0.2 Astronomy websites, images, and apps

Throughout the textbook, we suggest useful resources for students on the specific topics in a given chapter. Here, we offer some websites for exploring astronomy in general, plus good sites for viewing and downloading the best astronomy images, and guides to astronomical apps for smartphones and tablets. This is not an exhaustive listing, but merely a series of suggestions to whet the appetite of those wanting to go beyond the textbook.

Websites for exploring astronomy in general

Astronomical organizations

Amateur Astronomy Clubs. In most large cities and a number of rural areas, there are amateur astronomy clubs , where those interested in the hobby of astronomy gather to observe the sky, share telescopes, hear speakers, and help educate the public about the night sky. To find an astronomy club near you, you can try the following sites:

• Night Sky Network club finder: http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/club-map.cfm.
• Sky&Telescope Magazine astronomy clubs and organizations: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community/organizations.
• Astronomy Magazine club finder: http://www.astronomy.com/groups.aspx.
• Astronomical League astronomy clubs and societies: http://www.astroleague.org/societies/all.
• Go-Astronomy club search: http://www.go-astronomy.com/astro-club-search.htm.

American Astronomical Society: http://www.aas.org. Composed mainly of professional astronomers. They have an active education office and various materials for students and the public on the education pages of their website.

Astronomical League: http://www.astroleague.org. The league is the umbrella organization of American astronomy clubs. They offer a newsletter, national observing programs, and support for how to form and support a club.

Astronomical Society of the Pacific: http://www.astrosociety.org. Founded in 1889, this international society is devoted to astronomy education and outreach. They have programs, publications, and materials for families, teachers, amateur astronomers, museum guides, and anyone interested in astronomy.

European Space Agency (ESA): http://www.esa.int/. Information on European space missions with an excellent gallery of images.

International Astronomical Union (IAU): http://www.iau.org/. International organization for professional astronomers; see the menu choice “IAU for the Public” for information on naming astronomical objects and other topics of interest to students.

International Dark-Sky Association: http://www.darksky.org. Dedicated to combating light pollution, the encroachment of stray light that wastes energy and washes out the glories of the night sky.

NASA: http://www.nasa.gov. NASA has a wide range of information on its many websites; the trick is to find what you need. Most space missions and NASA centers have their own sites.

Planetary Society: http://www.planetary.org. Founded by the late Carl Sagan and others, this group works to encourage planetary exploration and the search for life elsewhere. While much of their work is advocacy, they have some educational outreach too.