Tutorials + Introductions

Introductions + Tutorials

Most of these overviews are aimed at a general audience, and towards those without a great deal of scientific background or a strong familiarity with astronomy. Many links on the other pages in this site contain links to more advanced tutorials for those of you looking for more rigorous treatments or technical details.

How Astronomy Works:

Introduction from "Electronic Imaging in Astronomy; Detectors and Instrumentation" by Prof Ian McLean -- an intro to what 'observing' in professional astronomy entails
Imagine the Universe -- Goddard Space Flight Center's introduction to satellites, data and data analysis (e.g., light curves, spectra), and observing physical phenomena.
Bad Astronomy -- devoted to debunking myths and other misunderstandings of astronomy

The Solar System:

Solar System -- Introduction to the 9 planets, including pictures. Detailed info. on the Sun as well.

The Nine Planets -- detailed info + explanations for each planet + moon, and some asteroids, in our solar system, including links to more info. and images. Includes a glossary of technical terms

Welcome to the Planets -- lots of useful pictures for planets and exploratory spacecraft

The Sun: a Pictorial Introduction from the High Altitude Observatory

Radiation-Specific Tutorials

IPAC's Infrared Astronomy tutorial -- overview on infrared telescopes (ground based and satellites), IR observing technology, views of many objects in the IR, etc.
Intro. to X-ray Astronomy & RXTE satellite -- Goddard Space Flight Center's overview of electromagnetic radiation, multiwavelength and X-ray observing, and the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer satellite.