dimensions of 2.8 x 2.1 x 2.0 meters, on which all subsystems and payload equipment are mounted.

The Rosetta orbiter has eleven scientific instruments:

• ALICE Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer
• CONSERT Comet Nucleus Sounding
• COSIMA Cometary Secondary Ion Mass Analyser
• GIADA Grain Impact Analyser and Dust Accumulator
• MIDAS Micro-Imaging Analysis System
• MIRO Microwave Instrument for the Rosetta Orbiter
• OSIRIS Rosetta Orbiter Imaging System
• ROSINA Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis
• RPC Rosetta Plasma Consortium
• RSI Radio Science Investigation
• VIRTIS Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer

The Rosetta lander has nine scientific instruments:

• APXS Alpha Proton X-ray Spectrometer
• ÇIVA / ROLIS Rosetta Lander Imaging System
• CONSERT Comet Nucleus Sounding
• COSAC Cometary Sampling and Composition experiment
• MODULUS PTOLEMY Evolved Gas Analyser
• MUPUS Multi-Purpose Sensor for Surface and Subsurface Science
• ROMAP RoLand Magnetometer and Plasma Monitor
• SD2 Sample and Distribution Device
• SESAME Surface Electrical and Acoustic Monitoring Experiment, Dust Impact Monitor

Rosetta was launched as flight 158 on 2 March 2004 by an Ariane-5G rocket from Kourou, French Guiana. Rosetta's journey takes it out to 5.25 AU (about 790 million kilometres from the Sun). The journey to Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko lasts 10 years.
First Earth fly-by (November 2005)
Mars fly-by (February 2007)
Second Earth fly-by (November 2007)
Third Earth fly-by (November 2009)
Deep-space hibernation (May 2011 - January 2014)

During its journey, Rosetta will fly-by one or more asteroids.

Comet approach (January-May 2014)
Comet mapping / Characterisation (August 2014)
Landing on the comet (November 2014)
Escorting the comet around the Sun (November 2014 - December 2015)

The orbiter continues to orbit Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, observing what happens as the icy nucleus approaches the Sun and then travels away from it. The mission ends in December 2015. Rosetta will once again pass close to Earth's orbit, more than 4000 days after its adventure began.

Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko has a nucleus about 4 kilometres wide. It orbits aroud the Sun every 6.6 years, between 186 million kilometres and 857 million kilometres from the Sun. It was discovered in 1969 by K. Churyumov (University of Kiev, Ukraine) and S. Gerasimenko (Institute of Astrophysics Dushanbe, Tajikistan).


EAS SMART-1

SMART-1 is the first of ESA's 'Small Missions for Advanced Research in Technology'. It is heading for the Moon using revolutionary propulsion techniques and carry a battery of miniaturised instruments. As well as testing new technology, SMART-1 will make the first comprehensive inventory of key chemical elements in the lunar surface. It will also investigate the theory that the Moon was formed following the violent collision of a smaller planet with Earth, four and a half thousand million years ago.

Solar & Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) Launched 2 December 1995

Designed to study the internal structure of the Sun, its extensive outer atmosphere and the origin of the solar wind, the stream of highly ionized gas that blows continuously outward through the Solar System.

The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) is helping us understand the interactions between the Sun and the Earth's environment better than has been possible to date. Its legacy may enable scientists to solve some of the most perplexing riddles about the Sun, including the heating of the solar corona, the acceleration of the solar wind, and the physical conditions of the solar interior. It will give solar physicists their first long term, uninterrupted view of the mysterious star that we call the Sun.

The SOHO project is being carried out by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a cooperative effort between the two agencies in the framework of the Solar Terrestrial Science Program (STSP) comprising SOHO and CLUSTER, and the International Solar-Terrestrial Physics Program (ISTP), with Geotail (ISAS-Japan), Wind, and Polar.

The SOHO spacecraft was built in Europe by an industry team led by Matra, and instruments were provided by European and American scientists. There are nine European Principal Investigators (PI's) and three American ones. Large engineering teams and more than 200 co-investigators from many institutions supported the PI's in the development of the instruments and in the preparation of their operations and data analysis. NASA was responsible for the launch and is now responsible for mission operations. Large radio dishes around the world which form NASA's Deep Space Network are used to track the spacecraft beyond the Earth's orbit. Mission control is based at Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.

Soyuz, Russian Soyuz TMA Spacecraft

A Soyuz space capsule took the first crew to the International Space Station in November 2000. Since that time, at least one Soyuz has always been at the Station, generally to serve as a lifeboat should the crew have to return to Earth unexpectedly. After the Columbia accident in February 2003, the Soyuz TMA became the means of transportation for crewmembers going to or returning from the orbiting laboratory.

Spitzer Space Telescope Sitio de Spitzer en Español

NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope is a space-based infrared observatory, part of NASA's Great Observatories program (which also includes Hubble, Chandra, and Compton). This is the mission's official homepage, including mission information, pictures, news, features, and more. The website is maintained by the Spitzer Science Center, located on the campus of the California Institute of Technology and part of NASA's Infrared Processing and Analysis Center.

Ulysses

Launched: 06 Oct 1990 11:47 UT. Orbit: Heliocentric inclined at 80^o to the ecliptic plane.

After it was Launched, it headed out to Jupiter, arriving in February 1992 for a gravity-assisted manoeuvre that swung the craft into its unique solar polar orbit. Ulysses passed over the Sun's south pole in 1994, and the north pole in 1995. In 2000/2001, Ulysses visited the solar poles for a second time. Its next swing by the Solar poles will be 2006/2007 and 2012/2013, and next fly by Jupiter in 2016 and then a little further away in 2028.

For a time lapse into the future see Ulysses in 3D

Ulysses is equipped with a comprehensive range of scientific instruments. These are able to detect and measure solar wind ions and electrons, magnetic fields, energetic particles, cosmic rays, natural radio and plasma waves, cosmic dust, interstellar neutral gas, solar X-rays and cosmic gamma-ray bursts. This combination of experiments is helping scientists to understand the Sun and its heliosphere. Because Ulysses travels far from the Sun, solar power can't be used to provide electricity to the spacecraft. Instead, a Radio-isotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) is used.

A major milestone for Ulysses was reached on 6 October 2005, namely the 15th anniversary of the launch from Cape Canaveral on board the space shuttle Discovery. After 15 years of operations, and a journey of 7 billion kilometres, the spacecraft and its scientific payload remain in good health.

Venera

16 Soviet Missions to Venus from 1961 to 1983. Vernea 7, sometimes called Venus 7, became the first spacecraft to return data after landing on another planet.

Venus Express Launched on 9 November at 3:33 UT (Soyuz-Fregat from Baikonur, Kazakhstan).

Thanks to a set of state-of-the-art instruments for planetary investigations, Venus Express will dig into the secrets of the Venusian atmosphere.

It will study its complex dynamics and chemistry, and the interactions between the atmosphere and the surface, which will give clues about surface's characteristics. It will also study the interactions between the atmosphere and the interplanetary environment (solar wind) to better understand the evolution of the planet.

Instruments:

• ASPERA (Analyser of Space Plasma and Energetic Atoms)
• MAG (Venus Express Magnetometer)
• PFS (Planetary Fourier Spectrometer)
• SPICAV/SOIR (Ultraviolet and Infrared Atmospheric Spectrometer)
• VeRa (Venus Radio Science Experiment)
• VIRTIS (Ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared Mapping Spectrometer)
• VMC (Venus Monitoring Camera)

Ground stations at Villafranca (15 m), Spain, New Norcia (35 m), Australia, and Kourou (15 m), French Guiana, will be used for communication and orbit determination. At Venus, Cebreros (35 m) near Madrid, Spain. The New Norcia antenna will be used to support the Venus Radio science experiments.

The launcher placed the spacecraft into a transfer orbit to Venus. It will travel through space for 155 days and, once it is captured by Venusian gravity, it will take five days to move into its operational orbit in April 2006.

Venus Express will study our nearest planetary neighbour. It has been built around the design of Mars Express, making it quicker, therefore less expensive, to develop. In particular, Venus Express will study the Venusian atmosphere and clouds in unprecedented detail and accuracy. It is ESA's first spacecraft to visit this planet.

Viking Mission to Mars Mission Ended August 1980

The primary mission objectives were to obtain high resolution images of the Martian surface, characterize the structure and composition of the atmosphere and surface, and search for evidence of life.

Viking 1 was launched on August 20, 1975 and arrived at Mars on June 19, 1976. The first month of orbit was devoted to imaging the surface to find appropriate landing sites for the Viking Landers. On July 20, 1976 the Viking 1 Lander separated from the Orbiter and touched down at Chryse Planitia (22.48 degrees N, 49.97 degrees W planetographic, 1.5 km below the datum (6.1 mbar) elevation).

Viking 2 was launched September 9, 1975 and entered Mars orbit on August 7, 1976. The Viking 2 Lander touched down at Utopia Planitia (47.97 degrees N, 225.74 degrees W, 3 km below the datum elevation) on September 3, 1976. The Orbiters imaged the entire surface of Mars at a resolution of 150 to 300 meters, and selected areas at 8 meters. The lowest periapsis altitude for both Orbiters was 300 km.

The Viking 2 Orbiter was powered down on July 25, 1978 after 706 orbits, and the Viking 1 Orbiter on August 17, 1980, after over 1400 orbits.

Voyager Missions

On the 12th of November 1980, at 3:56 PM PST, the Voyager 1 spacecraft made its closest approach to Saturn in man's first detailed look. One hour and 25 minutes later, the signal with the image arrived at Earth.

Signals are still (as of 2007) being received from Voyager I & II as they both go into deep space.

Organizations, Telescopes and Observatories

ASociación de Astrónomos AFicionados-UCM ( ASAAF-UCM )

Society of Astrophysics students. Travels, amateur projects and introductory lessons. [in Spanish]

Aberdeen and District Astronomical Society ( ADAS )

An organization for astronomy enthusiasts that meet on a regular basis for astronomical observing, talks by guest speakers and visits to observatories and planetaria. They meet at the historic Cromwell Tower Observatory at King's College in Old Aberdeen UK.

Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum

The first planetarium built in the Western Hemisphere.

Located at 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois. Phone 312-922-STAR. También en Español (also in Spanish).

Advanced Modular Incoherent Scatter Radar (AMISR)

A modular, mobile radar facility that will be used by scientists and students from around the world to conduct studies of the upper atmosphere and to observe space weather events. Remote operation and electronic beam steering will let researchers operate and position the radar beam instantaneously to accurately measure rapidly changing space weather events.

Articles, Images, Events, located in Zaragoza, Spain. [in Spanish]

Agrupación Astronómica de Madrid (AAM)

The Agrupación Astronomica de Madrid (AAM) is a cultural association founded in 1974, with two main objectives: study and development of the Astronomy and related sciences at an amateur level, located in Madrid, Spain. [in Spanish]

Aldrich Astronómical Society (AAS)

The official homepage of Aldrich Astronomical Society, a club founded in 1932 which is active in the central Massachusetts area.

Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton (AAAP)

Home Page for the Amateur Astronomers' Association of Princeton (New Jersey). Includes information about club activities, program schedule, and special events.

Amateur Astronomers Association (AAA)

The Amateur Astronomers Association is the regional society for astronomy in the New York cosmopolitan area. It operates a wide range of public and inhouse educational programs in astronomy. These include lectures, seminars, classes, and starviewing. Sessions are held at the Association's offices are at other venues, like parks, in and around New York. The Association is the City's advocate for astronomy before social and cultural matters, development hearings, community discussions, and science & nature projects of other organizations.Membership in the AAA, $20 per annum, includes monthly newsletter EYEPIECE. It enables receipt of a member's discount subscriptions to Sky & Telescope and Astronomy magazines. Address: 1010 Park Avenue, New York NY 10028. Phone 212-535-2922.

Amateur Astronomers, Inc. Cranford, New Jersey (AAI)

Oldest amateur astronomy club in NJ. Sperry Observatory, Cranford NJ: 24-inch reflector, 10-inch refractor. Lectures, seminars, talks, demos, tutorials. CCD and H-alpha imaging. Eclipse chasing.

Amateur Observers' Society of New York

Established in 1965 and was created in order to bring together astronomy enthusiasts and people of all ages.

Amateurs Astronomes du Luxembourg (AAL)

AAL is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of astronomy. The site contains basic information on the activities of the organization and links to various resources of interest to amateur-astronomers.

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

The Editor of Science.

American Association of Amateur Astronomers (AAAA)

The American Association of Amateur Astronomers. welcomes all individuals interested in astronomy of any level of expertise, from novice to nationally recognized expert. Interests range from observing and astrophotography to CCD imaging and armchair astronomy.

American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)

AAVSO (American Association of Variable Star Observers) is the world's largest variable star organization; serving amateur and professional astronomers since 1911.

American Astronomical Society - Division of Dynamical Astronomy (DDA)

The object of the American Astronomical Society Division on Dynamical Astronomy is the advancement of all aspects of dynamical astronomy, including celestial mechanics, solar system dynamics, stellar dynamics, the dynamics of the interstellar medium and galactic dynamics, and coordination of such research with other branches of science.

American Astronomical Society (AAS)

Contains information on the Society, meeting schedules, meeting abstracts (in HTML), staff directory, the AAS Job Register

American Geophysical Union (AGU)

American Geophysical Union is an international scientific society with more than 32,000 members in over 115 countries. For over 75 years, AGU researchers, teachers, and science administrators have dedicated themselves to advancing the understanding of Earth and its environment in space and making the results available to the public

American Institute of Physics (AIP)

The American Institute of Physics (AIP) is a not-for-profit membership corporation chartered in New York State in 1931 for the purpose of promoting the advancement and diffusion of the knowledge of physics and its application to human welfare.

