Bill Arnett  Author of the Nine Planets, and contributor to many SEDS projects. His web site provides links to the Nine Planets, Web Nebulae, Messier Objects, The Worlds largest Telescopes, and many other useful links. Mr. Arnett has made many remarkable contributions to amateur astronomy.
Mel Bartel  Author of many articles, developer of software for motorized telescopes. Mel is an accomplished amateur astronomer from Oregon. Mel was honored for his contributions to amateur astronomy by having asteroid 17823 Bartels named after him. His site has links for articles on optics & mountings, astronomy software, and a good compilation of links for the amateur astronomer.
Richard Berry  Author of, "The Handbook of Astronomical Imaging Processing" and, "Build Your Own Telescope" and many other exceptional books for the amateur astronomer. Richard is a member of the ISS-AT (Amateur Telescope) team and has been instrumental in the implementation of this project which is supported by the Astronomical League. The International Astronomical Union honored Richard by designating Asteroid 3684 as Berry. Richard's educational web site and books are a good starting point for getting started in Astrophotography and CCD work.
Adam Block  Adam is an astronomer working at the National Optical Astronomy Observatory at Kitt Peak National Observatory.  Well known for his astrophotography, Adam works with the The Advanced Observing Program at Kitt Peak. Web site features a large collection of striking images of the Solar System, Nebulas, galaxies, super nova, star clusters, and related links.
Michael Covington  Dr. Covington is a an Adjunct Professor of Computer Science & Associate Director of the Artificial Intelligence Center at the University of Georgia. He has published several astronomy and computer books, including "Astrophotography for the Amateur", and "How to use a Computerized Telescope. His web site offers information about his books, a computer dictionary, links to other astrophotography resources, and links to related web sites.
John Dobson  Mr. Dobson is the founder of the "Sidewalk Astronomers Organization". Mr. Dobson has had a profound affect on the world of amateur astronomy world wide. Mr. Dobson has pursued a lifelong interest in Astronomy & Cosmology. He graduated from the University of California-Berkley in 1943, with degrees in chemistry and mathematics His mission in life is to make astronomy accessible to the general public. If you are new to astronomy you will soon learn about the Dobsonian telescope. Mr. Dobson continues to travel the world and holds telescope building classes across the globe.
Timothy Ferris  Dr. Timothy Ferris is a world renowned author of many books, articles, and essays, and a pioneering thinker in the field of Cosmology. He produced the Voyager phonograph record launched on board the twin Voyager Spacecraft. Dr. Ferris is currently serving on NASA's Near-Earth Object Steering Group. Web site contents includes links to his books, and films, transcripts of interviews, and images from his personal Rocky Hill Observatory.
Phil Harrington  Author of "Star Ware" & "Touring the Universe through Binoculars", and many other fine books. Phil is a popular amateur astronomer from New York. Currently he is an instructor in Astronomy at Suffolk County Community College. In addition to his books Phil is also a contributing editor for Astronomy magazine, and he has written extensively for other astronomy publications. He also has an Astronomy discussion group on Yahoo "Talking Telescopes". His web site offers a list of his books and CD ROM's, and links to the Dark-Sky Directory.
Stephen W. Hawking  Dr. Stephen Hawking is the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge, and  is said to be one of the greatest minds since Einstein. He is articulate, engaging and has the unusual ability to express mysterious Cosmology & Physics theories to not only scientists but the general public as well. He was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease in 1963 while a student at Cambridge, as a result of this he uses a wheelchair and speaks through a computer and voice synthesizer. He has written a number of best-selling books on Physics and Cosmology that are educational and yet entertaining for everyone. His web site provides insight into his theories and research, and includes online versions of his lectures and colloquiums, and a glossary. * Important note from Dr. Hawking and his publisher :  "The Theory of Everything: The Origin and Fate of the Universe" has been published. Professor Hawking would like to make it clear that he has not endorsed this book. The text was written by him many years ago, however the material has already been published in books such as 'A Brief History of Time'. A complaint was made to the Federal Trade Commission in the US in the hope that they would prevent the publication. We would urge you not to purchase this book in the belief that Professor Hawking was involved in its creation.
