author

Darius Flynn

date
Oct 30, 2025
category
The Cosmos
Lens flare horizontal fx

newest post

milky way night sky

How to Spot the Milky Way on Clear Nights

Lens flare horizontal fx

Have you ever looked up and wished you could see the Milky Way night sky? This glowing band of stars stretches across the heavens like a silver ribbon, reminding us of the vast galaxy we call home.

planet
earth
galaxy
milky way
universe
observable

Brands we work with

kickstart your space odyssey

Vast, colorful spiral galaxy set against a dark, star-filled expanse of deep space.

What is Outside the Universe?

Humans have always looked up at the stars and wondered. The night sky holds countless mysteries. But one...

Gray, heavily cratered planet Mercury with a bright illuminated surface set against deep black spa

How Did Mercury Get its Name?

Before telescopes and space missions, people looked up and noticed a small, bright point racing across the sky....

Jupiter planet's swirling beige, white, and brown cloud bands visible against deep black space

How Did Jupiter Get its Name?

Jupiter didn’t get its name by accident. Long before modern science, ancient people looked at the sky and...

What is the Real Color of Mars?

Mars has long been known as the Red Planet. Its bold color stands out in the night sky...

Space Exploration

Who was Janet Shearon Armstrong?

Looking up at the moon, most people think of Neil Armstrong’s famous first steps. But behind that historic moment stood...

Guion Bluford: First African American in Space

On August 30, 1983, Space Shuttle Challenger lifted off at 2:32 a.m. EDT from Kennedy Space Center. Among the five...

What Made Mae Jemison So Famous?

Mae Jemison is best known for making history in space, but her impact reaches far beyond that moment. She became...

How Galileo Galilei Telescope Changed Astronomy Forever

Looking up at the stars has always sparked wonder. But for centuries, people could only see what their eyes allowed....

How to Become a Planetary Scientist?

Planetary scientists study planets, moons, and space rocks. They help us learn how these objects form and change over time....

Columbia Shuttle Disaster: Crew Facts and Story

The Columbia space shuttle was part of NASA’s space program. It flew many missions and carried astronauts into space. In...

meet the author

Darius Flynn

Darius Flynn writes about the universe and everything that makes it so fascinating. From galaxies and black holes to the mysteries we’re still trying to understand. He loves making big space ideas simple and exciting to read. Before joining PhilipMetzger.com, he worked on astronomy content for universities and science museums. The mission remains to understand the cosmos with clarity and inspiration.

Lens flare horizontal fx

Space Science

Who Really Owns the Moon?

The Moon has always sparked questions about ownership and control. As space missions increase and private companies plan...

Luminous cosmic explosion or Big Bang event radiating light and energy across a dark, star-filled space background

Explaining What Happens When a Star Dies

Stars light up our night sky. They seem eternal, don’t they? But nothing lasts forever. Every star has...

A rocky exoplanet surrounded by concentric circle in increasing distance against a dark, star-filled background.

How Long is a Parsec in Astronomy Explained

Space measurements can feel overwhelming. When astronomers talk about distances between stars and galaxies, they use terms that...

Vivid, saturated red clouds dominate a dark, dramatic sunset or twilight sky

Red Sky Sayings: Fact or Folklore?

“Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning.” It’s a line many have heard,...

Close-up image of a deeply orange and red Moon against a black night sky, showing surface details and a few distant stars

What Causes the Moon to Turn Orange?

The moon doesn’t always shine the same. On some nights, it takes on a deep orange glow instead...

orbital velocity vs orbital speed are they the same

Orbital Velocity vs. Orbital Speed: Are They the Same?

Orbital velocity and orbital speed sound like the same thing, right? After all, both describe how fast something...

easy and fun facts about gravity everyone should know

17 Easy Facts About Gravity for Everyone

Gravity is more than what makes things fall. It pulls everything with mass toward everything else. It holds...

is lunar helium 3 the fuel-of the future

Is Lunar Helium-3 the Fuel of the Future?

The idea of using the Moon to help solve energy problems on Earth may sound strange, but it...

Stargazing

What is the Best Telescope for Kids in 2026

Looking up at the stars can feel like magic for kids. But finding the right telescope? That’s where things get tricky. Parents want something that won’t break the bank or their child’s enthusiasm. Kids need a telescope that’s easy to...

top-astronomy-binoculars-for-stargazing

Top Astronomy Binoculars for Stargazing

Looking at the night sky is a fun and peaceful hobby. Binoculars can help make the stars, moon, and planets easier to see. Many people prefer them over telescopes when just starting out. But with so many binoculars out there,...

shooting star meaning

What Does a Shooting Star Mean?

A shooting star is a quick, bright streak of light in the night sky. People often stop and stare when they see one. It feels special, almost like a sign. Many make a wish in that moment. The sight can...

how to photograph the milky way like a pro

How to Photograph the Milky Way Like a Pro

Ever looked up at a star-filled sky and wished you could capture that magic? Most people think photographing the Milky Way requires years of experience. But the truth is, it doesn’t. With a few simple techniques and the right settings,...

refractor vs reflector telescope

Which One to Choose: Refractor vs Reflector Telescopes

Choosing between a refractor and vs reflector telescope can be confusing for people just starting with astronomy. Both types help stargazers see planets, stars, and other space objects, but they work in different ways. Refractor telescopes use lenses to gather...

star adventurer gti

What Makes the Star Adventurer GTI a Must Have?

Astrophotography is hard. You spend hours setting up equipment, aligning mounts, and fighting with tracking systems. Then your images turn out blurry or the stars look like trails instead of points. And you’re not alone – countless photographers struggle with...

stars through telescope

How Stars Appear When Viewed Through a Telescope

Curious about what you will actually see when you point a telescope at the night sky? Many people expect stars through telescope views to show colorful, detailed close-ups like photos from space agencies. The reality differs significantly from the processed...

john glenn astronomy park

What Makes John Glenn Astronomy Park Special?

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to see the universe without leaving Ohio? John Glenn Astronomy Park offers an opportunity for families and space enthusiasts to find the wonders of the night sky together. This blog post covers everything...

mars through a telescope

How Mars Looks Through a Telescope?

Looking at Mars through a telescope opens up a whole new world of details that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Many people are curious about what features they can actually spot when viewing Mars through a telescope from...

best budget telescope

Best Budget Telescopes for Beginners

Many people dream of studying the night sky but feel overwhelmed by expensive equipment and confusing options. Finding the best budget telescope doesn’t have to be difficult or break the bank. This blog post helps readers find the best home...