American Meteor Society (AMS)

The American Meteor Society is a non-profit organization devoted to the observation of meteoric phenomena, the analysis and publication of results, and promoting cooperation in meteor science.

American Physical Society (APS)

On-line information includes the APS E-Print Archive Forum.

Ames Area Amateur Astronomers (AAAA)

The Ames Area Amateur Astronomers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational and scientific organization.

Apache Point Observatory

The observatory consists of The Astrophysical Research Consortium's 3.5-meter telescope, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey 2.5-m telescope with a 20" photometric telescope, and New Mexico State University's 1.0-m telescope. Access to the telescopes and buildings is restricted but the public is welcome to stroll the grounds. Located at 2001 Apache Point Road, P.O. Box 59, Sunspot, NM.

Arcetri Observatory [ English ]
Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri [ Italiano ]

The Arcetri Observatory, or Osservatorio di Arcetri is located in Arcetri, formerly a village near the city of Florence (Firenze) Italy. Tel: +39 055 2752 1, Fax +39 055 220039.

Arkansas Tech University Celestial Observatory

The Celestial Observatory features a 16-inch reflecting telescope. It can be utilized in an f/16 Cassegrain or f/4 Newtonian configuration.

Arkansas/Oklahoma Astronomical Society (AOAS)

The Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Society is a registered not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising the public's awareness about the science of astronomy and to increasing the application of astronomical science in education. The AOAS primary focus is the region around in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Armagh Observatory

The Armagh Observatory is a modern astronomical research institute with a rich heritage. Founded in 1790 by Archbishop Richard Robinson, the Observatory is one of the UK and Ireland's leading scientific research establishments. Around 25 astronomers are actively studying Stellar Astrophysics, the Sun, Solar System astronomy, and the Earth's climate. Located in College Hill, Armagh BT61 9DG, Northern Ireland Telephone: +44 (0)28 3752 2928, FAX +44 (0)28 3752 7174.

Armagh Planetarium

An astronomical resource for educators and Planetarium workers which contains images obtained through the telescopes and a variety of other material.

Armenian Astronomical Society (ArAS)

Asociación Colombiana de Estudios Astronómicos (ACDA)

ACDA is a non profit amateur association devoted to the research and popularization of Astronomy in Colombia. [in Spanish]

ASociación de Astronomos AFicionados de la Univ. Complutense de Madrid ( ASAAF-UCM )

Society of students of Astrophysics. Travels, amateur projects and introdution lessons. [in Spanish]

Asociación Valenciana de Astronomía (AVA)

Astronomical amateur society founded in 1972, in Valencia (Spain). [in Spanish].

Association des Astronomes Amateurs de l'Abitibi-Temiscamingue (AAAAT)

This is an amateur organization located in the western part of the Province of Quebec, Canada, far away from major centers. [in French]

Association Francaise d'Astronomie (AFA)

The Association Française d'Astronomie (AFA) publishes monthly "Ciel & Espace".

Association Nouvelle pour la Diffusion et la Recherche á l'Observatoire de Marseille Et le Développement des Expositions ( ANDROMEDE )

Association ANDROMEDE, Observatoire de Marseille [in French].

Association of Falkirk Astronomers (AFA)

Astronomy society active in central Scotland.

Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers (ALPO)

An educational organization that instucts observers in proper technique, collects amateur observations and promulgates them to the professional community.

Associazione Friulana di Astronomia e Meteorologia (AFAM)

AFAM is an Italian amateur astronomical society in 1970, and devoted to the popularization of astronomy and amatorial research. The activity is conducted in its observatory, located in Remanzacco (about 150Km E-NE of Venice). Main fields of interest are: Solar System radioastronomy (Sun, meteors, Jupiter), and photometry of cataclismic variables. AFAM is deeply involved with professional and amateur astronomers conducting international studies in selected topics.

Portal for amateur astronomy in Italy [in Italian].

Astrological Lodge of London

The Astrological Lodge of London is an Educational Charity whose aim is the study of astrology in all its branches. Founded in 1915 by Alan Leo for the study of astrology,the Astrological Lodge of London provides a weekly focus for a dynamic and lively community of astrologers.

Astronomia Autodidacta (Colombia)

Astronomy resourses for beginners and amateurs in Spanish

Astronomical League

The goal of The Astronomical League is to encourage an interest in astronomy (and especially amateur astronomy) throughout America. This is done through educational and observational programs for the amateur astronomer.
The Astronomical League is composed of over two hundred local amateur astronomical societies from all across the United States. These organizations, along with the Members-at-Large, Patrons, and Supporting members form one of the largest amateur astronomical organizations in the world.

Astronomical Association of Northern California, AANC


Astronomical Information

From the Australian Goverment, Geoscience Australia is the national agency for geoscience research and geospatial information. It is located within the Industry, Tourism and Resources portfolio. At this site: Sunrise, Sunset & Twilight Times; Moonrise & Moonset times; Sun and Moon Azimuth & Elevation, Help with Astronomic Computations, Browse Moon phase data, Browse Planet data for major Australian cities, Definitions of Astronomical Events, and Geodetic Calculations.

Astronomical Ring for Access to Spectroscopy (ARAS)

ARAS is an informal group of volunteers who aim to promote cooperation between professional and amateur astronomers in the field of spectroscopy. The purpose of ARAS in fostering the participation of amateur astronomers in scientific projects in the field of spectroscopy is not to implement and coordinate observing campaigns. This is the role of astronomy research scientists, laboratories or international consortiums. ARAS will however attempt to consolidate the acquired data into a web database and will ensure that the quality of its data is compatible with scientific processing methods. ARAS was held from 6 to 11 May 2003 by the 8th "Ecole d'Astrophysique d'Oléron, France" and organized by Jean-Pierre Rozelot ("Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur", France), under the aegis of the "Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique" (CNRS). This session essentially focused on the theme "Astrophysics Tools for Cooperation between Amateur and Professional Astronomers", with special emphasis on spectrography. It demonstrated that amateurs can make a useful contribution to observation in a broad range of fields. [also in French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish]

Astronomical Society Ivan Stefek, Kutina, Croatia

Astronomical society dedicated to school astronomy, in Croatia.

Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA)

The Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA) is the society of professional astronomers in Australia. This link points to the ASA Home Page, listing a variety of information on the Society and its activities, including " Instructions to Authors" for its journal and email addresses of members.

Astronomical Society of Edinburgh

The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh (ASE) was founded in 1924 and since 1938 has run the City Observatory at the Calton Hill. Its aims are to advance the education of the public about the science of Astronomy and to promote astronomical research chiefly in Edinburgh and its neighbourhood.
Meetings are held monthly throughout the year and anyone interested in astronomy is eligible for membership.

Astronomical Society of Glasgow (ASG)

The Astronomical Society of Glasgow was founded in 1894 as the West of Scotland Branch of the British Astronomical Society (BAA), and became The Astronomical Society of Glasgow, affiliated to the BAA, in 1954. The Society is also a member of the Scottish Astronomers' Group and the British Association of Planetaria. The Astronomical Society of Glasgow holds monthly lecture meetings between September and April inclusive.
A newsletter is circulated to members nine times a year.

Astronomical Society of India (ASI)

The Astronomical Society of India was established in 1972 and in the past twenty-five years has grown to become the prime association of professional astronomers in India with more than 500 members.
The objective of the society is the promotion of Astronomy and related branches of science in India. The society organises scientific meetings, publishes a quarterly bulletin and supports the popularisation of Astronomy and other similar activities.
The site describes the activities of the Astronomical Society of India, and includes an online membership directory.

Astronomical Society of Nevada (ASN)

The Astronomical Society of Nevada is located at the University of Nevada, Reno Nevada. The Club gathers for dark sky observation at several sites on a regular basis. These gatherings allow members to explore their own interests from galaxies to nebulas and are always open to interested persons

Astronomical Society of New Haven

Gallery, links, newsletter, and a small library of about 100 books relating to various technical, observational and popular aspects of astronomy and astronomy related topics.

Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP)

The A.S.P. is one of the leading organizations in the world in astronomy education. The Society includes professional astronomers, amateur astronomers, educators, and interested laypeople. The site features information about its newsletter for teachers, its popular-level magazine, its workshops and meetings, its non-profit catalog of educational materials, its educational resource lists and publications, and Project ASTRO which joins astronomers and teachers as partners in the classroom.

Astronomie au Quebec

Groupe Astro & CCD. [In french]

Astronomy & Physics Internet Society (APIS)

APiS (Astronomy & Physics Internet Society) is a new type of society/club that, we hope Richard Feynman would have been happy with. This is an open society with the goal of bringing together scientists (amateur/professional/enthusiast) and students interested in astronomy & physics.

Astronomy at Belfort, France

French amateur organization. CCD photos and images processing, Moon, planetary with modified quickcam, Solar eclipse of the 08/11/99, Celestron C8 telescope, Amateur meeting. [Site in English and French]

Astronomy Section, Rochester Academy of Scieces (ASRAS)

Events schedule for the Astronomy Section, Images, links, and a list of current Supernovae.

The Astronomy Cafe

Do you have lots of questions about space that you can't seem to get answers to? Would you like to learn about a career in astronomy, Big Bang cosmology, and many other HOT topics in astronomy? Sit down, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and have a look around!

Astroteam Mariazellerland

Homepage of astronomical club situated in Mariazell, Stmk, Austria.
Instruments : 16" Meade LX200, observation dome 5m in diameter. [also in German]

Auckland Observatory and Stardome Planetarium

Located in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Stardome Observatory is situated on the lower southern slopes of One Tree Hill (or Maungakiekie), one of Auckland's volcanic cones and most prominent natural landmarks. The park includes Maori archaeological sites, playgrounds, BBQ's, walking tracks, and a working farm. It is a public Observatory established in 1967. Now with a new (1997) 11 metre Zeiss planetarium.
Research interests include photometry of binary and variable stars.

Aurora Web Cam (Mt. Aurora, near Fairbanks, Alaska)

AuroraWebCam.com international project. This free site provides the 1^st private worldwide live webcast of auroras in history.

Austin Astronomical Society (AAS)

Austin Astronomical Society (AAS) is a non-profit organization for anyone interested in any aspect of astronomy or the space sciences. A major portion of AAS activities are public education outreach efforts.

Big Bear Solar Observatory

The Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) located in Big Bear Lake, California is operated by the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Our main interest is the physics of the Sun and we observe solar phenomena every day with our dedicated telescopes and instruments. In addition to our own instruments we host two different helioseismology experiments; the TON and the GONG. The Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research at NJIT also studies the Sun in radio wavelengths at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory. The Big Bear Solar Observatory is located at 40386 North Shore Lane, Big Bear City, CA 92314. Phone 909-866-5791, FAX 909-866-4240.

Big Sky Astronomical Society (Alberta, Canada)

The astronomical society for kids, their parents, and teachers. Lots of fun and educational web pages to explore, online projects, Adopt-A-Star, and more! (Vulcan, Alberta, Canada)

Big Sky Astronomy Club - Flathead Valley, Montana (BSAC)

The Big Sky Astronomy Club is a group of dedicated amateur astronomers located in the beautiful Flathead Valley of Northwest Montana. We are committed to sharing the varied interests in, the collective knowledge of and unbridled passion for astronomy with the residents of their fair valley and, to the extent possible, the rest of the "Pale Blue Dot".

Biscayan Astronomical Group (AAV-BAE)

Founded in 1983, the Agrupacion Astronomica Vizcaina - Bizkaiko Astronomi Elkartea is a cultural society of amateur astronomers, covering the territory of Bizkaia and Bilbao (Basque Country). [in Spanish]

Boothe Memorial Astronomoical Society - Stratford, CT (BMAS)

The Boothe Memorial Astronomical Society was formed in 1953 by a group of passionate individuals with a thirst for obtaining knowledge and educating the public in the field of astronomy. The observatory is located at Boothe Memorial Park in Stratford, CT.

Boston Amateur Telescope Makers (ATMoB)

ATMoB is one of North America's oldest and largest astronomy clubs. Monthly meetings are held the 2nd Thursday except in August at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, Massachusetts and feature many distinguished speakers presenting on a wide range of topics. A clubhouse and observatory are maintained in Westford, MA.

Brasilian Astronomical Society (SAB)

Home page of the Sociedade Astronômica Brasileira with information on the Society, meeting schedules, members directory. [in Portuguese]

Bucks-Mont Astronomical Association (BMAA)

Bucks-Mont Astronomical Association is an active astronomy organization of Bucks and Montgomery County colleagues in Pennsylvania. BMAA sponsors Stella-Della-Valley, the annual weekend convention held in October at a dark-sky observing site in upper Bucks County (Ottsville, Pennsylvania, about 40 miles north of PHiladelphia). BMAA numbers about 80 members.

Buehler Columbia Amateur Astronomers Association, Emil Buehler Trust Observatory

From the Bergen Community College in in Paramus, NJ.

The Buehler Trust Observatory is equipped with three 16" Meade LX-200 telescopes. Two are permanently mounted in twin domes atop Bergen Community College's new Technology Education Center. The third telescope is designed for accessibility and is mounted on a mobile tripod.

The telescopes are each equipped with state-of-the-art SBIG XT-8 CCD cameras which will enable the scopes to capture detailed digital imagery. Custom spectrometers have been built for each telescope by Dr. Joseph Sivo of Sivo Scientific Company. The telescopes are also outfitted with astronomical video cameras.

Caltech Astronomy

As a member of the division of the Physics/Math/Astro Division, the primary mission of the department is twofold: the performance of cutting-edge research in astronomy and astrophysics, as well as the education of undergraduate and graduate students who will comprise the scientists and leaders of tomorrow. The department members engage in a wide variety of astronomical research projects, with topics ranging from the nearby stars to the most distant galaxies in the Universe. To help maintain these research efforts, their department supports an interest in several astronomical observatories.