Walter Scott Houston  Walter Scott (Scotty) Houston (1912-1993) was an Author and inspiring astronomer to both the professional and amateur astronomy community for many decades. He wrote a column in Sky & Telescope magazine "Deep Sky Wonders", from 1946 until his death. He also wrote the book "Deep Sky Wonders", with Stephen James O'Meara published in 1998 by Sky Publishing which is a collection of his articles and musings. His influence in the  Astronomy world was far reaching, he had countless followers around the globe. His early influences led to the establishment of the Astronomical League. Asteroid 3031 was named in his honor. The NERAL (North Eastern Region of the Astronomical League) has honored Mr. Houston with an annual award in his name.
David H. Levy  David Levy is a popular amateur astronomer and author from Canada. He is known for his discovery of over 21 comets including Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 which he discovered in 1993 with Eugene & Carolyn Shoemaker. He is the author of 29 popular astronomy books and hosts a popular radio program "Lets talk Stars", which is available on the Internet. Mr. Levy is the science editor for Parade Magazine, and he writes the monthly column "Star Trails" in Sky & Telescope magazine. His web site provides numerous links to the Jarnac Comet Survey and many related web sites.
Jeff Medkeff  Jeff is a contributing editor for Sky & Telescope. His web site offers information on his Robotic Observatory & software. Visit his observatory web site as well. He maintains a mailing list for those with an interest in observatories and a group on Yahoo for amateur astronomers.
Rod Mollise  Author of "Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope". SCT user mailing list and Yahoo group. His web site provides links to his "SkyWatch" Newsletter, reviews, plans to build a barn door tracker for astrophotography, and image galleries. Also Rod provides links to many SCT user email groups, and to the Mobil AL. astronomy club.
Sir Patrick Moore  Sir Patrick Moore is legendary for his popular long running BBC program "The Sky at Night", as well as an author who has written over 60 popular astronomy books. He was educated at Cambridge University. His research which concentrated on studies of the Moon, was instrumental in developing Lunar missions with NASA, and the Russian Space program in 1959 through the early 1960's. He obtained knighthood in 2001. He is still broadcasting his show monthly in England on the BBC Network at the age of 80.
O. Richard Norton  Richard Norton is the former director of the Grace H. Flandrau Planetarium and Science Center, at the University of Arizona, Tucson, and the former director of Fleischmann Planetarium at the University of Nevada at Reno. He is an authority in research on the origins of meteorites and other astronomical topics. He has written many articles about meteorites for Sky & Telescope magazine, and other publications. He is the author of many classic books including, "the Cambridge Encyclopedia of Meteorites, and "Rocks From Space", providing a thorough background in Meteorites, a wonderful text for anyone interested in field-collecting meteorites. Additionally you should be sure to read "The Wild Wild East", the Search for the Siberian Meteorite Crater".
Phil Plait  Phil Plait is a Professor in Astronomy at Sonoma State University, Sonoma, CA. where he is a program manager with the GLAST Public Outreach program. He is well known as the author of the best selling book "Bad Astronomy", which is devoted to debunking myths and misconceptions in Astronomy and related topics. He also has a Yahoo group newsletter for "Bad Astronomy" updates and news.
Tom Polakis  Tom Polakis is a published author in both Sky & Telescope, and Astronomy Magazine. He is an amateur astronomer from Tempe, AZ. His web site includes many of his articles, his Deep Sky CCD Images and drawings, his observations of Abell Planetary Nebulae, a link to download a Binary Star Orbit Calculator by Brian Workman, and Tom's Eyepiece calculator.
