Sunspot solar maximum Solar Cycle 25

Solar Maximum Explained

After looking at the solar minimum in depth, it is only natural to discuss the opposite effect, which is the solar maximum. Solar maximum, sometimes abbreviated as solar max, is a regular period of greatest Sun activity during the…


National Park Stargazing International Dark Sky Places IDA Dark Sky Crater Lake Rim Drive Bend Eugene National Parks Astronomy Stargazing Pacific Northwest

Dark Sky Places In The Pacific Northwest

Previously, we discussed the International Dark Sky Association Places Programs available to parks, communities, sanctuaries, and more! The process to apply, and maintain certification can be lengthy, but with a limited number of locations it…


Gravity Fundamental Forces

Gravity: An Introduction

Gravity is a natural phenomenon by which all things with mass or energy are brought toward. Another term that is often used to describe how this works is that objects gravitate toward one another. As gravitational attraction of the original gaseous matter…




Messier 4

Messier 4

This review of Messier 4 is to provide details about the observational history, details about how to find it in the sky, what the object could look like in your scope, and potential astrophotography options…


National Park Stargazing International Dark Sky Places IDA Dark Sky Crater Lake Rim Drive Bend Eugene National Parks Astronomy Stargazing Pacific Northwest

International Dark Sky Places Program

With the recent distinction of Sunriver, Oregon being chosen as an “International Dark Sky Place,” we decided to do what we do best–compile resources and provide maps. In this form, what we will be doing…


Hubble Space Telescope Observatory Location Famous Astronomers

Observatory Location: Ground, Sky, Or Satellite

Where are the best places to have an observatory? What are the positives and negatives of placing a telescope in the atmosphere versus the ground versus an airborne telescope? We will take a look at…


Light Spectrum

The Different Spectrum Of Light

Light spectrum is the many different wavelengths of energy produced by a light source. Light is measured in nanometers, abbreviated to nm. Each nanometer represents a wavelength of light or band of light energy. Visible light is the part of the spectrum from 380nm to 780nm. These light…


Messier 3

Messier 3

This review of Messier 3 is to provide details about the observational history, details about how to find it in the sky, what the object could look like in your scope, and potential astrophotography options…