Calumet Astronomical Society

Calumet Astronomical Society is an amateur organization serving Northwest Indiana and the Chicago area.

Carter Observatory

Carter Observatory is located in the majestic Botanical gardens in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand.
The Observatory has a Planetarium, visitor gift shop, lecture theatre, many static displays, plus a range of telescopes, all available to the public.

Canadian Astronomical society (CASCA)

The society is devoted to the promotion and advancement of knowledge of the universe through research and education. Membership is open to persons with a professional involvement with these goals in astronomy and the related sciences. The main activities of the Society are its annual scientific meetings, the planning and realization of scientific projects, the support of the scientific activities of its members, and the dissemination of related information among members and other interested persons.

Cardiff Astronomical Society

Cardiff Astronomical Society, UK, News and Homepage Information on astronomy, telescopes and exhibitions Links to other society pages and astronomy sites in the UK.

Canberra Astronomical Society (CAS)

The Canberra Astronomical Society Inc. (CAS) was established in 1969 to serve the needs of amateur astronomers within the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding regions.

Canberra Observatory, Canberra Space Dome & Observatory

Dedicated to Public Viewing with 4 telescopes:
IK6 Telescope
16&quote; or 41 cm primary mirror and features an unusual swivelling secondary mirror, with two focal lengths at either the Cassegrain or Newtonian focus.
Celestron C14 Telescope 14&quote; or 35cm
Astrophysics 6" Telescope or 15cm
Astrophysics Starfire 7&quote Telescope, or 17.7cm

Carolune Institute for Quality Astronomy (CIQuA)

The CIQuA fellowship program is designed to allow those researchers whose partners are also scientists to remain in the same location as their partner while continuing their research. The institute works through the internet. A non-geographic institute prevents dual-career couples to be stretched over the planet. Its membership is composed of young researchers. Faculty members are associated to the research programs.

Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society (CUAS)

The Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society is devoted to the promotion of astronomy and enjoyment of the night skys.

Chandra X-ray Observatory Center

Chandra X-ray Center, operated for NASA by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, named in honor of the late Indian-American Nobel laureate, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar. Lately, the Lockman Hole data and two other surveys with Chandra and the Hubble Space Telescope have provided a reasonably accurate census of supermassive black holes in the Universe. Astronomers have used this census to study the rate at which these enormous black holes grow by pulling in gas from their surroundings. Located at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA. Phone: 617.496.7941 Fax: 617.495.7356.

Chicago Astronomical Society

Chicago Astronomical Society is the oldest Astronomical Society in the North American Continent, having been established in 1863. Dedicated to the advancement of Astronomy; the society is presently building a small observatory for research near Kankakee, Illinois.

Chicago Astronomy and Astrophysics

At the The University of Chicago, Department of Astonomy and Astrophysics, they work on a wide range of topics at the frontiers of astrophysics: from the newest theories in early-Universe cosmology to the ancient ideas of the Babylonian theory of the planets; from distant thermonuclear flashes to the nearby interstellar medium; from large-scale structure to small-scale star formation.

Located at 5640 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.

Ciel d'Anjou (ACA)

[in French]

Cincinnati Observatory Center

The Cincinnati Observatory Center is the first and oldest observatory in the United States. It has been founded in 1842. It hosts a 12-inch Merz und Mahler refractor and a 16-inch Alvan Clark refractor, each with a beautifully restored tube, mount, and mechanical clock drive.

Clyde Sachtleben Observatory

Located in Hastings College, Hastings Nebraska, Clyde Sachtleben Observatory offers four mid-size telescopes with views of the moon, double stars, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. The observatory houses 14", 10" and two 8" reflecting telescopes.


Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Launch Date: 5 April 1991. Status 4 June 2000: Deorbited

The second of NASA's Great Observatories. Compton, at 17 tons, was the heaviest astrophysical payload ever flown at the time of its launch in April 1991 aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. Compton was safely deorbited and re-entered the Earth's atmosphere in June 2000.

Cotswold Astronomical Society (CAS)

The Cotswold Astronomical Society is a society for amateur astronomers in the Cotswold's of England, centered on Cheltenham and Gloucester.

Croydon Astronomical Society (CAS)

The Croydon Astronomical Society is a registered Charity based in Croydon, South of London (UK). We organise lectures on Astronomy which are open to members & visitors. We have an observatory at Kenley with an 18" Newtonian Telescope which is for the use of members.

Cyprus Astronomical Society

Cyprus Astronomical Society was established in 1990 by a group of professional and amateur astronomers living in Cyprus.

Czech Astronomical Society

Czech Astronomical Society (CAS) is a voluntary association of professional and amateur astronomers and friends of astronomy and related sciences and also corporate members in the Czech Republic. CAS was founded on December 8, 1917 in Prague. [also in Czechoslovak]

Decatur Area Astronomy Club (DAAC)

A club and educational website. Decatur Area Astronomy Club is located in Decatur Illinois. Founded in 2002 as a chance meeting of its founding members, DAAC has grown to about 20 members at present and works with the Macon county Conservation District and Millikin University to promote the science of astronomy to its members and the public at large.

Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers (DVAA)

The Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers (Philadelphia, Pa) is dedicated to encouraging cooperation among amateur astronomers and educating the general public in astronomy. The home page details the club's activities, and includes excerpts from the newsletter.

Delmarva Stargazers (DMSG)

Amateur Astronomy on the Delmarva Peninsula for 7 years. Star Parties and Telescope making. Monthly meetings and club newsletter.

Denmark Astronomical Society

The Astronomical Society in Denmark is the only Danish nationwide society for people interested in Astronomy.

Doane Observatory

The Doane Observatory at the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum is home to the largest aperture telescope available to the public in the Chicagoland area. As such, it is the centerpiece of all telescope observing experiences at the Adler. With its 20-inch (0.5 m) diameter mirror, the Doane can gather over 5000 times more light than an unaided human eye, allowing visitors to see with their own eyes celestial objects like the Moon, planets, stars, and galaxies that are trillions of miles away. (In fact, the Moon can be so bright when viewed through the Doane that we use special filters to reduce the amount of light reaching your eye!) The Doane is located outside of and behind the main Adler building, directly between the main building and the shores of Lake Michigan. The Doane is open to the Adler's visitors for viewing every Far Out Friday and for special observing events such as eclipses, planetary alignments, and comet watches.

Located at 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois. Phone 312-922-STAR.

Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory

They operate the seven-antenna Synthesis Telescope (ST), the 26-meter Telescope, and the 10-cm Solar Flux Monitor. Located at Penticton, BC, Canada.

Dutch Meteor Society (DMS)

The Dutch Meteor Society (DMS) is an amateur group of young people interested in all aspects regarding meteors and related matters. They observe meteors visually, photographically, video and with all-sky cameras.
DMS publishes a bi-monthly magazine called Radiant.

Dutch Society for Meteorology and Astronomy (NVWS : Nederlandse Vereniging voor Weer- en Sterrenkunde )

The society unites nearly 4000 people with an interest in astronomy and/or meteorology and was founded in 1901. Purpose: popularization of astronomy and meteorology. A lot of the members do amateur observations or build telescopes.

The society cooperates in the publishing of the monthly magazine Zenit and the annual almanac Sterrengids.

Each year there are a popular symposium and several amateur meetings. There are regional departments, national working groups on specific subjects and a large society for youth, the Jongerenwerkgroep.

Earth and Space Foundation (ex-2111 Foundation for Exploration)

The Earth and Space Foundation is an international charity that funds scientific exploration that both helps us to understand the Earth's environment and explore the frontier of space.

Earth Observatory from NASA

The purpose of NASA's Earth Observatory is to provide a freely-accessible publication on the Internet where the public can obtain new satellite imagery and scientific information about our home planet. The focus is on Earth's climate and environmental change.

East Sussex Astronomical Society (ESAS)

Our aim is simple, we want people to enjoy Astronomy and feel welcome to join in our activities and meetings. Meetings are held at St Mary's College, Wrestwood Road, Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex, UK.

Eastbay Astronomical Society

The Eastbay Astronomical Society, founded in 1924, is associated with the Chabot Observatory & Science Center in Oakland, California.

Eastside Astronomical Society

Based in the East-Seattle, Washington Metropolitan area, the Eastside stronomical Society is a non-profit, public organization of amateur astronomers, active and retired science professionals, as well as space enthuiasts, all of whom are dedicated to advance and promote the understanding of astronomy within the community and to keep abreast of developing events in space science.

Escambia Amateur Astronomers Association (EAAA)

This site contains educational resources and information for the use of amateur astronomers of all ages.

Euganea Astronomical Association (AAE)

The Associazione Astronomica Euganea is an amateur organization located in the north eastern part of Italy. The primary interest of the association is the divulgation of the Astronomy. [in Italian only]

Eugene Astronomical Society ( Oregon )

The Eugene Astronomical Society in Eugene, Oregon provides access to information about Astronomy, telescopes, meeting information, and members. Also available are links to Web formatted versions of it's newsletter, 'Io'

Euro-Asian Astronomical Society (EAAS)

The Euro-Asian Astronomical Society was created in April 1990.
The Society performs its activities mainly in New Independent States on the territory of the Former Soviet Union and surrounding countries. The main goals of the society are to maintain the development of astronomy and to reinforce scientific contacts between astronomers of the former Soviet Union and their colleagues all over the world.

European Association for Astronomy Education (EAAE)

The purpose of the EAAE is to improve and promote scientific astronomical education all over Europe in schools of all levels and other institutions involved in the teaching of astronomy. [also in French and German]

European Association for Research in Astronomy

EARA is an Associated European Laboratory for promoting research and collaboration at its five member laboratories:

  Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC), Tenerife, Spain
  Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris (IAP), France
  Institute of Astronomy (IoA),
  University of Cambridge, UK
  Sterrewacht Leiden,
  University of Leiden, The Netherlands
  Max-Planck Institut fuer Astrophysik (MPA), Garching, Germany.

European Astronomical Society (EAS)

The European Astronomical Society is an association founded in 1990. The purpose of the society is to contribute to and promote the advancement of astronomy, in its broadest sense, in Europe, by all suitable means and in particular:
a) by providing an independent forum for the discussion of subjects of common interest.
b) by providing means whereby action can be taken on those matters which appear desirable to be handled at the European level.

European Geophysical Society (EGS)

The EGS, founded in 1971, is a dynamic, innovative, and interdisciplinary learned society devoted to the promotion of: the sciences of the Earth and its environment, and of planetary and space sciences; cooperation between scientists.

European Interferometry Initiative (EII)

The mission of the Eur Interferometry Initiative is: 1. Facilitate communications and collaborations between European scientists and institutes working on optical long-baseline interferometry for astronomy 2. To exploit synergy within Europe in order to produce world leading science in the field of optical long-baseline interferometry 3. To work toward integration of education activities on an European scale. Both for professional astronomers through workshop and symposia, and at the graduate level (European Graduate School) 4. To work toward an European vision on the long term future of optical long-baseline interferometry

European Physical Society (EPS)

The European Physical Society is an organization of more than 70 000 European Physicists. Since its foundation in 1968 in Florence, Italy, it has been dedicated to the advancement and diffusion of the knowledge of physics.

European Science Foundation (ESF)

The European Science Foundation acts as a catalyst for the development of science by bringing together leading scientists and research funding agencies to debate, plan and implement pan-European initiatives.

European Southern Observatory (ESO)

The European Southern Observatory is an intergovernmental, European organization for astronomical research. It has eleven member countries. ESO operates astronomical observatories in Chile and has its headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany.

Euroscience

Euroscience was founded in 1997 in order to:

• Offer an open forum for scientists, industrialists and citizens interested in science and technology,
• Strengthen the links between European research and European society,
• Contribute to the creation of an integrated space for science and technology in Europe,
• Influence science and technology policies.

Evansville Astronomical Society ( Indiana )

Meetings are held monthly at the Wahsiedler Observatory in Lynnville Park, Lynnville Indiana. The Observatory houses a 14" SCT and a 12.5" Newtonian Reflector.

Federation of Astronomical and Geophysical Data Analysis Services ( FAGS )

The Federation of Astronomical and Geophysical Data Analysis Services (FAGS) was formed by the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) in 1956 and includes today eleven Permanent Services each operating under the authority of one or more of the intererested Scientific Unions: International Astronomical Union (IAU), International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG), and Union Radiologique Scientifique (URSI). Their tasks are to continuouisly collect observations, information and data related to astronomy, geodesy, geophysics and allied sciences; to analyse, synthesize, and draw conclusions from them; to distribute data; and to publish the results obtained.

Fox Park Public Observatory (FPPO)

The Fox Park Public Observatory is located in Potterville, Michigan.

Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Observatory (OFXB, Switzerland)

The François-Xavier Bagnoud Observatory, located above the village of St-Luc in the Swiss Alps, stands at an altitude of 2200 metres. It is intended not only for the experienced amateur wishing to produce work of a quasi-professional quality, but also for the use of schools and for simple visitors. curious.
Equipped with numerous instruments (60 cm reflecting telescope with CCD camera, 20 cm refracting telescope, coelostat, 16 cm coronagraph) it may be used day or night. [in French]

Fremont Peak Observatory Association (FPOA)

The Fremont Peak Observatory Association is a non-profit corporation associated with the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation. FPOA is one of many state parks cooperative associations. It is unique in the it is the only cooperative association devoted to interpreting astronomy to the public. The FPOA constructed an observatory in the Fremont Peak State Park in San Benito County. It is eleven miles from San Juan Bautista. The main objective of the FPOA is to promote astronomy through public educational and interpretive programs at Fremont Peak State Park.