Carl Sagan  (1934-1996) Dr. Carl Sagan was a gifted, world renowned astronomer, author, lecturer, scholar, and educator. He is perhaps one of the world's greatest scientists in that he brought Astronomy to the general public. Through his work he offered a wonderful and engaging insight in to the the world of science and the nature of the Universe around us. He wrote dozens of best selling books, countless articles and publications. His show "Cosmos", which debuted on September 28, 1980 on PBS, stirred the imaginations of people the world over. Dr. Sagan was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1978 for his book "The Dragons of Eden", and the Oersted Medal in 1990 from the American Association of Physics Teachers. Asteroid 2709 Sagan is named after him. The landing site of the unmanned Mars Pathfinder spacecraft was renamed the Carl Sagan Memorial Station in honor of Dr. Sagan. Dr. Sagan was the David Duncan Professor of Astronomy and Space Sciences and director of the Laboratory for Planetary Studies at Cornell University. He was a leading advisor to NASA's Mariner, Viking, Voyager and Galileo expeditions to other planets. Dr. Sagan was a distinguished visiting scientist at NASA's JPL. He was also a leader in environmental causes. Dr. Sagan received numerous prestigious honors from NASA, and 22 honorary degrees from several universities and colleges.  Dr. Sagan was a leading pioneer in the fields of exobiology and extraterrestrial biology. He was one of the co-founders of the Planetary Society as well as the first President of the Planetary Society. Dr. Sagan's legacy is sure to live on in future generations as a result of his remarkable  contributions to science and humankind.
Eugene M. Shoemaker  (1928-1997) Eugene Shoemaker was a Planetary scientist and Astronomer. Dr. Shoemaker invented the Branch of Astrogeology within the U.S. Geological Survey and established the field center in Flagstaff AZ. in 1963. He retired from the USGS in 1993. Dr. Shoemakers influence in the Astronomical community was far-reaching and diverse. He is known for the discovery of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 in 1994 (with his wife Carolyn and David Levy) which impacted Jupiter. An event which created significant new insight into the dynamics of comets and planetary studies of Jupiter. Dr. Shoemaker felt that our studies of Geology should also be applied in Space and extended to planetary research. During his lifetime he had visions of being the first "Geologist Astronaut" and had visions of mapping the Moon, but in 1963 he was diagnosed with Addison's Disease, a condition which prevented his from entering the NASA astronaut program. Dr. Shoemaker was killed in an automobile accident on July 18, 1997 in Alice Springs, Australia while on one of his annual trips to Australia to study impact craters. In tribute to him and his lifelong work and contributions to Planetary science some of his ashes were carried to the Moon on board the Lunar Prospector spacecraft. You can read the LPL tribute to to Dr. Shoemaker here.
Nik Szymanek  Nik Szymanek is an Author, Astrophotographer, and part time lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK. His web site offers a wonderful gallery of his Astrophotography and CCD imaging activities. He travels each year to visit the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory, La Palma, Spain, home of the famous Isaac Newton Telescope, and the William Herschel Telescope.
Stephen Tonkin  Renowned author of many astronomy books including, "Amateur Telescope Making", and "Astrophotography and CCD Imaging". Many of his tutorials are contained on this site, along with information and FAQ's for the amateur astronomy community.
Ron Wodaski  Author of, "The New Astronomy" How to Capture the Stars with a CCD Camera in Your Own Back Yard. His web site provides information on and image galleries of Solar images, planetary, Messier, supernova, and Hydrogen-Alpha images. Reviews of various equipment used in imaging, and tutorials, a very informative site for anyone interesrastrophotography.
Edward (Ned) Wright  Dr. Wright is an Educator at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA. He is currently involved in several space missions including WISE (Wide-field Infrared Explorer), the COBE mission since 1982, and SIRTIF (Space Infrared Telescope). He presents a very comprehensive Cosmology tutorial that does use HS level Algebra and Geometry. He uses many Java Applets, and illustrations throughout the tutorial. In addition his web site contains many Cosmology related news items and articles. A Relativity tutorial, bibliography, and a JavaScript calculator of the many distances involved in Cosmology provide an excellent background in Cosmology. A captivating web site that will provide you with a thorough understanding of the concepts in modern Cosmology. Also be sure to read his Relativity tutorial.  

