Here is a collection of astronomy websites that I visit regularly.
Forums:
Used Astronomy Gear:
- Astromart
- Cloudy Nights Classifieds
- Craigslist Maine – have to search through the junk to find the gems that come up for sale occasionally.
- Telescope Astronomy Buy and Sell – Facebook Group dedicated to the sale and trade of astronomy gear.
Weather:
- AccuWeather – You can create a personalized astronomy forecast on the site by entering your zip code.
- ClearDarkSky – Custom weather charts for various locations around the world.
- Meteoblue – A detailed weather forecast with cloud layers and other seeing conditions that are important for astronomers.
Maine Amateur Astronomy Groups:
- Central Maine Astronomical Society – I’m a member!
- Southern Maine Astronomers
- Astronomical Society of Northern New England
- Penobscot Valley Star Gazers
- Acadia Astronomical Society
- Downeast Amateur Astronomers
National astronomy groups and organizations:
- The Astronomical League – I’m a member!
- The Planetary Society
Star Parties:
- Acadia Night Sky Festival – annual public star party held at Acadia National Park. I’ve been several times and it is a well run operation. Very enjoyable for the astronomer and non-astronomer alike.
- Maine State Star Party – check with Charlie Sawyer @ Downeast Amateur Astronomers for event dates.
E-mail Lists:
- University of Southern Maine professor has a great email list called the Daily Astronomer. Send a blank email to this address to sign up.
- Year in Space: Not only do they sell a great wall and desk calendar, they have a weekly email that goes out discussing historical events relating to space and astronomy.
Manufacturers:
- Orion Telescopes
- Celestron Telescopes
- Skywatcher Telescopes
- Explore Scientific Telescopes
- Meade Telescopes
- Big Binoculars – manufacturer direct store for Oberwerk binoculars
Magazines:
Vendors:
- Astronomy Shoppe – independent vendor in New Hampshire that has unique items not found at most other vendor stores.
- Agena Astro
- Astronomics – supporter of Cloudy Nights website
- Highpoint Scientific – One of my favorite vendors to purchase from. Quick shipping from their NJ warehouse.
- Scope Stuff – another independent vendor located in Texas that has unique items not found at most other vendor stores.
- Thousand Oaks – known for good quality nebula and solar filters
Favorite Youtube Channels: