New Observers

Interested in learning to become a sky watcher or observer?
Learn about the online Observing 101 course here.

Astronomy Documents (Created by members of CAAS to help others)

  • Learning the Constellations – This document was developed by Rocky Togni to assist astronomers in identifying the constellations.  (This has been turned into a booklet with added features that can br purchased for $10, at CAAS star parties.)
  • Polar Alignment – Even the most casual observer knows that the Sun and stars move across the sky. These objects appear to move because the Earth rotates on its axis every day. In order for you to observe an object for any length of time, your telescope must track the sky in sync with the Earth’s rotation. This document will help you get good polar alignment with your telescope.
  • Lunar Alphabet – This is a binocular guide to the Moon, developed by CAAS, to assist in the identification of features on our only natural satellite.

Astronomy Calendars

  • Asteroid Occultation Predictions – A web based listing of upcoming asteroid occultation predictions.
  • Heavens-Above – If you’re interested in satellites or astronomy, Heavens-Above is the place for you!
  • JPL Space Calendar – The Space Calendar covers space-related activities and anniversaries for the coming year.
  • Transit Times of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot – Calculate the best times to see the Great Red Spot.

Astro Periodicals

  • Astronomy Magazine – Offers daily astronomy and space news, star charts, pictures of planets, space missions, eclipse and much more.
  • Sky and Telescope – The Essential Magazine of Astronomy. News, observing tips, how-to advice, and more!
  • Sky at Night Magazine – The biggest name in astronomy.

Astronomy Software

  • Cartes du Ciel Sky Charts – A free sky charting program that uses the data in 16 stellar and nebulae catalogs in addition to positions of planets, asteroids and comets.
  • Home Planet – Home Planet is a comprehensive astronomy, space and satellite-tracking package for Microsoft Windows 95/98/ME and Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP.
  • K3 CCD Tools – Software for capturing and processing images with web cams and similar devices.
  • NIST Internet Time Service (ITS) – The NIST Internet Time Service (ITS) allows users to synchronize computer clocks via the Internet. The time information provided by the service is directly traceable to UTC(NIST). The service responds to time requests from any Internet client in several formats including the DAYTIME, TIME, and NTP protocols.
  • Stellarium – An excellent free PC based planetarium program.

Other Astronomy Clubs

Facebook Groups

Other Astronomy Sites

  • UCA Dr. Edmond E Griffin Planetarium – The Dr. Edmond E. Griffin Planetarium, located on the University of Central Arkansas Campus in the Conway Corporation Center for the Sciences, serves as an astronomy and science education resource center for central Arkansas.
  • Arkansas Tech Observatory – The observatory is adjacent to McEver Hall on the ATU campus.
  • AAVSO – The American Association of Variable Star Observers: Professional and Amateur collection, research, and analyses of variable star observations.
  • ALPO – The Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers.
  • Astronomical League – The Astronomical League is a confederation of amateur astronomers and amateur astronomy organizations. The league promotes learning about astronomy, observing the sky, and communications among amateur astronomers.
  • Hubble Heritage Project – Images from the Hubble Space Telescope.
  • International Meteor Organization – The International Meteor Organization is a comprehensive site for amatuer meteor work.
  • International Occultation Timing Association – Master index and information site for lunar occultations and grazes.
  • Mars Society – The Purpose of the Mars Society is to further the goal of the exploration and settlement of the Red Planet.
  • Minor Planet & Comet Ephemeris Service – A comprehensive online resource for minor planet and comet research.
  • MSRAL – Mid States Region of the Astronomical Society online.
  • StarLust – An astronomy website created to help people start their journey into the world of stargazing.

Astrophotography

  • Astronomical Cameras: A Guide to Astrophotography A guide to many different aspects of astrophotography.
  • Field of View Calculator An excellent tool to help you determine your field of view using various telescopes and cameras. This can be useful when considering which telescope or camera to buy. It can also be useful for visual astronomy to show your field of view using various telescopes and eyepieces.

Other Interesting Sites

  • Beginner’s Guide to Astronomy A brief overview of how and why to pursue an interest in the night sky.
  • Night Sky Info Weekly information about the night sky, astronomy articles and observations.
  • Interactive ISS Viewer Interactive 3D views of the ISS, annotated to show function and purpose. Click and hold your mouse over the views and you can rotate and examine the ISS interactively.
  • Northern Lights cam Realtime view of Aurora Borealis near Churchill, Manitoba, Canada.