AAS American Astronomical Society (AAS), established 1899, is the major organization of professional astronomers in North America. The basic objective of the AAS is to promote the advancement of astronomy and closely related branches of science. The AAS web site is large containing numerous web pages and informative links. Educational FAQ's for students, AAS links to the The Astrophysics Data System (ADS) is a NASA-funded project which maintains four bibliographic databases containing more than 4.0 million records: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Instrumentation, Physics and Geophysics, and preprints in Astronomy. A link to the Astronomical Journal, and The Astrophysical Journal the foremost research journal in the world devoted to recent developments, discoveries, and theories in astronomy and astrophysics, International Astronomy Meetings List, and SIMBAD, the SIMBAD astronomical database provides basic data, cross-identifications and bibliography for astronomical objects outside the solar system (currently 3,323,741 objects 8,708,529 identifiers,150,203 bibliographical references, and 4,581,709 citations of objects in papers.)
AAAS  The American Association for the Advancement of Science was founded in 1848 to represent all disciplines of science. Their organization provides an exchange of ideas and discussions in all disciplines of science. The AAAS publishes a weekly journal "Science" and has an online version of the journal. This large web site contains may web pages and provides numerous resources for scientists, educators, and amateur astronomers. Many links to related web sites and additional resources.
AAVSO  The American Association of Variable Star Observers was founded in 1911 at Harvard College Observatory to coordinate variable star observations mostly by reports from amateur astronomers. The AAVSO became a private research organization in 1954 bringing together professional and amateur astronomers. Amateur astronomers provide critical data and observations to the AAVSO that professional astronomers do not have the time or resources to provide. The AAVSO provides a wide range of services to the astronomical community. The AAVSO web site features many articles and links to variable star research and catalogs of Variable stars. They offer an extensive archive of articles and abstracts available online, a guide to observing variable stars, and a number of observing programs. The AAVSO has an outreach project for education "Hands-On-Astrophysics" that allows students to conduct real research in measuring variable stars and understanding the related scientific processes. They have an Email list for discussion of observing Variable stars, and numerous web pages and links to related web sites.
AIAA  The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics mission is to advance the arts, sciences, and technology of aeronautics and astronautics, and to promote the professionalism of those engaged in these pursuits. Founded 75 years ago the AIAA has over 31,000 members. AIAA provides four types of membership: Professional Membership, Young Professional Membership, Student Membership, and Corporate Membership. The web site provides information for conferences & events, Publications & Papers, Courses & Tutorials, Industry News & Resources, Students & Educators, Scholarships, and membership information.
AURA  AURA Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy is a consortium of universities, educational and other non-profit institutions, that operate world-class astronomical observatories that are termed "centers." AURA members are from 30 U.S. institutions and 6 international affiliates. AURA operates the NOAO National Optical Astronomy Observatory programs. Web site provides information on AURA News & Updates, University programs and member institutions, educational resources, and AURA Fellowships, and numerous related links.
Center for Backyard Astrophysics  The Center for Backyard Astrophysics was founded in the 1970's by David Skillman. The CBA is network of mainly amateur astronomers from around the globe that collaborate in observation of variable stars, primarily cataclysmic variable (CV) stars. This data is collected predominantly with CCD's on small backyard telescopes in the 8-14 inch range. To be considered a good CBA station an amateur astronomer needs, a good telescope 8 inch or larger with electronic drive, a CCD camera and software, and Software for rapid differential photometry (variable-comparison) of the many images. If you are interested in joining this effort visit the CBA web site for further information. The CBA web site provides a wealth of information and resources in the area of variable stars, and offers numerous links for related information.
EAS  The EAS European Astronomical Society formed in 1990 to contribute to promote the advancement of astronomy. Web site contains newsletters & publications, current news, meeting schedules, forums, jobs, European observing facilities, and numerous related links.
IAU  The International Astronomical Union was formed in 1919 to promote the science of astronomy around the world. The IAU members are Professional Astronomers active in professional research and education in astronomy. The IAU also maintains a relationship with many Amateur astronomy organizations as well. The IAU web site provides access to their Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams, a source of current and the latest information on transient astronomical events. Information and current news on Near Earth Objects, with links to NASA's NEAR mission web site, Extrasolar Planets, Hot Massive Stars, Astrochemistry, Minor Planets, and many other subject areas. This web site is very substantial, it contains numerous web pages and links to related web sites and further reading.
