Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Awe in the Shadow of a Partial Eclipse
A partial eclipse — Eclipse Lite, if you will — can also offer a sense of wonder, albeit on a smaller scale than totality.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Moonshots: The Successful Failure of Peregrine One
Space is hard, even when you don’t leave the ground.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
My Stellar Love Affair with the Pleiades
When we observe the little wonders of the sky, we can form deep personal connections.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Let Your Astronomy Nerd Flag Fly!
“Space gear” lets us celebrate the night sky while the sun shining — and connect with others who want to do the same.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
To the Stars, Through (or Despite) Hardship
Ad astra per aspera — to the stars through hardship. The saying applies universally, but personally, it might hit home in different ways.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
The Stars Are Waiting
Making room for astronomy in my life has felt like coming home — as if the universe has left a literal light on for me.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Cosmic Recovery
Maybe deliberate experiences of joy and awe should be standard in any post-op plan.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Taking Deep Breaths of Starlight
Amateur astronomy need not be a race through an astronomical task list, but rather a kindling of joy.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Let There Be Dark
Fighting light pollution, one mini star party at a time.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Confessions of a Photon Snob: Going Robotic
When visual astronomy isn't possible — or even when it is — robotic telescopes can make way for more stargazing.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Galaxy Quest!
When clouds get in your way, you may find consolation in knowing that the universe is still out there, waiting for your to discover it.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Cosmic Coregulation
Connection to the night sky can ease stress and give us a feeling of security.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Sucker Holes
When skies are cloudy, sucker holes may offer us a view — albeit often only a brief one — of the universe overhead.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
On Burnout, the “Green Comet,” and White Dwarf Stars
With care and diligence, amateur astronomy can offer a satisfying reprieve.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Why We Look Up: Star Stuff
Why do we look up? Because we are a way for the universe to know itself; and perhaps because the universe is a way for us to know ourselves.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Under Uncooperative Skies
An abundance of astro images can make up (a little) for cloudy skies and other things in life that may keep us from observing.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Become a Backyard Cosmic Explorer
No matter how you look up at the sky — with a telescope, binos, or just your eyes — you're a cosmic explorer.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Beware the Astronomy Habit
Why do you look up? Maybe there was something that initially drew you out to the stars...and maybe now it's a habit of the best kind.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Stellar Confidence: On Impostor Syndrome in Amateur Astronomy
Self-doubt is powerful, but it's no match for the stars — as long as you keep heading outside after dark and looking up.
Why We Look Up with Jennifer Willis
Summer Insomnia
Long, hot days mean sleepless nights for stargazers, but it's worth it for the magic that happens under a dark, cool sky.