If you honed the skills I described in last month’s column, you have a general idea of what’s up in the evening winter sky. But by now, you’re dying to explore the heavens above with a telescope. And ...

This is my final Observing Basics column. Since I’m not one to do things in a small way, I’ve decided to hold this press conference to answer any questions you may have about my 20-year stint here.

This is a course in basic astronomy, which will provide an overview of our current understanding of the universe around us. Topics will include the origin of the universe, galaxies, stars, planets, ...