Kids & Media

Curated by Patrick Cosgrove

Created -July 2021

Major Revision - May 2025, Jan 2026

This section is a curated set of kid-friendly and outreach-oriented astronomy content, including games, learning resources, and high-quality astronomy media. It’s intended to make the subject approachable and engaging for families, educators, and anyone looking for accessible entry points into the hobby.

Purpose statement: “Kid-friendly learning, games, and astronomy media references.”


This is a curated reference list maintained by Patrick Cosgrove (Cosgrove’s Cosmos). Links are selected for practical value to observers and astrophotographers.

Last updated: January 2026

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Table of Contents Show (Click on lines to navigate)


    “For beginner-friendly core learning → Astronomy Fundamentals”

    “For communities and clubs → Astro Community”

    Astronomy Games for Kids

    Space-Themed Games (WordFinderX) – Curated list of free online games that teach astronomy concepts. A great collection of games for kids with an Astronomy Focus. Suggested by Katie Hylton (Thanks, Katie!)

    Space & Solar-System Games (Word.Tips) – Educational puzzles and activities focused on planets, stars and exploration. A nice collection of Astronomy and space learning activities for kids. Suggested by Zane Robertson (Thanks, Zane!)

    Astronomy in Media

    Astronomy in Film & TV (Octane Seating Blog) – Illustrated guide to notable space science moments on screen.A very interesting and entertaining “educational guide centered around astronomy & science and its relationship with film & television throughout history.” Take a look - I think you will enjoy this one! (Thank you Devin Boudreaux!)

    Astronomy Resources For Kids (Both young and old!)

    Astronomy Resources for Kids (AAA State of Play) – Large collection of beginner-friendly articles, videos and activities. A wonderful collection of astronomy related resources for kids! Suggested by Abigail Lynwood and Eliza from the Lyndhurst STEM Club for Girls in the Lyndhurst School District of New Jersey.  (Thanks Abigail and Eliza - this is a great addition!)

    Sleeping Under the Stars & Planets (NapLab) – Kid-oriented guide to constellations, planets and outdoor skywatching.   a nice collection of links about exploring the planets and the solar system, an introduction to the constellations, and general info on astronomy in general. (Thanks to Michelle and Payton who brought this link to my attention!)

    Five STEM Space Activities (UCF Online) – Hands-on projects that spark interest in astronomy and space science.  An interesting collection of activities that can be done to foster interests in STEM, Space science and Astronomy! - (Thanks Danielle, for suggesting this!)

    Navigating the Stars: A Young Learner’s Guide – Introductory article with additional beginner resources.  A Young Learner’s Guide to Astronomy - with additional resources and links. (Thanks to Ada for suggesting this link!)

    Astronomy Publications - Magazines and Periodicals

    Sky & Telescope – Flagship U.S. monthly packed with observing guides, gear tests, and peer-reviewed news from professional astronomy. 

    Astronomy Magazine – Popular-science glossy that mixes breaking research, night-sky charts, and equipment columns for hobbyists of every level. 

    BBC Sky at Night Magazine – UK companion to the world’s longest-running TV show, featuring how-to imaging projects, gear reviews, and interviews. 

    Astronomy Now – Britain’s oldest monthly astronomy title (since 1987), noted for in-depth instrument reviews and practical observing articles. 

    StarDate Magazine – Bi-monthly sky-watching guide from McDonald Observatory, famed for concise almanacs and accessible astronomy features. 

    Amateur Astronomy Magazine – Quarterly, reader-written journal showcasing projects, star parties, and wide-field imaging from the global amateur community. 

    The Planetary Report – The Planetary Society’s colorful quarterly spotlighting planetary science, mission updates, and citizen-science advocacy. 

    Mercury Magazine – Astronomical Society of the Pacific’s digital quarterly blending astronomy research, education, and outreach stories (free PDFs for members; select articles open). 

    Astronomy Technology Today – Free online magazine focused on hardware: detailed telescope, mount, and accessory reviews plus DIY upgrades. 

    Journal of the AAVSO (JAAVSO) – Peer-reviewed quarterly publishing original variable-star research by amateurs and professionals (all issues free online). 

    Astrobites – Daily “research digest” blog summarizing new papers on astro-ph; written by grad students for undergrads and advanced amateurs. 

    Constellations

    StarChild – List of 88 Constellations – Simple table of Latin and English constellation names.

    https://astronomy.swin.edu.au/cosmos/c/Constellation - list of constellations and where they came from.

    Constellation-Guide – Hemisphere Star Maps – Simple north- and south-sky charts showing every constellation outline.

    Constellations & Mythology – Overview – Accessible primer on the stories behind the constellations. A nice summary of constellation methodology and information for those interested in learning more. Bought to my attention by a reader - thanks, Stacy

    “For beginner-friendly core learning → Astronomy Fundamentals”

    “For communities and clubs → Astro Community”