Last Updated: January 2019
Here’s a list of links to selected websites I think you might find useful. Many are Arizona based, since that’s where Sky Lights is created. This list is occasionally updated with new resources.
Note: Do not send suggestions for new links. My webmaster will reject them. Too much time has been wasted reviewing “educational websites” that are nothing more than single pages on commercial websites. With a few notable exceptions, our links are free of advertising and other distractions. We’ll research and select our own resources, thank you.
| Local Astronomy Clubs | Description |
| eastvalleyastronomy.org/ | East Valley Astronomy Club |
| pasaz.org/ | Phoenix Astronomical Society |
| saguaroastro.org/ | Saguaro Astronomy Club |
| astroverde.org/ | Astronomers of Verde Valley |
| National Astronomy Resources | |
| alpo-astronomy.org | Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers |
| apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html | Astronomy Picture of the Day |
| nasa.gov/centers/hq/home/ | NASA home page |
| astroleague.org/ | Astronomical League: Listing of astronomy clubs throughout the United States, and many other valuable resources. |
| darksky.org/ | International Dark-Sky Association (IDA): Protecting our vanishing resource of dark night skies, recommendations for outside lighting, information about how you can help. |
| astrosociety.org | Astronomical Society of the Pacific: Major resource for all things astronomical. |
| space.jpl.nasa.gov/ | This simulator will show you whatever you’re looking for. |
| spotthestation.nasa.gov/sightings/ | Easily find the ISS using this location utility. |
| https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/ESRS/HDEV/ | Watch a live HD video stream of Earth from the ISS. |
| spaceplace.nasa.gov/ | An outstanding collection of educational resources. |
| astrogeology.usgs.gov/ | USGS: Get maps of Earth, or any another member of our Solar System. |
| hubblesite.org/ | Hubble Space Telescope |
| Weather and Meteorology | |
| forecast.weather.gov/ | NWS, your public service weather station. This link takes you to the forecast for New River, Arizona, but just enter your own zipcode, bookmark, and enjoy this fast-loading site with no annoying ads or popups. Also includes satellite visual and IR video loops. |
| atoptics.co.uk/ | Atmospheric Optics: Beautiful images and scientific explanations of luminous atmospheric phenomena. A visual exploration of meteorology. |
| Blogs, Forums, & Websites | |
| https://openstax.org/ | OpenStax.org provides high school and introductory college level textbooks in many categories, including math, science, physics, biology, and chemistry. All textbooks are open source. They can be viewed online or downloaded as PDFs. This is an excellent resource for independent learners and homeschoolers. |
| madsci.org/ | MadSci Network: The laboratory that never sleeps. Vast collection of science and math resources. One of the best on the web, with links to many “Ask A Scientist” services |
| askaspaceman.com/ | Great podcast, and an opportunity to pose questions to a real astrophysicist. |
| theketelsens.blogspot.com | Excellent mix of nature and astro photos. |
| www.pbase.com/polakis | Astronomy and nature images by Tom & Jennifer Polakis, some of the most prolific astrophotographers in Arizona. |
| nexstarsite.com/_RAC/articles/formulas.htm | Useful formulas for amateur astronomers. |
| nea.org/tools/lessons/stem-resources.html | The 10 best STEM resources for educators. |
| sciencebuddies.org/ | Science fair project ideas for home and school. |
| pbs.org/wgbh/nova/education/resources/subj_10_03.html | PBS Nova Teachers: Resources for many areas of physics. |
| cosmoquest.org/ | Comprehensive portal for space science education resources, featuring mapping tools, teacher lesson plans, student activities, and forums. |
| lovethenightsky.com/ | Well-organized collection of astronomy resources, telescope reviews, educational info, observing tips, contact info for US astronomy clubs, relevant targeted ads. |
| https://hobbyhelp.com/astronomy/ | The ultimate beginner’s guide to astronomy. Written for the non-scientist. Helpful tips with all you need to know about buying a telescope and getting into the hobby. |
| https://nightskygazing.com/ |
Another beginners guide to astronomy. Covers all aspects of the hobby, nicely organized, many useful graphics and charts. |
| https://wordfinderx.com/blog/space-games/ |
Contains a few commercial items, but has many free games and challenges for beginning astronomers, including children. |
| Special Acknowledgment | |
| fallingupmedia.com/ | As an homage, here’s a link to FallingUp Media. They’re a local website development company (among other things), and very good at what they do. Co-founder Cody Helgeson donated his expert assistance improving my blog in the spirit of educational outreach. Thank you sir. |