Astronomy Site
	Mona Evans BellaOnline's Astronomy Editor

A Quick Guide to the Astronomy Site
What are other people reading? Where can I find an astronomy word search? I´d like some help to start observing. What is a meteor shower? Here is a guide to help you find what you want and get the best out of the BellaOnline Astronomy site.

Astronomy Books as Gifts
What about some astronomy-related books for presents? I´ve made a dozen recommendations, mostly for readers (8-14), but there are some for adults too. Maybe one would suit somebody on your list.

Atlas of the Universe [offsite link]
Here is the visible universe on different scales, starting with a map of the stars within 12.5 light years. Each zoom then expands the view by 10-20 times: out through the Milky Way and the smaller galaxies held by its gravity, the Virgo Supercluster made up of groups of galaxies held together by gravity. This is really still our local area, as there are some ten million superclusters in the visible universe. There is additional information and a glossary to help your understanding.

Bang! - Book Review
What would it take to explain the Big Bang Theory? James Lu Dunbar´s "Bang!" might do it - and amuse you and your children at the same time. It´s a splendid little book which tells the story of the universe in verse and appealing graphics.

Exploring Stars and Planets - book review
Looking for an astronomy book for readers 8-14? Philip´s has a brand new edition of Ian Ridpath´s best seller. Clearly written and illustrated with up-to-date images, it´s the story of the Solar System. But there are also glimpses into galaxies, exploding stars and the history of the Universe.

George´s Secret Key to the Universe – book review
In Lucy & Stephen Hawking´s book, the hero George used to have a quiet life, but now he´s trying to rescue his next door neighbor from a black hole. Here´s a lively illustrated story, beautiful color images of the universe, and from the man who knows, a great explanation of what a black hole is.

Hubble 3D - Film Review
For over two decades a special telescope has given us breath-taking views of the cosmos. The Hubble Space Telescope has lasted this long through servicing by space shuttle astronauts, but the final mission is over. This IMAX film is a tribute to the iconic instrument - is there a theater near you?

Icarus at the Edge of Time book review
Icarus flew too close to the Sun with wings of wood and wax. The wax melted and he fell to his death. Brian Greene´s Icarus of the future flies too close to a black hole and finds that he should have paid more attention to Einstein.

It´s Alive - book review
Bang Theory in verse and drawings. Now stars and planets have formed, but something new is happening: Life. Book 2 is about evolution by natural selection. In its cheerful verse and lovely color drawings, it´s also a love poem to our beautiful Earth.

Kids´ Corner
Websites, activities and articles especially aimed at young people. Their parents and teachers may be interested too.

Science Fair Astronomy Projects
Attention, educators and students! Need help with astronomy ideas for a science fair? Wonder about how to do a project or investigation? Here are some useful sites with suggestions for astronomy-themed projects, as well as plenty of how-to on researching and presenting work.

Teaching Moon Phases and Eclipses
Why does the Moon seem to change shape? If eclipses happen when the Sun, Moon and Earth are all lined up, why don´t they happen every month? If you´re an educator, you may need to understand why and explain it to children. Here are some online resources to help you out.

Teaching Why We Have Day and Night
Why do we have day and night? For thousands of years most people thought it was because the Sun went around the Earth. That is certainly what it looks like, so how can you explain that day and night happen because the earth spins on its axis? Here are some ideas.

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