Astronomy
Map made with Carte du Ciel
Astronomy is the study of the sky and the objects beyond Earth. Through observation, exploration and curiosity, astronomy helps us understand the movements of the Sun, Moon, planets and stars, while connecting people across cultures and generations through our shared experience of the night sky.
Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS (C/2023 A3) at Star Safari Observatory
This section explores astronomy through observing the changing sky, recognising celestial patterns and understanding humanity’s long relationship with the Universe through science, navigation and storytelling.
How do we understand the Universe?
Explore our stellar neighbourhood through an interactive activity investigating the stars closest to our Solar System. By mapping nearby stars in three dimensions, this resource helps students understand distance, scale and the structure of space beyond our Sun while developing observation and scientific thinking skills.
Pinch the image like you would on your phone or use two fingers on a trackpad to Zoom in or out and move around. Double click on a star to reveal its name. Diagram by Sam Leske
Explore the Universe
Our stellar neighbourhood
Understanding scale and spatial relationships.
Observing the Night Sky
Scientific observation and inquiry.
Did You Know?
Did you ever wonder where ear thermometers come from? They work by detecting infrared radiation — a form of invisible light also used by astronomers to study stars, planets and galaxies hidden beyond what human eyes can see. NASA/JPL engineers adapted infrared detectors originally used to measure the temperatures of stars and planets into medical thermometers.
When Galileo first pointed a telescope towards Jupiter in 1609, he observed four small moons orbiting the planet — evidence that not everything in the Universe revolved around Earth. His observations transformed astronomy and changed humanity’s understanding of the cosmos forever. Astronomy continues to evolve through observation, curiosity and the development of new ways to explore the sky.
Changing the Way We See the Sky
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The defenders of Earth
Astronomy is also about tracking asteroids and near-Earth objects; astronomers also help protect our planet. Through international collaborations, observatories and space missions, planetary defence combines observation, mathematics and technology to better understand potential hazards from space and humanity’s place in the Solar System.
Explore our classroom resouces
Bring SpacewardBound to your school
Explore the Universe through planetarium experiences, space science programmes and real-world exploration.