IOA  The Institute of Astronomy is a department of the University of Cambridge and is engaged in teaching and research in the fields of theoretical and observational Astronomy. The Institute was created in 1972 by the incorporation of three institutions, Cambridge University Observatory, the Solar Physics Observatory, and the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy. The IOA web site provides a history and overview of the Institute, Institute observatories & telescopes, Undergraduate & Postgraduate educational programs, teaching opportunities, research programs, Conferences, meetings & workshops, Seminars & Colloquia, links to web site mirrors, Cavendish Astrophysics, a link to the Cambridge Department of Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics, and links to European Astronomy web sites.
IOTA  International Occultation Timing Association was created to encourage and facilitate the observation of occultations and eclipses. The IOTA publishes an Occultation Newsletter wit a supplement. IOTA members receive detailed occultation information, observation reports and data. They have a European group IOTA/ES as well. The web site offers links to related information and general membership information.
National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program  The National Space Grant Program was established by Congress in 1988. The program operates in three areas of university and NASA concern: research, education, and public service. The association has contacts in each of the 50 states, and provides links to each of these contacts. The program is managed by NASA. Many government agencies, and non-profit groups, contribute to this program. The web site provides several links for information on obtaining grants and scholarships, and related programs.
SEDS  SEDS is an independent, student-based organization which promotes the exploration and development of space. Founded in 1980 at MIT and Princeton. The SEDS website offers SEDS history & Project overview, How to start a SEDS chapter, information on SEDS speakers, tours, discussion groups, NASA links, Space gallery, and current news & technology.
SETI Institute  The SETI Institute was founded in 1984 under the direction of Mr. Thomas Pierson, and Dr. Jill Tarter. The SETI Institute conducts scientific research and educational projects to bring about an awareness and understanding of the origins of life in the Universe. The SETI Institute research includes two primary programs, SETI & Life in the Universe. The SETI program continues to develop signal processing technology which is then used to search for evidence or signals of life from advanced civilizations that may exist in our galaxy. The Life in the Universe project was created to help our understanding of the origins of life and the extent to which life beyond our planet may exist. The SETI Institute web site provides a fascinating look into the pioneering technology currently being used to probe and explore far beyond our own solar system. The SETI web site is large and contains numerous web pages providing links to SETI programs & research, events calendar, large collection of educational & public outreach links, SETI radio show, multimedia presentations (requires Quicktime), calendar for SETI speaker events, SETI publications, a site map & search engine, and numerous links to related web sites.
SIMBAD  The SIMBAD astronomical database provides basic data, cross-identifications and bibliography for astronomical objects outside the solar system. SIMBAD can be queried by object name, coordinates, other criteria (filters), and lists of objects, (currently 3,323,741 objects 8,708,529 identifiers,150,203 bibliographical references, and 4,581,709 citations of objects in papers.) Links for VizieR provides access to the most complete library of published astronomical catalogues and data tables available on line, organized in a self-documented database. Aladin an interactive software sky atlas allowing the user to visualize digitized images of any part of the sky, to superimpose entries from astronomical catalogs or personal user data files, and to interactively access related data and information from the SIMBAD, NED, VizieR, or other archives for all known objects in the field. Astronomical data catalogues, related to observations of stars and galaxies, and other galactic and extragalactic objects. Catalogues about the solar system bodies and atomic data are also included (5677 Catalogues available). Dictionaries of Nomenclature of Celestial Objects, Tutorials, and Bibliography, all maintained by the University of Strasbourg, France.
Space Science Telescope Institute  The Space Science Telescope Institute (STScI) is the astronomical research center responsible for operating the Hubble Space Telescope as an international observatory. The Institute is based at The Johns Hopkins Homewood campus. This large web site includes missions (HDF, HDF south, Starburst galaxies, GOODS, SINGS, UDF) Catalogs & Surveys (Guide Star, DSS, GS Photometric, Cataclysmic Variables, & Spectra of Nearby Galaxies), Publications, Software & Hardware, Picture Gallery of Hubble images, and links to educational activities from the STScl. Numerous links to related web sites are included.