Beginner Guides

• Martz-Kohl Observatory’s Constellation Tutorial and Reference
• Planetary Society: Astronomy for Beginners
• Observing Resources for Amateur Astronomers

Stargazing Tips

• Cosmic Pursuits — Practical, beginner-friendly stargazing tips and monthly sky guides from astronomy writer Brian Ventrudo.
• EarthSky — Popular daily “what to look for tonight” guide, plus deep-dive articles on constellations, meteor showers, and moon phases.

Asteroid

• Near-Earth Object Program — NASA’s program for detecting and tracking asteroids and comets that pass close to Earth.
• The Spacewatch Project — University of Arizona survey based at Kitt Peak — one of the longest-running programs discovering and tracking near-Earth asteroids.

Astronomical

• Martz-Kohl Observatory’s Deep Sky Object Tutorial and Reference
• Astrochron — Web app showing what’s visible tonight from your location — planet positions, eclipses, meteor showers, and ISS passes — with the ability to step through time to see how the sky changes.
• Astronomy Picture of the Day
• Night Sky Network Home Page — NASA/JPL-supported network connecting local astronomy clubs (like MKO) with public outreach resources and event tools.
• SpaceWeather.com — News about meteor showers, solar flares, auroras, and NEOs
• 30 Meter Telescope Debate — News coverage of the giant next-generation telescope proposed for Mauna Kea and the public debate over its construction there.
• Astronomy Sayings and Quotes

Darksky

• Dark-Sky Association — International non-profit advocating for reducing light pollution and preserving dark night skies.
• Nightwise Lighting Issues — Chuck Bueter’s astronomy outreach site, with dark-sky advocacy tips and light-pollution reduction ideas.

NASA Field Centers

• Cassini-Huygens Home
• Jet Propulsion Laboratory
• Mars Exploration Rover Mission Home
• NASA – Glenn Home
• NASA – Johnson Space Center
• NASA – Kennedy Space Center – America’s Spaceport
• NASA – Marshall Space Flight Center Home Page
• NASA – NASA Ames Research Center Home
• NASA – NASA’s Langley Research Center

Magazines

• Astronomy Magazine — Monthly print/online magazine covering astronomy news, observing guides, and beginner-friendly explainers.
• Sky and Telescope — Long-running astronomy magazine known for detailed observing charts and more technical, in-depth articles — a step up from Astronomy Magazine for experienced observers.
• Universe Today — Daily space and astronomy news site covering new discoveries, missions, and research from across the field.

Online Planetariums and related S/W

• Satellite Related Software — A long-maintained list of software for predicting and tracking satellite passes overhead (ISS, Starlink, etc.).
• Star Maps — Interactive online star map — enter your location to see what’s overhead right now.
• Stellarium: Online Planetarium — Free web-based planetarium showing a realistic sky view for any date, time, and location
• Solar System Scope — Interactive 3D model of the solar system you can explore in your browser.

Road Trips & Travel

Located about an hour west of the Martz-Kohl Observatory, the Yahn Planetarium at Penn State Behrend (4205 College Drive, Erie, PA 16563) features a 55-seat, 30-foot immersive dome theater. The facility hosts public multimedia astronomy shows and seasonal night sky tours on Saturdays, while serving as a major regional STEM hub for K-12 field trips and community outreach.

Located about 1 hour and 45 minutes southeast of the Martz-Kohl Observatory, Cherry Springs State Park (4639 Cherry Springs Rd, Coudersport, PA 16915) is a world-renowned Gold-Level International Dark Sky Park. It features an unobstructed 360-degree view where the Milky Way is vividly visible to the naked eye. The park provides a public area for casual stargazers and a specialized overnight field for astrophotographers.

Located about 3 hours east of the Martz-Kohl Observatory, the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center (698 Underwood Road, Vestal, NY 13850) opens to the public every Friday night for educational STEM programs and deep-sky viewing. It serves as an excellent weekend road-trip destination, particularly for its annual AstroFest autumn star party, which draws guest speakers and astronomy enthusiasts from across the region.

Road Scholar is a nonprofit educational organization focused on lifelong learning through travel. They have created a guide titled “Chasing the Cosmos: The Ultimate Guide to Astrotourism,” which explores how travelers can experience dark skies, stargazing, and astronomy-focused destinations around the world.