French Association of Variable Star Observers (AFOEV)

More than 1,800,000 observations with the first recorded observation dating back to 1896. This database also includes observations made by other associations, namely the BAV (Germany), HAA (Hungary), NHK (Japan), NVVW (The Netherlands), Belgian, Norwegian, Swedish, Ukrainian and several astronomical groups in Spain. The observations are suplied free of charge. [also in French]

Future Asteroid Interception Research ( astronomy fund raising )

On-Line Fund-Raising for individuals to contribute to asteroid research projects to assess asteroid or NEO risk from space. Links and News of latest research.

Gemini Observatory

Gemini Observatory: Exploring The Universe From Both Hemispheres. Gemini is an international partnership managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation.

The Gemini Observatory consists of twin 8-meter optical/infrared telescopes located on two of the best sites on our planet for observing the universe. Together these telescopes can access the entire sky.

The Gemini South telescope is located at almost 9,000 foot elevation on a mountain in the Chilean Andes called Cerro Pachón. Cerro Pachón shares resources with the adjacent SOAR Telescope and the nearby telescopes of the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory. The Gemini North Telescope is located on Hawaii's Mauna Kea as part of the international community of observatories that have been built to take advantage of the superb atmospheric conditions on this long dormant volcano that rises almost 14,000' into the dry, stable air of the Pacific. The Gemini Observatory's international headquarters is located in Hilo, Hawaii at the University of Hawaii at Hilo's University Park.

Both of the Gemini telescopes have been designed to take advantage of the latest technology and thermal controls to excel in a wide variety of optical and infrared capabilities. One example of this is the unique Gemini coating chamber that uses "sputtering" technology to apply protected silver coatings on the Gemini mirrors to provide unprecedented infrared performance.

Gemini's aggressive instrument program keeps the observatory at the cutting edge of astronomical research. By incorporating technologies such as laser guide stars, Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics and multi-object spectroscopy, astronomers in the Gemini partnership have access to the latest tools for exploring the universe. For the latest information of Gemini's future instrumentation see: Scientific Horizons at the Gemini Observatory.

Gemini was built and is operated by a partnership of 7 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Australia, Brazil and Argentina. Any astronomer in each partner country can apply for time on Gemini with is allocated in accordance with the amount of financial support provided by each country.

The Gemini telescopes have been integrated with modern networking technologies to allow remote operations from control rooms at the base facilities in Hilo and La Serena Chile. With the flexibility of "Queue Scheduling" and remote participation, researchers anywhere in the Gemini partnership will be assured the best possible match between observation, instrument and observing conditions.

German Astronomical Society - Astronomische Gesellschaft ( AG )

Basic information on the activities and members of this organization of German speaking astronomers.

Giant Magellan Telescope (GNT)

The Giant Magellan Telescope opens the window to fundamental discoveries about the birth of stars and planetary systems, the mysteries of black holes and the genesis of galaxies, with 7 mirrors, each 8.4 meters in diameter.

Global Network of Automatic Telescopes (GNAT)

Home page of the Global Network of Automatic Telescopes including white papers, meeting announcements and other information.

Goddard Space Flight Center

Located in Greenbelt, Maryland, near Washington, DC, it is home to the United States' largest organization of combined scientists and engineers dedicated to learning and sharing their knowledge of the Earth, solar system, and Universe.

The mission of the Goddard Space Flight Center is to expand knowledge of the Earth and its environment, the solar system and the universe through observations from space. To assure that our nation maintains leadership in this endeavor, we are committed to excellence in scientific investigation, in the development and operation of space systems and in the advancement of essential technologies.

Goldendale Observatory Interpretive Center

This facility, run by the Washington State Parks Department, caters to the general public with programs designed to educate the novice as well as the experienced star gazer. They have a number of telescopes including a 24.5 inch that is used in the evenings for public viewing sessions. Located on a hilltop North of Goldendale, Washington

Steve Stout serves as the facility supervisor and is a very knowledgeable amateur astronomer and friend of mine. He gives an interesting talk before each session and keeps the public updated on the latest happenings in the cosmos.

Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association (GRAAA)

Promoting astronomy in the West Michigan area. The GRAAA owns and operates the James C. Veen Observatory.

Grand Strand Skygazers Astronomy Club (Skygazers)

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina-based astronomy club offers meetings, star parties, telescope and binocular education, educational outreach, and photo galleries.

Grasslands Observatory

The Grasslands Observatory is owned by Tim Hunter. It is operated as a partnership with James McGaha, who is the Director of the observatory and is in charge of the observatory's operations. The Grasslands Observatory was started in 1985 when Tim Hunter purchased 20 acres of land at a remote location in Southeastern Arizona approximately an hour's drive from Tucson. The site has no horizon obstructions in any direction and sits on a large grassy plateau surrounded by distant mountains. It is at 5000 feet elevation, and there is only minor light pollution from distant Tucson, Sierra Vista, and Nogales, Arizona (and Sonora, Mexico).

In 1986, through the advice of James McGaha, a 24-inch f/5 equatorial Newtonian (f/20 Cassegrain telescope) was purchased from its builder Jeff Shaffer and installed in a 20 x 20 foot roll-off building. The building was designed by Tim Hunter and James McGaha and built by them under the guidance of Jeff Shaffer. James McGaha coordinated the moving and installation of the telescope in its new facility. In 1995, a separate Control Room was built to facilitate CCD imaging. At that time, the telescope was changed from mainly visual use to electronic imaging.

Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is a non-profit educational institution whose purpose is to provide information on astronomy and related sciences to the public. It is not a research institution, although from time to time it carries out modest research projects.

Groupe Europeen d'Observations Stellaires (GEOS)

Astronomical amateur society founded in 1974. Working in France, Italy, Belgium, Spain and Helvetia. Astronomical interest of variable stars and asteroidal occultation.

Grove Creek Observatory, Australia (GCO)

Grove Creek Observatory in NSW Australia, specializes in CCD imaging and research. Accomodation is available for visiting amateur astronomers.

Grup d'Estudis Astronomics (GEA)

GEA is a private non-profit organization devoted to research in Astronomy. We are now deeply involved in Jupiter & Saturn atmospheric studies. The members are also developing LAIA, a powerful image analysis tool for MS-Windows, able to reduce CCD images of Jupiter, giving coordinates of atmospheric details. We are, among others, collaborating with the "Pic du Midi" observatory (French Pyrenees). From that observatory, the members discovered and tracked the last GWS (Great White Spot) in Saturn (August 1994). [in Catalan]

Grupo Astronomico Silos de Zaragoza, Spain (GAS)

[in Spanish].

Hamilton Amateur Astronomers (HAA)

The Hamilton Amateur Astronomers is a group dedicated to the enjoyment of astronomy and public education.

Hancock Observatory

The Hancock Observatory is open daily and is located at John Hancock Center, 875 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago. No Telescopes here! Bring the Kids.

Hawaiian Astronomical Society (HAS)

Founded in 1949, the Hawaiian Astronomical Society is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting amateur astronomy in Hawaii. HAS is affiliated with the Western Amateur Astronomers. Membership is open to all.

The range of HAS observing activities reflects the club's diverse interests. Members have built telescopes, photographed deep-sky objects, chased eclipses, and observed stellar occultations by planets and asteroids. The meteor group has built radio equipment to detect ionized trails of meteors. They also have coordinated observations between the islands. Some HAS members have even spoken with Astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle and Cosmonauts aboard the Mir Space Station via Ham Radio.

Hanle Observatory

The Indian Astronomical Observatory is situated at an altitude of 4500 metres above mean sea level to the north of Western Himalayas. Atop Mt. Saraswati in the vast Nilamkhul Plain in the Hanle Valley of Changthang, Ladakh (4250m above msl), the site is a dry, cold desert with sparse human population. The cloudless skies and low atmospheric water vapour make it one of the best sites in the world for optical, infrared, sub-millimetre, and millimetre wavelengths.

A 2-m optical infrared telescope is installed at the observatory. This telescope is remotely operated from CREST, Hosakote, using dedicated satellite links. The Indian Astronomical Observatory is located at Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Post Box No. 100, Skarma, Skara, Leh-Ladakh 194 101 India. Hellenic Astronomical Society (HEL.A.S.)

The Hellenic Astronomical Society (HEL.A.S), was established in 1993 and is the major organization of professional astronomers in Greece.

Herschel Space Observatory Launch about June 2007.

The European Space Agency's Herschel Space Observatory (formerly called Far Infrared and Sub-millimetre Telescope or FIRST) will be the first example of a new generation of space telescopes. The Herschel Space Observatory will be the largest ever infrared space observatory when it is launched about July 2007. Equipped with a 3.5 metre diameter reflecting telescope and instruments cooled to close to absolute zero, Herschel will observe at wavelengths that have never previously been explored. After a four-month journey from Earth, Herschel will spend a nominal mission lifetime of three years in orbit around the second Lagrange point of the Sun-Earth system (L2). Herschel is a multi-user observatory.

OBJECTIVES:

• Study the formation of galaxies in the early universe and their subsequent evolution
• Investigate the creation of stars and their interaction with the interstellar medium
• Observe the chemical composition of the atmospheres and surfaces of comets, planets and satellites
• Examine the molecular chemistry of the universe

Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics, Dominion Astrophysical Observatory

There is an interactive exhibit hall, planetarium, tours of the 1918 Plaskett Observatory and Telescope, public programs, school programs, and a gift shop stocked with astronomy related items. The Website is in English and French. Located in Victoria, BC Canada.

High Altitude Observatory (HAO)

They explore the Sun and its effects on the Earth's atmosphere and physical environment, in partnerships extending throughout the national and international scientific communities for research, observational facilities, community data services, and education. The Observatory works in various partnerships to address two key issues, in support of the missions of the National Science Foundation and the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

Houston Astronomical Society (HAS)

The Houston Astronomical Society in Texas has 250+ members and an 18 acre observatory site with a rolloff roof building housing 3 pier'ed telescopes.

Huachuca Astronomy Club of Southeastern Arizona (HAC)

The Huachuca Astronomy Club is located in Southeastern Arizona where dark skies rule. The web site features information on manyaspects of amateur astronomy, as well as resources on relocating to this region of the United States.

Hungarian Astronomical Association (MCSE)

Hungarian Astronomical Association (Magyar Csillagaszati Egyesulet) is a society of professional and amateur astronomers and friends of astronomy. The association, founded in 1946, is the only Hungarian nationwide society for those interested in astronomy.
Hungarian Astronomical Association publishes the monthly journal Meteor. Its annual publication is the Meteor csillagaszati evkonyv, a Hungarian language yearbook. [in Hungarian].

IAA - Israeli Astronomical Association (IAA)

This is the website of the IAA - Israeli Astronomical Association. The IAA is the biggest amateur astronomers organization in Israel. [in Hebrew]

Institut National des Sciences de l'Univers/CNRS (INSU)

INSU is the French national agency for Sciences of the Universe. Endowed with its own budget, voted by the CNRS Board of Directors, INSU is responsible for the major facilities and programs in this field of research, and for the Universe Sciences Observatories in France. The server includes the list of all French astronomy departments.

Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica

In Italian.

International Astronomical Union (IAU)

Announcements, Information bulletin and services of the International Astronomical Union (IAU; Union Astronomique Internationale, UAI).

International Astronomical Youth Camp (IAYC)

The IAYC is organized every year in a different European country. The 70 participants are between 16 and 24 years old and come from over 20 different countries. They work for 3 weeks in 8 working groups on their own astronomy research projects.

International Dark-Sky Association (IDA)

The International Dark-Sky Association is a non-profit corporation formed to serve the public and astronomy community through information, education, and research on light pollution, energy conservation, rotection of observatory environments and related topics. IDA assists by sharing knowledge on a local, national and international basis. While IDA was organized for the purpose of preserving dark skies for astronomy and the general public, solutions to the problem of light pollution will promote the best outdoor lighting design, thereby reducing energy use and helping preserve Earth's resources.

International Fellowship of Rotarian Amateur Astronomers (IFRAA)

The Rotary International Fellowship of Rotarian Amateur Astronomers (IFRAA) is for Rotarian members to enjoy fellowship and share information about astronomy, cosmology, and space exploration. In the future, the fellowship plans sponsor meetings at Rotary conventions, and special projects of interest to members.

International Meteor Organization (IMO)

The International Meteor Organization (IMO) was founded in 1988 and has more than 250 members now. IMO was created in response to an ever growing need for international cooperation of meteor amateur work. The collection of meteor observations by several methods from all around the world ensures the comprehensive study of meteor showers and their relation to comets and interplanetary dust.

International Supernovae Network (ISN)

The Network has the purpose to help contacts and share information among supernovae enthusiasts both amateurs and astronomers worldwide.

International Union of Radio Science (URSI)

The URSI is responsible for stimulating and co-ordinating, on an international basis, studies, research, applications, scientific exchange, and communication in the fields of radio science. Included within the objectives are the following: a) to encourage and promote international activity in radio science and its applications, for the benefit of humanity; b) to encourage the adoption of common methods of measurement, and the intercomparison and standardisation of the measuring instruments used in scientific work; c) to stimulate and co-ordinate studies of the scientific aspects of telecommunications using electromagnetic waves, guided and unguided, and of the generation, emission, radiation, propagation, reception, and detection of fields and waves, and the processing of the signals embedded in them; d) to represent radio science to the general public, and to public and private organizations. The 10 URSI Commissions include: Electromagnetic Metrology, Fields and Waves, Wave Propagation and Remote Sensing, Ionospheric Radio and Propagation, Waves in Plasmas, and Radio Astronomy. [also in French]

Irish Astronomical Society (IAS)

Oldest Astronomical Society in Ireland. Founded in Dublin in 1937.

IRAM Pico Veleta Observatory

2900m above sea level, the 30m radio telescope operates in the 80-290 GHz range, or wavelengths of 1-3 mm. Located in Granada, Spain.

