Last Updated: August 2023
Here’s a list of links to selected websites I think you might find useful. This list is occasionally updated with new resources. If you discover any broken links, please let me know.
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.
| Totally Astronomy | |
| alpo-astronomy.org | Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers. |
| apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html | Astronomy Picture of the Day. |
| https://www.nasa.gov/centers/hq/home/index.htmlnasa.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 treasure 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/ | NASA gateway for images, maps, simulations, and videos. |
| 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. |
| https://www.usgs.gov/centers/astrogeology-science-centerastrogeology.usgs.gov/ | USGS: Get maps of Earth, and many another members of our Solar System. |
| hubblesite.org/ | Hubble Space Telescope. |
| http://www.oarval.org/AstroLnk.htm | Observatorial ARVAL: Comprehensive astronomy gateway. |
| https://shallowsky.com/moon/ | The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Moon: Everything you could possibly want to know about the Moon. |
| Weather & 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 ZIP code, 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. |
| https://solaractionalliance.org/ | Everything you need to know about solar energy. |
| https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/wind-energy-basics | Everything you need to know about wind energy. |
| Science Blogs, Forums, Websites | |
| 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 astronomy photos by Melinda & Dean Ketelsen, both creative Arizona astrophotographers. |
| www.pbase.com/polakis | Astronomy and nature photos by Tom & Jennifer Polakis, two more creative Arizona astrophotographers. |
| nexstarsite.com/_RAC/articles/formulas.htm | Useful formulas for amateur astronomers. |
| 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. |
| Education | |
| nea.org/tools/lessons/stem-resources.html | The 10 best STEM resources for educators. |
| 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. |
| https://www.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. |
| sciencebuddies.org/ | Science fair project ideas for home and school. |
| http://www.algodoo.com/ | Cool virtual 2D physics sandbox, games, and simulations. |
| https://www.khanacademy.org/ | Khan Academy: exhaustive collection of free math and science lessons and videos. |
| https://cosmolearning.org/courses/the-mechanical-universe/ | The classic 80s Cal Tech series available as 56 streaming videos. |
| https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/moocs/ | MOOCs: Massive Open Online Courses, the ultimate guide and handbook. |
| https://www.youtube.com/user/aaptfilms | Classic short films from the AAPT covering various physics topics. |
| https://www.acronymfinder.com/ | Acronym Finder: A comprehensive translator for today’s alphabet soup of acronyms. Also translates initialisms and abbreviations. |
| Diversions | |
| https://woodgears.ca/eyeball/ | Challenging test your visual acuity and innate sense of geometry. Scored and ranked results. |
| https://word.tips/anagram-solver/ | Anagram generator: What words can be made from the letters in your name (or from any phrase)? |
| https://free-game-downloads.mosw.com/abandonware/pc/ | Abandonware: Free classic arcade games, learning, and puzzle solving. Primarily for PC platforms. Fun retro stuff! |
| http://www.colorstereo.com/anaglyph.gal/ana_dir.html | Fantastic collection of 3D anaglyph images. If you were a fan of the View-Master® (as I was) you’ll enjoy this collection. Requires basic 3D glasses to enjoy them, but check out the next link. |
| https://www.rainbowsymphony.com/ | Get your 3D glasses here. I get no kickback from this company, but I’ve dealt with them many times and they have a superior product that’s fairly priced. |
| 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, in the spirit of educational outreach, donated his expert assistance helping to fine-tune my blog. Thank you sir. |