Title graphic for Sea and Sky's astronomy reference guide, astronomers observing the night sky

 Astronomy Reference Guide


Whether you are a serious amateur astronomer or are just interested in learning about the amateur astronomy hobby, Sea and Sky's astronomy reference guide provides a wide variety of astronomy help and astronomy information. Here you will find a complete Messier object catalog, astronomy software links, a glossary of astronomy terms, information about equipment, and many more references for the amateur astronomy hobby. You can use the menu at below to navigate through this section of the site.

This section of the site also features an astronomy photo gallery. If you have any astronomy-related pictures that you would like us to publish online, please send an e-mail with the picture or pictures and any information you would like to have included and we will consider adding them to the gallery.


Glossary of Astronomy Terms   Glossary of Astronomy Terms
Our glossary of astronomy terms contains definitions for some of the most common words used in astronomy, cosmology, astrophysics, and space exploration.
     
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)   Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How far away is the Moon? Why is the Sky blue? How old is the universe? This page contains answers to some of the most common questions encountered in the amateur astronomy hobby. 
     
Messier Catalog of Deep Sky Objects   Messier Catalog of Deep Sky Objects
The Messier catalog contains a listing of 110 of the most popular deep sky objects. Learn where to find some of the most beautiful star cluster, nebulae, and galaxies in the night sky.
     
Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events   Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events
Our calendar of celestial events contains the most complete listing of upcoming events anywhere on the Internet. Find dates for moon phases, eclipses, meteor showers, planetary events, and more.
     
Observing Events and Star Parties   Observing Events and Star Parties
Check out our ever-growing listing of upcoming astronomy events and star parties, including amateur astronomy meets, camping parties, and public astronomy events.
     
Astronomy Equipment Guide   Astronomy Equipment Guide
Our quick astronomy equipment guide will help to familiarize you with many of the basics of the astronomy hobby. Learn about telescopes, mounts, and the many types of accessories.
     
Astronomy Software   Astronomy Software
Check our listing of some of the most popular and useful astronomy software for your home computer, including planetarium programs, solar system simulators, star atlases, and satellite trackers.
     
Astronomy Photo Gallery   Astronomy Photo Gallery
Our astronomy photo gallery features some beautiful astronomy images that have been submitted by some of our visitors, as well as images submitted by Sea and Sky's creator.
     
Astronomy Supplies and Vendors   Astronomy Supplies and Vendors
Our astronomy supplies and vendors page contains a listing of companies that sell astronomy equipment as well as suppliers and manufacturers that make astronomy hardware.
     
Astronomy Resources   Astronomy Resources
Our astronomy resources page contains a listing of books, Websites, and online magazines that are recommended for both the beginner and the serious amateur astronomer.
     
My Sky: My Astronomy Hobby   My Sky: My Astronomy Hobby
On the My Sky page, the creator of Sea and Sky shares his experience in the astronomy hobby and also shares some of his favorite astronomy photographs taken over the years.