Isle Of Man Astronomical Society (IOMAS)

Map and observatory.

James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a key element in NASA's Origins program, which has the goal of understanding the formation of galaxies, stars, planets and ultimately, life. JWST is specifically designed for discovering and understanding the formation of the first stars and galaxies, measuring the geometry of the Universe and the distribution of dark matter, investigating the evolution of galaxies and the production of elements by stars, and the process of star and planet formation.

Joint Organization for Solar Observations (JOSO)

Jordanian Astronomical Society (JAS)

The Jordanian Astronomical Society (JAS) - previously known as the Jordanian Amateur Astronomers Society - was founded in Amman in September 1987. It is temporarily located in Haya Cultural Center.

Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics
Located at the University of Chicago, Illinois

Physics at the smallest scale - interactions of the quarks and leptons - is intimately connected with the largest scale - the constitution and birth of the cosmos itself. The Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics is at the forefront of research that exploits these connections.

(a) It has an associates and affiliates program to allow researchers both in the Chicago area and elsewhere to become a part of the KICP and to contribute to its activities.

(b) The KICP has a very active visitor and seminar program and organizes workshops and symposia on topical issues every few months

(c) There is wide-ranging education and outreach program that enables K-12 students, school teachers and planetarium educators and the general public to learn about cosmology.

Kitt Peak National Observatory

Kitt Peak is the home of research facilities for two divisions of the National Optical Astronomy Observatories (NOAO): Kitt Peak National Observatory and the National Solar Observatory. The mission of the National Observatories is to advance United States astronomy. As a national center for optical astronomy, NOAO fills three roles:
  To provide major telescope facilities for the nation's astronomers.
  To encourage the continuance of a strong research program by resident scientific staff.
  To develop new and innovative observing facilities and instrumentation.

Kiwanis Chico Community Observatory
The Kiwanis Chico Community Observatory is a pioneering educational and entertaining asset to Bidwell Park and the City of Chico. Located at 1 Observatory Way, Chico, CA, 95973.

La Silla Observatory

La Silla is a 2400-m mountain, bordering the southern extremity of the Atacama desert in Chile. It is located about 160 Km north of La Serena. Its geographical coordinates are: Latitude 29 degrees 15 minutes south & Longitude 70 degrees 44 minutes west.

Originally known as Cinchado, the mountain was renamed La Silla (the saddle) after its shape. It rises quite isolated and remote from any artificial light and dust sources (astronomy's worst enemies). La Silla was the first European Southern Observatory (ESO) observatory built in Chile.

Lake County Astronomical Society (LCAS)

While many are accomplished observers and astrophotographers, others are new to the hobby. The LCAS tries to respond to all levels of interest. Various members own large telescopes, some of which they've built themselves from scratch. On the other hand, some members don't own any telescope at all, but simply enjoy observing the night sky with their unaided eyes.

Las Cruces Astronomical Society (ASLC)

Web Site of the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces New Mexico, formed in 1951 by Dr Clyde Tombaugh and Walter Haas (also founder of A.L.P.O.). Site provides a calendar of Society and Public Events, a means of downloading the ASLC Monthly Bulletin, Information on courses and workshops provided by the ASLC. A scrapbook of pictures from society events as well as links to the member astronomy related websites and other websites that tell about the community as well as other astronomy related sites.

Lebanese Astronomy Group

Lebanon Astronomy club (astroleb)

AstroLeb association gathers many amateur astronomers and engineers from Lebanon. Its aim is to help advanced amateur astronomers to collaborate with professional astronomers working in Lebanon and abroad and help people work in a scientific atmosphere.

Leicester Astronomical Society (LAS)

Leicester Astronomical Society meets twice a month at National Space Centre, Leicester UK. Talks, visits, observing session, social events.

Leicester University Astronomy Society/ (Astrosoc)

The Leicester University Astronommy Society web pages act as an introduction to all aspects of observing the night sky, whether using the naked eye or a telescope.

Letchworth and District Astronomical Society (LDAS)

Letchworth & District Astronomical Society (LDAS), is based in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, UK (roughly Lat 52° N Long 0°). LDAS is a medium sized society, holding regular star parties, meetings, and public events for members, and the public alike.

Lick Observatory Webcams

University of California Observatories (UCO) astronomers research such profound topics as how stars and planets form, the history and depth of our Universe (cosmology), supernova genesis, and the possibility of life-supporting planets outside our solar system.

All UCO astronomers are directly associated with University of California instructional departments, though UCO itself is purely a research institution with no teaching functions.

Liga Iberoamericana de Astronomía Homepage (LIADA)

LIADA's principal interests: Comets, Variable Stars, Amateur-Professional collaboration. Public Outreach, Solar astronomy.

Liverpool Astronomical Society

Based in Liverpool, Merseyside England U.K.
Formed in 1881, 200 members, two working observatories. Main telescope: 16 inch reflector based at Pex Hill Observatory. Objective is to encourage the science of Astronomy in Merseyside and in the North West Region of U.K.

Longmont Astronomical Society (LAS)

The society's activities include lectures on various astronomical topics and related space sciences at local schools and other organizations, monthly public observing sessions, and monthly meetings featuring select speakers. The society serves the Boulder, Estes Park, Longmont, and Loveland areas. Located in Longmont Colorado

Los Angeles Astronomical Society (LAAS)

The oldest astronomical society in southern California, founded in 1926. Over 350 members, and an active schedule of public and private observing and telescope making. Resources include a semi-portable 30-inch telescope, a 2.5 acre dark sky observing site, and optical & machine shop facilities for telescope making.

Louisville Astronomical Society (LAS)

The Louisville Astronomical Society, is an organization of individuals interested in various facets of Astronomy, both in optical and radio wavelengths.

Lowell Observatory

The Lowell Observatory is a privately owned astronomical research institution located in Flagstaff, Arizona at an elevation of 7,250 feet. The Observatory was founded in 1894 by Boston mathematician Percival Lowell. Best known for the discovery of Pluto, Lowell Observatory is also where astronomer V.M. Slipher gathered the first evidence that the universe is expanding.

Lund Observatory

In Lund, Sweden. The home page is in English, most other pages are in Swedish.

M 1 - Grupo de Variables y Supernovas (Madrid)

Amateurs astronomer 0bserving Group of Variables and Supernovae founded on 1990. Discover of SN 93J in M 81. Edit annually M 1 Circular. [in Spanish].

The MAGIC Telescope Project (MAGIC)

A large atmospheric imaging Cherenkov telescope, with a mirror surface of 236 m2. With this device it will be possible to detect cosmic gamma-rays at a low energy threshold (the target is < 30 GeV).

Malta Astronomical Society

Observing Projects on comets, meteor streams and eclipses. Monitoring brightness fluctuations of Variable Stars. Daily observation of the solar disc, noting sunspot quantity and quality. Public viewing and exhibitions for heavenly bodies phenomena.

Manchester Astronomical Society (MAS)

Founded in 1903 the MAS is one of the oldest astronomical societies in the UK. The Godlee observatory houses a Grubb 8" refractor and a 12" reflector, sited on the roof of UMIST.

Martz Observatory & Martz Astronomical Assn., Inc.

The Web Site for the Martz Observatory & Astronomical Association. The Martz Observatory has served western New York state since 1965. The Martz Astronomical Association, Inc. (501c3) conducts public education programming at the observatory and other locations that give over 15,000 people access to the stars every year.

Mauna Kea Observatories Live from Mauna Kea

The 4,200 meter high summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii houses the world's largest observatory for optical, infrared, and submillimeter astronomy. Telescopes are operated by astronomers from eleven countries. The combined light-gathering power of the telescopes on Mauna Kea is fifteen times greater than that of the Palomar telescope in California and sixty times greater than that of the Hubble Space Telescope Interactive image on this page.

McDonald Observatory

McDonald Observatory is located in the Davis Mountains, 450 miles west of Austin, Texas. The Observatory is equipped with a wide range of state-of-the-art instrumentation for imaging and spectroscopy in the optical and infrared, and operates one of the first and most productive lunar ranging stations. McDonald operates four research telescopes at their West Texas site.

McMath-Hulbert Solar Observatory

Located about 40 miles North of Detroit, Michigan.

The "Association Mediterranenne des Sciences de l'Environnement et de l'Espace" or Mediterranean Association of Environmental and Space Sciences is a non profit organization established late 1990. Since then the Association has installed two telescopes, one designed for the observation of planets and double stars under the Mosser Dome and another for deep sky observing under the Messier Dome. CCDs observing for amateur size telescope has been the major interest of the members since the beginning.

Memphis Astronomical Society (MAS)

The Memphis Astronomical Society is a non-profit, public service organization promoting interest and education in astronomy and related sciences.

Meta Research (Alternative theories)

Scientifically viable challenges to mainstream paradigms: problems with the Big Bang, replacement cosmologies -- especially the Meta Model, Le Sage-type gravity models, the speed of gravity, the physical interpretations of relativity, replacement solar system origin models, especially the fission model, the exploded planet hypothesis, the satellite model for comets-asteroids-meteoroids, Mars anomalies, tutorials, editorials, message board, quarterly bulletin, research notes, expeditions.

Mount Graham International Observatory

An astrophysical research site, located at Discovery Park, Safford, AZ. Phone 928-428-6260.

Mount Pleasant Observatory, Mt Pleasant Observatory

Located 20 km east from the City of Hobart, the capital of Tasmania at the School of Mathematics & Physics at the University of Tasmania, Australia. Two Antennas, the The 26 m telescope is at latitude 42 48' 18'' S, longitude 147 26' 21'' (east of Greenwich) and is 43 m above sea level. The telescope is equipt with a variety of recievers which operate between 660 MHz and 22 GHz. The large number of available recievers makes the telescope suitable for a variety of research projects within the University and its location makes it a vital element in the Australian Long Baseline Array (LBA) VLBI network. The 14m telescope is a fully steerable antenna with an Azimuth/Elevation mount. This telescope was built by the then Physics Department in 1981 exclusively for timing of the Vela Pulsar (PSR0833-45). It has functioned almost exclusively in this capacity ever since and we have daily timing information for Vela now spanning over 20 years!

For more information contact: Director, Mt Pleasant Observatory
Private Bag 21
Hobart, TAS 7001
Australia
Phone 61 036226 2447

Mount Washington Observatory

The first regular meteorological observations on Mount Washington were conducted by the U.S. Signal Service, a precursor of the Weather Bureau, from 1870 to 1892. The Mount Washington station was the first of its kind in the world, setting an example followed in many other countries.

The Mount Washington Observatory reoccupied the summit in 1932 through the enthusiasm of a group of individuals who recognized the value of a scientific facility at that demanding location. In April of 1934, observers measured a wind gust of 231 mph, which remains a world record for a surface station. In spite of the hardships imposed by their environment, observers regularly monitored weather under the auspices of the U.S. Weather Bureau, and conducted landmark research in short-wave radio propagation, ice physics and the constitution of clouds. The relationship with the U.S. Weather Service has always been close, but the Observatory is not a part of any government agency.

Located at North Conway, NH 03860. Phone 603-356-2137, Fax 603-356-0307, Weatherphone (603) 356-0300.

Montana Space Grant Consortium (MSGC)

Part of the NASA's National Space Grant and Fellowship Program, MSGC enhances aerospace research and education in Montana through a variety of programs. Research initiation grants, education enhancement grants, undergraduate research awards and scholarship-fellowship program are administered by the Central Consortium Office at Montana State University in Bozeman. This office acts as a statewide clearinghouse for information on NASA and other aerospace-related programs relevent to the state, and takes an active role in alterting Consortium affiliates about opportunities in research and education with NASA and other space agencies.

Mountain Skies Astronomical Society (MSAS)

A non-profit educational science center, with a lender library of resources. Several membership catagories including special classroom memberships.

Naperville Astronomical Association (NAA)

Amateur astronomy club for southwest Chicagoland (IL, ).
Monthly public meetings; observatory hosts public observing evenings June - Sept.; observing sessions and other activities for members.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Or Flash Intro Page. NASA is more than astonauts, they are scientists, engineers, computer programmers, personnel specialists, accountants, writers, maintenance workers and more.

NASA Picture of the day.

Archive index, June 16, 1995 to present, with search.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Quest

Also known as the Ames Research Center, NASA Quest is a rich resource for educators, kids and space enthusiasts who are interested in meeting and learning about NASA people and the national space program. NASA Quest allows the public to share the excitement of NASA's authentic scientific and engineering pursuits like flying in the Shuttle and the International Space Station, exploring distant planets with amazing spacecraft, and building the aircraft of the future.

NASA TV

NASA TV provides real-time coverage of agency activities and missions as well as resource video to the news media, and educational program to teachers, students and the general public.

National Academy of Sciences - Board on Physics and Astronomy (National Research Council)

National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center, Arecibo Observatory (NAIC)

The National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center enables research in the areas of astronomy, planetary studies, and space and atmospheric sciences by providing unique capabilities and state-of-the-art instrumentation for data collection and analysis, together with logistical support to users.

NAIC initiates and supports progress in the above research areas by maintaining a scientific staff whose members develop individual research programs, provide assistance to visiting scientists, and extend available scientific opportunities by developing and implementing plans for future enhancements to NAIC facilities and instrumentation.

NAIC strengthens scientific and engineering research potential by supporting activities which provide undergraduate and graduate students with opportunities to further their education. NAIC contributes to the general understanding and appreciation of science by initiating and participating in public education and outreach programs.

