(fw kleinhans, iupui, 2-7-2003)
There is a wealth of astronomy information on the web. Below I have listed some of my favorite sites. They are gathered into the following categories. Some sites are listed in more than one category.
My all time favorite site is that maintained by Sky & Telescope Magazine. It is cookie free and has a lot of useful information/news and links to other sites. The site specializes in info for the amateur astronomer.
Occasionally the press, and especially TV, is the source of astronomical nonsense, e.g. the recent TV program that said the manned, moon landings were a hoax. If you have watched one of these, then you need to take the antidote; check out Mr. Bad Astronomy.
The web contains a wealth of astronomy information for amateurs. Here is just a very small selection of resources:
Software:
Go to my software page.
There are many introductory, college level astronomy courses with online notes/lectures. An excellent one at the University of Oregon, Eugene, is maintained by James Shombert:
Ast 121, The Solar System
Ast 122, The Birth and Death of Stars
Ast 123, Galaxies and the Expanding Universe
I also like the Dept of Physics/Astronomy site at University of Tennessee.
We have two public planetariums in Indianapolis. The Space Quest Planetarium is at the Children's Museum and the Holcomb Observatory/Planetarium is at Butler University. The Space Quest Planetarium often has flashy light shows while Holcomb generally has 'old fashioned' star shows. I prefer the latter; choose for yourself. On clear nights, before and after planetarium shows at Holcomb, the 38" telescope is open for viewing.
The Indiana Astronomical Society has public programs every month. During the summer they meet at Link Observatory in Martinsville and the rest of the year they meet at Holcomb Observatory. This is a good place to get an introduction to amateur astronomy and ask questions. There are always plenty of people eager to share their hobby with you. During the summer, they host star parties (see below) at McCloud Nature Park west of Indy. Check the IAS or McCloud schedule for dates.
I think the best regular star parties (see below) in central Indiana are held at Prairie Grass Observatory an hour north of Indy. They have a regular program and you can also get on their mailing list.
PUBLIC STAR PARTY: An event where amateurs get together with their telescopes and show the stars and planets to the public. This is a wonderful opportunity to have experts show you the most impressive sights in the sky through an array of powerful telescopes. For instance, Prairie Grass Observatory has telescopes up to 38" in diameter which yield awesome views. Note: This is a star party, not a drinking party. Here is one societies rules of etiquette for Star Parties.
Our night time skies are increasingly being destroyed by light pollution. In Indiana, an organization called ICOLE is fighting to educate people about light pollution and to use better lights. At the national and international level the fight is being carried by the IDA. Here is a photo of light pollution in the USA. Can you pick out Indianapolis? And here is the entire Earth.
IUPUI 2008
