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Exploration through Observation. Awe through Understanding.
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A Personal Note

I know astronomy can feel intimidating because just a few years ago I knew almost nothing about the subject myself. I don’t have a background in math or science, and when I first started trying to understand the sky, it felt overwhelming.

This project grew out of that experience. Tracing the Sky is the guide I wish I had when I began—tools and journeys designed to make learning astronomy clearer and easier to follow.

If you have questions, feel unsure where to begin, or would like help thinking through how you might explore astronomy, I’d genuinely love to hear from you. My inbox is always open.

You can reach me here: joseph.tabenkin@tracingthesky.com

— Joseph

A Simple Path to Understanding the Sky

One discovery at a time.

1

Start with the Student Star Journal

Begin with an observation-first path that pairs guided sky explorations with drawing, recording, and reflection.

  • ● Sketch constellations and compare them across time
  • ● Trace the Sun, Moon, and planets from observation
  • ● Use Bring It Outside prompts when the real sky is available

The journal uses Celestial Journeys where access is hard, then helps students step back from the screen and think through what they saw.

2

Discover the Patterns

Once you're familiar with the sky, the next step is to look for patterns.

  • ● Some stars move together
  • ● The Sun follows a path
  • ● Some lights wander among them

These patterns reveal new questions about how the sky works.

3

Build the Model

Once the patterns are clear, the deeper question emerges:

What does the solar system look like, and how do we know?

Through episodes, visual tools, and guided reasoning, you'll explore the models that explain what we see in the sky.

Our Mission

We help teachers and students learn astronomy in a way that feels clear and doable, with tools and resources that guide discovery step by step.

How to Start

If you are new, start simple. If you are returning, pick up right where you left off.

START HERE

New to astronomy? Start here.

Start with the Student Star Journal to pair guided observations with drawing, reflection, and outdoor activities.

Ready for the full program?

Watch short episodes that build one idea at a time. We show how sky observations lead to our model of the solar system.

Teaching astronomy already?

Use the Teacher Portal to find tools, models, and ready-to-use resources. Pick what fits your class and your goals.

Explore the sky freely from anywhere on Earth

The Tracing the Sky Explorer is a free play mode that lets you view the sky from anywhere on Earth, at any time of year, and make your own observations.

Find any object

Search for and locate any star, planet, or constellation in the night sky.

Annotate & measure

Use built-in tools to draw, measure distances, and record your astronomical observations.

Classroom ready

Perfect for in-class demonstrations, lesson preparation, and interactive student activities.

Or learn with Guided Journeys

Continue the Journey

Get updates on new episodes, bonus content, and what's next in the series.

Contribute to Tracing the Sky

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