Use of the Arecibo Observatory (AO) operated by NAIC is available on an equal, competitive basis to all scientists from throughout the world to pursue research in astronomy, planetary studies and, space and atmospheric sciences. Observing time is granted on the basis of the most promising research, as acertained by peer review of proposals by external referees.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO)

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is one of the world's premier research facilities for radio astronomy. NRAO operates powerful, advanced radio telescopes spanning the western hemisphere. Scientists from around the world use these instruments to probe fundamental questions in astronomy and physics. They operate 5 sites, four in the US and one in Chile.

NRAO Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville operations are located in Stone Hall, at Edgemont Road on the grounds of the University of Virginia, and in the NRAO Technology Center on Ivy Road.

NARO Green Bank, West Virginia

Several radio telescopes are operated here.

• Green Bank Telescope (GBT) The GBT is described as a 100-meter telescope, but the actual dimensions of the surface are 100 by 110 meters. The overall structure of the GBT is a wheel-and-track design that allows the telescope to view the entire sky above 5 degrees elevation. The track, 64 m (210 ft) in diameter, is level to within a few thousandths of an inch in order to provide precise pointing of the structure while bearing 7300 metric tons (16,000,000 pounds) of moving weight.

• 43 Meter Bistatic Radar Observations of the Ionosphere with the 43 Meter (140 Foot) Telescope.

• Green Bank Pulsar Monitoring Telescope 85-3 Telescope 85-3 at Green Bank has been used since 1989 for monitoring of pulsar timing and brightness for scientists at Princeton, Berkeley, and Oberlin College. About 35 pulsars are observed every day, at frequencies of 610 and 327 MHz.

• Forty Foot Telescope The Forty-foot Telescope, was constructed in the early 60s for the purpose of determining if radio sources are variable. After sitting idle for nearly 2 decades, the 40 foot was recommissioned in 1987 as an educational telescope. Students ranging from 5th graders to graduate students use the telescope to investigate the radio universe.

• Other GB Telescopes

NARO Socorro, New Mexico

The Very Large Array (VLA), one of the world's premier astronomical radio observatories, consists of 27 radio antennas in a Y-shaped configuration on the Plains of San Agustin 80 km (50 miles) miles west of Socorro, New Mexico. Each antenna is 25 meters (82 feet) in diameter. The data from the antennas is combined electronically to give the resolution of an antenna 36km (22 miles) across, with the sensitivity of a dish 130 meters (426.5 feet) in diameter.

The Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) is a system of 10 radio telescopes controlled remotely from the Array Operations Center in Socorro, New Mexico. The antennas are spread across the United States from St. Croix in the Virgin Islands to Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii, making it the world's largest dedicated, full-time astronomical instrument.

Nevada NE CA Great Western Astronomers

Star Parties, Telescope Workshops, SkyTours, Telescopes and Books for Students Projects.

New Jersey Astronomical Association (NJAA)

"The Paul H. Robinson Observatory" and the "Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. Astronomical Center" stands on eighteen acres at an elevation of almost nine hundred feet in Voorhees State Park. Located in High Bridge, New Jersey 08829-0214.

New Mexico Tech Astronomy Club

New Mexico Tech Astronomy Club is a student run club that focuses primarily on public outreach. Outreach is available to anyone for free. The club runs Etscorn Observatory at New Mexico Tech where most of the public outreach is conducted. Members can also use the facilities almost anytime.

The Nine Planets Solar System Tour

Information about each planet and moon in our solar system with many pictures of each planet, discussion of the history of its discovery and exploration, and its physical characteristics. In addition to the planets, there are also pages about the Sun, many moons, and asteroids, comets and meteorites.

Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics (NORDITA)

Funded by Danmark, Finland, Island, Norway, and Sweden, through the Nordic Council of Ministers. Research at NORDITA is conducted in four primary fields: Astrophysics, High energy and nuclear physics, Condensed matter and statistical physics, and Biological physics.

North Jersey Astronomical Group (NJAG)

Composed of people interested in all aspects of stargazing. Located at Montclair State University in Upper Montclair, NJ. See also Telescope Nights

North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club (NSAAC)

NSAAC is an Astronomy club of the North Shore in Massachusetts

North Valley Astronomers (NOVA)

The North Valley Astronomers (NOVA) is an organization open to anyone interested in astronomy and living in Northern California, including students of all grades.

Northeast Florida Astronomical Society (NEFAS)

Located in Jacksonville, Florida.

Northeast Kansas Amateur Atronomers' League (NEKAAL)

NEKAAL is a non-profit astronomy group engaged in public awareness of astronomical topics. Farpoint Observatory is owned and operated by NEKAAL and is the home of FAST ( Farpoint's asteroid search team) MPC code #734.

Northwest Suburban Astronomers

A group of amateur astronomers from the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, with a wide range of interests and experience. Our current membership is over 200 people. Members range in experience from beginners and casual stargazers to experienced telescope makers and astrophotographers. Meetings are held once a month on the Friday closest to the full moon, at Blackhawk Recreational Center in Hoffman Estates.

Norwich Astronomical Society (NAS)

The Norwich Astronomical Society is based at the Seething Astronomical Observatory, Norwich, Norfolk, UK. The observatory houses a 30-inch Newtonian reflector which is the second largest amateur-built telescope in the UK.

Odyssey Astronomy Club - Ten Acre Observatory

Located Southeast of the Oklahoma City Metro area, Ten Acre Observatory (TAO) is open for use by the area public schools, civic organizations, astronomy students, and the general public at no cost. TAO has a 100' X 200' observing field that is completely surrounded by trees and offers guided tours of the night sky, using the observatory's 24" Starmaster Telescope and hosted by owner operator Nick Lazzaro.

Oil Region Astronomical Society (ORAS)

Northwest Pennsylvania

Okayama Astrophysical Observatory (OAO) [In Japanese]
Okayama Astrophysical Observatory (OAO) [In English]

OAO is located a top of Mt. Chikurin-Ji (its elevation is 372 meters) in the southwestern region of Okayama prefecture.

It was founded as a branch of Tokyo Astronomical Observatory in 1960. It has a 188cm telescope which was constructed by Grubb-Parsons Inc. as the primary telescope, and also has three other telescopes, the 91cm telescope, the 65cm solar telescope and the 50cm telescope. OAO has been the center of Japanese optical and infrared astronomical observation. In 1988 Tokyo Astronomical Observatory was switched over to National Astronomical Observatory(NAOJ).

In 1988 Tokyo Astronomical Observatory was switched over to National Astronomical Observatory(NAOJ).
Oklahoma City Astronomy Club (OKcAC)

The Oklahoma City Astronomy Club exists to provide an enjoyable opportunity to explore the science of astronomy.

Oklahoma Geological Survey Observatory

The Oklahoma Geological Survey Observatory in rural Tulsa County, south of Leonard is a comprehensive geophysical observatory which records, identifies, and locates 30 to 167 earthquakes in Oklahoma each year, and also records about seven worldwide earthquakes per day. The Wesite has several animated graphics. Located at 100 E. Boyd, Room N-131 In Norman, OK. Their Phone number is 405-325-3031, and their e-mail is jim@okgeosurvey1.gov

Omaha Astronomical Society

Website of the Omaha Astronomical Society.

OPTical Infrared COordination Network (OPTICON)

OPTICON is a project funded by the European commission as part of its Fifth Framework Programme. OPTICON brings together providers and users of European astronomical infrastructures to identify common approaches and improve access for the benefit of all European astronomy.

Orange County Astronomers (OCA)

Orange County Astronomers is anastronomy group for Orange County California. They operate Anza Observatory near Palomar Mountain with a 22" fully computer controlled telescope, dual 10" and 12" Meade LX200 telescopes. 12 page journal monthly, the Sirius Astronomer. Sponsors AstroImage. They also have an astrophysics group.

Orpington Astronomical Society

Located at 38 Brabourne Rise, Beckenham, Kent BR3 2SG United Kingdom

Orwell Astronomical Society (Ipswich UK) (OASI)

The OASI is based at the Orwell Park Observatory, built in 1873, at the village of Nacton in Suffolk (UK). The OASI pages give information about its activities and the history of the observatory.

Österreichische Gesellschaft fûr Astronomie und Astrophysik (OeGAA)

The Austrian Astronomical Society, "Österreichische Gesellschaft fÜr Astronomie und Astrophysik" contain basic information on the activities of this Austria astronomer organization.

Ottawa Valley Astronomy and Observers Group (OAOG)

We are the Ottawa Valley Astronomy and Observers Group -- Observateurs astronomes d'Ottawa-Gatineau (OAOG) : a very casual group of amateur astronomers who do sidewalk astronomy, star parties and just like to observe together. Observers of all levels are welcome. The OAOG is the original informal group for Ottawa, Ontario founded in 1994.

Out and About Astronomy Club [uk]

Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO)
The Owens Valley Radio Observatory is the largest university-operated radio observatory in the world. The observatory is located near Bishop, California, approximately 250 miles north of Los Angeles on the east side of the Sierra Nevada. The 40-Meter Telescope and the 5.5-Meter Telescope at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory are used primarily for studies of the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMB). The OVRO Millimeter Array was shut down on June 1, 2004 and is now part of the CARMA interferometer.

Palomar Observatory

Located in north San Diego County California, is owned and operated by the California Institute of Technology. The Observatory supports the research of the Caltech faculty, post-doctoral fellows and students, and the researchers at Caltech's collaborating institutions. Palomar Observatory is home to the historic Hale 200-inch telescope, at 5.1 meters the Hale Telescope (f/3.3) was the world's largest effective telescope for 45 years from 1948 to 1993. Other facilities on the mountain include the 60-inch, 48-inch, 18-inch and the Snoop telescopes. The 60-inch telescope is home to the Automated Transient Observing System. The 48-inch telescope is home to the Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking and Palomar-QUEST surveys. Instrumentation at Palomar Observatory also includes the Palomar Testbed Interferometer. The Palomar Observatory is open to the public.

  200-inch Hale Telescope
  60-inch Telescope
  48-inch Samuel Oschin Telescope
  Palomar Testbed Interferometer
  Planet Search Telescope
  18-inch Schmidt Telescope

Paranal Observatory

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT) at the Paranal Observatory is an advanced optical telescope. It comprises four 8.2-m reflecting Unit Telescopes and several moving 1.8-m Auxiliary Telescopes, the light beams of which can be combined in the VLT Interferometer (VLTI). With its unprecedented optical resolution and unsurpassed surface area, the VLT produces extremely sharp images and can record light from the faintest and most remote objects in the Universe. Located in Atacama, Chile.

Peoria Astronomical Society

Peoria astronomical Society is an Amateur Astronomy Society Dedicated: To promote the science of astronomy By fostering astronomical education; by providing incentives for astronomical observation and research; by assisting communication among amateur astronomers.

Philippine Astronomical Society (PAS)

Features the Philippine Astronomical Society's history, objectives, current activities, etc. Provides lots of pictures showing both astronomical observations and human interests related to astronomy in the Philippines.

Philippines Astronomical League (ALP)

The ALP is an amateur organization to foster awareness in astronomy in the Philippines. The site contains News on astronomy, tips and trick on astrophotography, and, much more, the ALP is the home for the dedicated amateur astronomer.

Pine Mountain Observatory

Operated by the University of Oregon Physics Department. The Observatory is located in Central Oregon 26 miles SE of Bend Oregon, at an elevation of 6500 feet. Telescopes of aperture 15, 24 and 32-inches are there. In addition, a group of amateur astronomers, called the "Friends of Pine Mountain Observatory", helps to operate the Summer visitors season.

Planetary Society

In 1980, Carl Sagan and Bruce Murray founded The Planetary Society to promote the exploration of our solar system (and others) and the search for extraterrestrial life. In its first year, the Society became the fastest growing nonprofit membership organization of the decade. We now number over 100,000 members around the world--the largest nongovernmental space organization on Earth.

Polaris Observatory Association (POA)

Polaris Observatory Association is a scientific not-for-profit organization with a private observatory in Lockwood Valley, California.

Prairie Astronomy Club of Lincoln, Nebraska (PAC)

The Prairie Astronomy Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to education of the public about the science of astronomy, as well a furthering the science through the activities of the club members.

Prince George Centre - Royal Astronomical Society of Canada

The Prince George Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of astronomy and science in Prince George and the neighboring Northern Canadian communities.

Programme National Galaxies (CNRS, France) (PNG) [in French].

The national program "GALAXIES" (CNRS) has the following goals:

• It works at developing the national and international consistency of the French extragalactic community.
• It organizes meetings such as one-day seminars, specialized workshops, summer schools.
• It leads open debates to help defining the most interesting or promising problems and will contribute to select and support leading-projects. These will favour the prospective reflection and dialogue.
• The meeting of various fields of expertise helps to participate to European networks, to invite foreign researchers on topics interesting several teams, etc.

Public Observatory Mariazell (Raiffeisen Volkssternwarte)

All about the public Observatory "Raifeisen Volkssternwarte Mariazellerland". [in german]

Pucket Observatory

The Puckett Observatory is a Private facility owned and operated by Tim Puckett. The observatory is located in the North Georgia mountains and is dedicated to the study of comets and the discovery of supernovae. Located at Ellijay, Ga. 30540 USA Phone 404-281-5686.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Nathan and Fannye Shafran Planetarium

Remscheid Astronomical Association & public Observatory (AVRS)

All about the Astronomischer Verein Remscheid e.V. - Sternwarte Remscheid.[in German]

Rhodes University Astronomy and Ham Radio Society

A Student Society at Rhodes University, located in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Riverside Astronomical Society (RAS)

Bringing the joys of astronomy to the public in Southern California. Guest speakers, star parties, amateur telescope making, education and community outreach.

Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC Vancouver Centre)

RASCVC is a chapter of RASC based in Vancouver, BC. It is also incorporated as a Society in the Province of BC. In addition to receiving RASC National publications members receive a bi-monthly newsletter NOVA. Members' Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month with a guest speaker. Members may borrow books and CD ROMS from an extensive library, access the telescope loaner program, attend starparties, and meet and learn from other enthusiasts.
RASCVC operates CARO, the Canadian Amateur Research Observatory, which while primarily devoted to supernova search is also available for other suitable research projects. CARO uses a 16 inch Meade LX200 SCT with a CCD camera.

Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC)

The beginnings of "The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada" (RASC) go back to the middle of the nineteenth century. The Society was incorporated within the province of Ontario in 1890, received its Royal Charter from King Edward VII in 1903, and was federally incorporated in 1968. The National Office of the Society is located at 136 Dupont Street, Toronto, ON, M5R 1V2, telephone (416) 924-7973, e-mail rasc@vela.astro.utoronto.edu. The business office and library are housed there. You may link to RASC Centres across Canada from this page and join the one nearest you.

Royal Astronomical Society (RAS)

The Royal Astronomical Society was founded in the year 1820 and received the grant of a Royal Charter in 1831. The Society's aims are "the encouragement and promotion of astronomy and geophysics." The main functions are to publish the results of astronomical and geophysical research, to maintain as complete a library as possible in these subjects and to hold meetings, in London and elsewhere, at which astronomical and geophysical matters can be discussed.

Royal Observatory, Greenwich UK

Museum and Royal Observatory. Longitude 0 degrees 0 minutes 0", Latitude 51 degrees 28 minutes 38"

Royal Observatory, Edinburgh UK

Unique among UK scientific establishments in that it houses on a single site a university astronomy research group, an establishment of a UK Research Council and a Visitor Center.

Rudjer Boskovic Astronomical Society ( Belgrade )

[in Serbian]

Ryerson Astronomical Society

a student organization at the University of Chicago.

Sabadell Astronomical Group (Amateur society)

The Agrupacion Astronomica de Sabadell is an spanish amateur society founded in 1960 and with 900 members (2004). The observatory, located in Sabadell (near Barcelona), have a main telescope of 50cm used for amateur research and public observations. [also in Spanish and in Catalan]

Saguaro Astronomy Club (SAC)

The Saguaro Astronomy Club promotes fellowship and the exchange of information among its members and regularly conducts and supports public programs on astronomy.
The SAC Deep Sky Database contains information on over 10,000 star clusters, galaxies, and nebulae of all types. The SAC Double Star Database contains information on over 10,000 multiple star systems.

Saint Louis Astronomical Society (SLAS)

Site of the Saint Louis Astronomical Society in St. Louis, MO .

Salduie Universitary Astronomical Group (GAUS)

The Grupo Astronomico Universitario Salduie is an amateur group located in the University of Zaragoza (Zaragoza, Spain). Interested in Astronomy in general, but especially in astrophotography with CCD cameras.

Salford Astronomy Society (SAS)

An amateur astronomy group which holds weekly lectures/meetings and is developing this resource with two primary aims of improving communications between amateur and professional astronomers and nurturing an interest in astronomy amongst the local community.

San Antonio Astronomical Association (SAAA)

Since its founding in 1974, the San Antonio Astronomical Association of San Antonio, Texas, has become one of the largest non-profit amateur astronomical organizations in the United States. The 250+ members come from every walk of life, from elementary school students, to retirees, to teachers, to professional astronomers. For nearly a quarter century the SAAA has provided free educational programs for its members and the public.

San Antonio Astronomical Observers Group

Ideal for the amateur astronomer and space exploration enthusiasts, we are neighbours in the San Antonio Metro area who share your interests and are there to help you learn more about the night sky and your telescope, to share ideas and enjoy each other's company.

San Diego Astronomy Association (SDAA)

Amateur astronomers of San Diego, CA and surrounding areas meet 730PM Third Fridays at the R.H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center, Balboa Park.
Lectures, public star parties, telescope making. Professionally equipped observatory at large remote desert site.

San Francisco Amateur Astronomers (SFAA)

Founded in September 1952, the SFAA holds general meetings on the third Wednesday of every month at the Morrison Planetarium in San Francisco's Academy of Sciences building in Golden Gate Park.

San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA)

An amateur astronomy club in San Jose, California, .

San Mateo County Astronomical Society (SMCAS)

The San Mateo County Astronomical Society (SMCAS) is a non-profit corporation organized by amateur astronomers.

Sangamon Astronomical Society (SAS, Illinois)

Schwäbischen Sternwarte

The Swabian Observatory was founded in 1919. It is a non-profit-making organization. Since January 8th 1922 we operate an observatory located on a hill in Stuttgart. The focal point of the astronomical work is the observation of occultations of stars by the moon, the planets and their satellites, asteroids and also mutual events. We measure the occultation timings with video and photoelectric equipment up to 10.5 mag with an accuracy of +/-0.01s and up to 13.5 mag with an accuracy of +/-0.1s. We send the results to IOTA, EAON, BAA and ILOC. Sometimes we make an excursion to observe grazing events with the transportable telescopes, for example a Meade 2080HTC. Another main emphasis is the observation of variable stars, mainly Mira type stars. Normally we measure stars up to 15mag. At the moment we are beginning to observe variable stars with the CCD camera ST-6. We send the results to AAVSO, AFOEV and BAV. [in German]

SETI Institute (SETI)

The SETI Institute (the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) serves as an institutional home for scientific and educational projects relevant to the nature, distribution, and prevalence of life in the universe. The mission of the SETI Institute is to explore, understand and explain the origin, nature and prevalence of life in the universe. The SETI Institute is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to scientific research, education and public outreach. Founded in 1984, the Institute today employs over 100 scientists, educators and support staff. Research at the Institute is anchored by two centers, each directed by a renowned scientist who holds an endowed chair.

SETI League

The SETI League believes that receipt of electromagnetic signals of intelligent origin from beyond our planet will change forever our view of humanity's place in the cosmos. The mission is to organize and coordinate people interested in the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence in the hope of receiving such signals.

Sheboygan Astronomical Society

The Sheboygan Astronomical Society is located in Sheboygan, WI - about 50 miles north of Milwaukee on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Their mission is to promote the pleasures and science of astronomy among our members and the community at large.

Siding Spring Observatory

Siding Spring Observatory is located in the Warrumbungle Mountains near Coonabarabran in northern New South Wales.

40inch (1.0m), f/5 primary otpics.

Simple Radio Astronomy (Amateur Radio astronomy without a dish!)

If you're looking to get into radio astronomy and you've looked at other backyard radio astronomy sites on the Net, coming to the conclusion that all you need a "spare 3m satellite dish and $20,000 of surplus electronics", then this site is for you!

This site is all about astronomers working together to develop and perform radio astronomy.

Sirius Astronomy Association (Constantine, Algeria)

SIRIUS is an Amateur Astronomy Association from Constantine, Algeria, devoted to promote Astronomy and Science, and to establish contact with similar associations.

Slovak Astronomical Society

Smoky Mountain Astronomical Society

Sociedad Española de Astronomía (SEA)

The Spanish Astronomical Society is open to all researchers and students in the field of Astronomy, as well as to any other person or institution interested in contributing to the development of this discipline in Spain. The aim of the SEA is to provide a forum for the discussion on subjects of common interest, to offer the means for dealing with those affairs in which a joint action is appropriate, and to maintain institutional relations with similar societies.

Societa Astronomica Italiana (SAIt)

The Italian Astronomical Society (Società Astronomica Italiana) is the oldest astrophysical society in the world, having been founded in 1871 with the name of Societ´ degli Spettoscopisti Italiani (Italian Society of Spectroscopists).
The Society's aims are "the encouragement and promotion of studies and knowledge in astronomy". The Society publishes "Memorie della Società Astronomica Italiana" (in English), "Giornale di Astronomia" (in Italian) and "Al-Magella al-Falakyya" (Arabic language edition of the "Giornale"), as well as two electronic magazines "AstroTech Journal" (in English) and "Quaderni di Astrofisica" (in Italian).

Société Astronomique de France (SAF)

Société Astronomique de France (in French).

Societe Astronomique de Liege (SAL)

This site of the Astronomical Society of Liege (Belgium) is completely in French.
La Société Astronomique de Liège vous propose: prochaines activités; actualité astronomique; images d'amateurs; liens astronomiques; informations sur la SAL, etc...

Societe d'Astronomie de Nantes (SAN)

[in French].

Societe d'Astronomie de St-Imier - Les Pleiades (Pléiades)

A society of amateur astronomers in Switzerland.
La Société d'Astronomie de St-Imier offre aux amateurs une porte ouverte sur l'Univers... Elle veut donner aux amateurs les possibilités de construction de télescopes, d'observation du ciel, d'utilisation de logiciels, d'astro-photographie, etc. [in French].

Societe Francaise d'Astronomie et d'Astrophysique (SF2A)

The Société Française d'Astronomie et d'Astrophysique (SF2A) is the French Society for professional astronomers. It has been founded in 1978 and was previously known as SFSA. [in French]

Societe Royale Belge d'Astronomie, de Meteorologie et de Physique du Globe (SRBA)

The "Société Royale Belge d'Astronomie, de Météorologie et de Physique du Globe" was founded in Brussels in 1894. It is a non-profit organization for french speaking people interested in astronomy, meteorology, geophysics and space sciences. The Society publishes the bimonthly journal "Ciel et Terre", organizes conferences, seminars, course of lectures and visits to professional astronomical sites. One of its most famous president was the cosmologist Georges Lemaître.

Society for Popular Astronomy (SPA)

The Society for Popular Astronomy brings astronomy to everyone. Formed in 1953 as the Junior Astronomical Society, the SPA publishes a quaterly magazine Popular Astronomy.

Soissonnais Astronomical Association ( Amateur AAS-France )

Association Astronomique du Soissonnais. [in French]

Solar Physics Division - American Astronomical Society ( AAS SPD )

South African Large Telescope (SALT) Live from Sutherland, South Africa

SALT was completed in 2005, with a hexagonal mirror array 11 metres across. The live image is only available at night (South Africa time).

South East Essex Astronomical Society (SEEAS)

The The South East Essex Astronomical Society (SEEAS) was wound up on 7th of May 2004, but the web site remains for historical purposes.

Southern Astronomical Society Home Page

One of the first WWW sites of an amateur astronomical in Australia. Set up for the Southern Astronomical Society, Inc. by the administrator, Zac Pujic. The site contains general information about astronomy as well as information about the society.

Southern Cross Astronomical Society (SCAS)

The Southern Cross Astronomical Observatory, founded in 1922 in Miami, Florida, is one of the oldest amateur astronomical societies in the Western hemisphere. The renowned astronomer, Dr. Harlow Shapley, visited the first observatory at the Royal Palm Hotel & Park near the Miami River. He marveled at our view of the constellation Crux, "The Southern Cross," and suggested this name for the newly formed Observatory.

Southern Maryland Astronomical Society (SMAS)

Southern Nights Astronomical League of Florida (Southern Nights)

The Southern Nights Astronomical League of Florida provides a one-stop resource to astronomy in Florida.
Southern Nights provides a forum for all Florida astronomical organizations, planetaria, observatories, and educators to coordinate and promote astronomy, astronomical events and light pollution abatement efforts within the State of Florida, so that needless dupication of efforts and potential conflicting event schedules might be avoided.

Southwest Montana Astronomical Society (SMAS)

The Southwest Montana Astronomical Society is a regional astronomy club founded in 1993 to promote amateur astronomy through a variety of programs and special events. Meetings are held on the last Friday of every month, 7:30 pm at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, and are always free and open to the public. Activities include guest speakers, telescope workshops, star parties, planetarium shows, slide programs. Annual events sponsored by SMAS include the Montana Astro Fair, a major astronomy festival held at the Museum of the Rockies each winter, and the Montana Starwatch, a regional star party at a dark sky site in the summer. Each event draws hundreds of participants. SMAS has approximately 100 members.

Space Archive

The Southwest United States' Source for Regional Space Information. Astronomical Calendar, Vandenberg AFB Launch information. It is not affiliated with any business, organization, institution, or government agency. For official information on Vandenberg AFB, go to www.vandenberg.af.mil.

Space Environment Center

Current Space Weather Conditions From the US National Weather Service

    Space Weather Alerts

    Real time Solar wind

    GOES Xrays, Particles, Magnetometer

    GOES Solar X-ray Imager

    POES Auroral Maps

    POES Energetic Particles

Space Telescope European Coordinating Facility (ST-ECF)

The ST-ECF was established in 1984 jointly by the European Space Agency and the European Southern Observatory and is located at the ESO headquarters at Garching near Munich. The ST-ECF staff supports the European astromical community in exploiting the research opportunities provided by the earth-orbiting Hubble Space Telescope.

SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering

The Web site of the International Society for Optical Engineering, includes meeting announcements, membership information, and abstracts of nearly 30,000 papers on optics and related subjects, including astronomy. The Gateway to Photonics Information is a set of links to institutions, societies, government agencies, and other useful resources.

Sternfreunde Durmersheim und Umgebung e.V.

Meteorüberwachung (meteor observation), Alle Bereiche der Astronomie (all astronomical themes).[in German]

Sternfreunde Oberaargau (SFO)

Informationen über Verein, Astronomie allgemein, Fotos, Linksammlung [in German].

Sternwarte Solingen [in German]

Stockholm Amateur Astronomers (STAR)

STAR is a club in Stockholm, Sweden for those who are curious about the wonders of the sky.

Observatoire Astronomique de Strasbourg, Astronomical Observatory of Strasbourg [in Frence]

The Astronomical Observatory of Strasbourg is an Observatory of Sciences of the Universe, and a Mixed Unit of Research (UMR 7550) of the University Louis Pasteur and CNRS.
It shelters in particular
activities ofteaching, in particular at the astrophysical level m2
activities of research,
services of the Center of Data of Strasbourg (CDS),
and of the activities of diffusion of the culture with the Planetarium.

Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS)

Students for the Exploration and Development of Space was founded in 1980 at MIT and Princeton and consists of an international group of high school, undergraduate, and graduate students from a diverse range of educational backgrounds who are working to promote space as a whole. SEDS is a chapter based organization with chapters throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Latin America, and the Middle East. The permanent National Headquarters for SEDS- resides at MIT. Each chapter is fairly independent and coordinates activities and projects in its own area.
There is also a Gopher server which contains a Rennes archive mirror plus software.

Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas (TAS)

With over 300 members, the Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas is a group of individuals sharing and promoting their common interest in astronomy. T.A.S. is a member of the Astronomical League and is home to the nationally known " Constellation of the Month" series.

The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS)

A non-profit scientific and educational organization dedicated to education and the enjoyment of astronomy. Offers telescope making, educational outreach, lectures, sidewalk astronomy and dark sky activities.

The Astronomer online (TA)

TA produces a magazine for the advanced amateur and its aim is to publish all observations of astronomical interest as soon as possible after they are made.
The magazine has been published monthly since 1964 and subscribers are found all over the world. It also provides a very comprehensive electronic circulars service to keep our members up to date.

The Galileo Institute

The Galileo Institute, located at 1936 Arlington Boulevard, Charlottesville, Virginia and founded by Dr. Shiv S. Kumar in 2000, is an independent nonprofit institution for scientific research and education. The Institute's mission is to study the problems of the origin and evolution of planets, stars, and galaxies in the universe by the scientific method. The problem of the origin and evolution of life in the universe is also studied at The Galileo Institute. The President of The Galileo Institute is Dr. Shiv S. Kumar. Dr. Kumar is an emeritus faculty member at the University of Virginia.

The Sirius Stargazers Club (Michigan)

The organization provides free viewing to the public through the 20" reflecting telescope and the 6" refractor. We also provide a large educational library of DVD's pertaining to space, science, and math purchased from NASA. The DVD's are free to check out. The site also includes activites such as bi-weekly star parties, model rocketry, mirror grinding and polishing. We are also working on plans to build a 36" reflecting telescope for the members and the community.

The Trefach Astronomy Centre ( Network Telescope Control and Blink Compartor )

They develope software. Located in West Wales UK.

The Wilderness Center Astronomy Club (WCAC)

Astronomy club in Canton, Ohio area. New observatory with refurbished 16" Ealing Cassegrain telescope. Planetarium and Educational programs.

Torbay Astronomical Society (Devon, England)

The Torbay Astronomical Society is based in Torbay, Devon, England. The web site includes information on the 1999 eclipse, for which Torbay will be in the totality zone.

Astronomy & Space Society in Trinity College Dublin

Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA)

The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association is a group of people that want to share their interest in the sky. General meetings are held, and frequent observing sessions are scheduled at dark sites. Members vary in expertise from beginner to professional.

Tycho Brahe Planetarium and Omnimaxtheater

Denmarks center for astronomy. [ in Danish ]

The United States Naval Observatory

The U.S. Naval Observatory is one of the oldest scientific agencies in the country. Established in 1830 as the Depot of Charts and Instruments, its primary mission was to care for the U.S. Navy's chronometers, charts and other navigational equipment. Today, the U.S. Naval Observatory is the preeminent authority in the areas of Precise Time and Astrometry, and distributes Earth Orientation parameters and other Astronomical Data required for accurate navigation and fundamental astronomy.

UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (UKSEDS)

UKSEDS is the UK's national student space society. Look at the Website for more information on the activities and how to join. The web site also contains information resources related to space in the UK and around the world.

Unione Astrofili Italiani (UAI)

Scientific seminaries, public observations. [in Italian]

Universität Würzburg Lehrstuhl für Astronomie

Involved with the developement of the MAGIC Telescope, High-energy astrophysics, and more. [in German]

University of Aberdeen

Home of the Cromwell Tower Observatory, or CTO. The Cromwell Tower in King's College quadrangle has been used as an Observatory since the 1860's.

University of Arizona Department of Astronomy and the Steward Observatory

Astronomers here are among the national and international leaders in observational and theoretical research in astronomy. At the same time, they are making breakthroughs in related technology development -- from new light detectors to giant telescope mirrors -- that promise to be a catalyst for a renaissance in optical and infrared astronomy.

Steward Observatory scientists also have key roles in major space astronomy missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the Space Infrared Telescope Facility.

Steward Observatory was officially established in 1916 through the foresight and perseverance of its first director, Andrew Ellicott Douglass, and a generous bequest made by Mrs. Lavinia Steward in memory of her late husband, Henry B. Steward. The Steward gift was used to build an observatory on an isolated tract of university land -- a former ostrich farm. Its construction, delayed by World War I, was finally dedicated in 1923. The 36" diameter Newtonian telescope was the first astronomical telescope to have been built using All-American made products.

By 1963, however, its once solitary setting -- ideal for stargazing -- had been encroached upon by an expanding Tucson, and the observatory's original telescope was removed from the dome and relocated to a darker mountain site on Kitt Peak. A smaller 20" Cassegrain telescope was installed in its place for student use. The original dome, a stately structure covered with cream colored tile, is a campus landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

University of Calgary Radio Astronomy Laboratory

Radio astronomy research at the University of Calgary involves the study of stellar, interstellar, and extragalactic radio emission.

University of Central Florida Astronomy Society

The purpose of the University of Central Florida Astronomy Society is to create, enhance, and deliver, a definite vehicle that will help its members cultivate the love and respect for the mystery of the Cosmos. Through astronomy, the infinite journey of inquisitive reasoning becomes the source that give us the purpose for the UCF Astronomy Society.

University of Central Florida Robinson Observatory

The Robinson Observatory and 26" telescope are used twice a month for public observing sessions--the 26" telescope is the largest telescope in the state of Florida routinely open for public viewing. The telescope is also used in support of astronomy classes at UCF and with the recent acquisition of a CCD camera we have been using the telescope for astronomical research. UCF and CFAS share observing time on the telescope: UCF uses the telescope Monday through Thursday while CFAS has the telescope Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. UCF and CFAS also work together to conduct public observing sessions for special events, such as Comet Hale-Bopp, lunar eclipses, and oppositions.

Uruguay Association of Amateurs in Astronomy (AAA-Uruguay)

The Asociación de Aficionados a la Astronomía is an astronomy amateur association of Uruguay. Pages contain ephemerides, news, institutional information, e-mail list, etc.

University of Virginia Department of Astronomy

Graduate and undergraduate studies and Public Nights which includes observing with all of the telescopes (weather permitting), audio-visual presentations, museum exhibits, and tours of the Observatory.

The University is the home of NRAO's Charlottesville operations.

Vatican Observatory, Specola Vaticana

The Vatican Observatory was founded in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII. It began at the time of the papal calendar reform in 1582. The observatory was first located within sight of St Peter's in Rome, and later moved to the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo. By 1981, the observatory was impaired by the growing Roman urban sprawl and the research center was relocated to Tucson, Arizona.

Vigilia Youth Association for Astronomy (JVS Vigilia)

Jongeren Vereniging voor Sterrenkunde Vigilia. Features information and pictures on the youth association. Authentic astronomical pictures taken by the members can also be found here. Organises an astronomical youth course. [in Dutch]

Visual Satellite Observers

If you have ever star-gazed shortly after sunset or before sunrise, you have probably noticed one or two "stars" sailing gracefully across the sky. These are Earth-orbiting satellites, visible due to the reflection of the Sun's light off their surfaces toward the observer. Hundreds of satellites are visible to the unaided eye; thousands are visible using binoculars and telescopes.

Wabash Valley Astronomical Society (WVAS)

The Wabash Valley Astronomical Society (WVAS) is a non-profit organization located in Lafayette, Indiana.

Warren Rupp Observatory ( WRO: Home of Hidden Hollow Conventions )

Astronomical Research, Digital Imaging, Comet Search, planetary observation, Deep sky photography, Education.
31" F7 Telescope with computer drive in 35ft dome.
Free access to qualified students, university, professionals, amateurs and general public.
Open House once a month. All other visits by appointment only.

Webb Society

The Webb Society has members in over 20 countries. It encourages the observation of deep-sky objects and double stars and has published a series of observing handbooks and observing guides by and for members.
The Quarterly Journal is called the Deep Sky Observer and has appeared regularly since 1968. Details of membership, can be found at the www site.

Westchester Amateur Astronomers (WAA)

The astronomy club for Westchester County, NY (U.S.A.). Serving the needs of the astronomical community in Westchester County since 1983.

Western Nevada Astronomical Society

Thay are an observing group affiliated with Western Nevada Community College and the Jack C. Davis Observatory, located in Carson City, Nevada. The WNAS was established in November 2001, with the purpose of education, social functions and service to the astronomical community.

Western Nevada College, Jack C. Davis Observatory

The Jack C. Davis Observatory is open to the public and provides a research-level facility for WNCC students and the community. Three telescopes are inside the building, tone 16", one 14" and one 10", plus a small radio telescope. One is equipped with a spectrograph, which can collect data from the stars.

The Planetary Walkway connects the main campus with the observatory. Lining the walkway are massive sandstone monuments created by artistic inmates from the Nevada State Prison at the prison's old quarry. The stones feature carved images of the planets, along with information about the planet and a dedication to the donors.

The observatory is located at 2699 Van Patten Avenue on the northern end of the Carson City Campus. For more information about the observatory call the WNCC Foundation office at 775-445-3240 or email Professor Robert Collier

Working Group for the History of Astronomy (in the Astronomische Gesellschaft)

The working group is open for all who are interested. Its membership is independent from that in the AG.

Worthing Astronomical Society (WAS)

Worthing Astronomical Society. There are reports and articles from lectures, section directors, the committee and members. Also includes astronomical data, pictures, links, weather, up-to-the-minute news, a diary, live data java applets, etc.

Wycombe Astronomical Society (WAS)

Astronomy for Everyone in Buckinghamshire, England. Affiliated to the Society for Popular Astronomy, the Federation of Astronomical Societies and the Chiltern Group of Astronomical Societies. Over 65 members.
Resources include The Chiltern Observatory housing a 12" Newtonian equatorial.

Yellowstone Valley Amateur Astronomers (YVAA)

Yerkes Observatory, University of Chicago

Named after Charles Tyson Yerkes, a Chicago transportation tycoon. The plan itself was masterminded by George Ellery Hale. The showpiece of the observatory was then, and still is, the 40-in refractor, in 1897 the world's largest telescope and even today the largest refracting telescope. Hale subsequently built still other "world's largest" (reflecting) telescopes in southern California. Hale also founded the American Astronomical Society in 1897, and co-founded (with James Keeler) the Astrophysical Journal, which was edited at Yerkes until 1965. Yerkes Observatory is a research branch of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the University of Chicago. Until the mid-1960's, Yerkes Observatory housed all of the Department's activities (including managing the operations for McDonald Observatory in Texas from 1932-1962). Today the 77-acre, park-like site in southeast Wisconsin provides laboratory space and access to telescopes for research and instruction in ways that compleme other facilities available to the Department. A substantial fraction of the University's library holdings in astronomy are housed at Yerkes.

Volcano Observatories

Cascades Volcano Observatory

From the USGS. Includes Volcano Hazards Program Sites.

Recent Astronomical History

Before 1991, the only planets known, were the nine planets in our solar system.

In 1991 radio astronomers detected the first extrasolar planets orbiting a dying pulsar star. This star was left over from a supernova explosion in the constellation Virgo. The pulsar's beam of radiation changed slightly due to the gravitational pull of three Earth-sized objects revolving around the host star, PSR B1257+12. Although the deadly radiation from the pulsar is not condusive to life, it was the first example of a star other than our Sun producing planets.

In 1995 Swiss astronomers found another extra-solar planetary candidate. It was discovered by noting a slight perturbation in the position of 51 Pegasi, a star in our nearby galactic neighborhood. This star, found in the constellation of Pegasus, is much more like our Sun with respect to its temperature, size, rotation speed and emitted radiation. The newly found planet orbiting 51 Peg had a size comparable to Jupiter or Saturn, however, it was positioned extremely close to its parent star - closer than Mercury sits from our own Sun. Although not a good candidate for a life, it was the first ever evidence of an extrasolar planet around a Sun-like star.

By 2005, more than 100 planets have been found orbiting other stars. Some of them are orbiting extremely close to their parent star like the 51 Peg planetary system, while others are found to be at distances comparable to where Mars and Jupiter orbit in our solar system.

Plans for Continued Planet Searches

The right size, the right distance, the right temperature: we finally have evidence for the existence of extrasolar worlds that may be candidates for life-bearing planets as well. A search of the nearest 1,000 stars to our Sun may reveal evidence of planets very much like Earth. "Earth-type" planets, the most condusive to sustaining life, must be solid bodies (unlike the gas giant planets such as Jupitor and Saturn in our outer solar system) with masses roughly between 0.5 - 10 Earth masses. These planets need to be found at distances from their parent star such that the planet's temperature and atmospheric pressure are supportive of the existence of liquid water.

Direct methods for examining stars in our nearby neighborhood for the existence of planets would involve the detection of starlight reflected by an orbiting planet or perhaps by the emitted thermal radiation from the planet itself. Optical reflected light and infrared thermal radiation could both be analyzed spectroscopically (provided astronomers could actually detect this gentle signal amid the powerful fury of its host star) to present information about the size, sunlight reflectivity (albedo) and temperature of a planet.

Indirect methods of planetary detection include measurements of radial velocities of nearby stars, measurements of pulsar rates, actual changes in the position of a host star based on gravitational pull of planets or changes in the apparent brightness of the host star due to transits and microlensing events. Each of these methods can indicate the presence of external bodies around nearby stars.

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