So I've always had a thing for Astronomy, the study of the stars, galaxies, the universe in general. But I don't really know where to look for detailed accurate information.

I recently downloaded an app called "Solar Walk", and it's astounding. It provides a realtime 3d representation of the Milky Way Galaxy, including our star in the galaxy and it's orbiting planets. It lets you zoom in on them, in full 3d detailed, it's very fun. But I want more, I want to see real pictures of things we've seen in the galaxy/universe.

I know that there have been some pictures taken of planets, mars, venus, mercury, etc, I want to see *real* footage or pictures of the planets, I want to see hubble and hale photographs taken of the outer galaxy, and even galaxies beyond the Milky Way. Where can I find this stuff?

first a game i recommend is Kerbal Space Program
and i am an avid learner
i dont know why but i am
i personally when i want to learn a subject, i buy a text book on it, i usually go college
and i read it, front to back then i keep it if i want to brush up
thats how i do it, im a book work rofl
also links
http://www.nasa.gov/

You could start with image searches

And you can look http://hubblesite.org/gallery/, http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/main/index.html, and http://www.spacetelescope.org/images/archive/top100/. All found with a regular search.

For detailed, accurate information, look stuff up on Wikipedia. Astronomy is sometimes a rapidly changing field, and it's updated a lot more frequently than textbooks and such.

1. Find a mountain nearby far away from any city. If no mountains, just a far out plain or desert. Just get as far away from any and all light sources as possible. You don't want to even be able to see the city off in the distance or its glow.

2. Get a telescope of some kind or even just a pair of binoculars.

3. Get f.lux for your http://stereopsis.com/flux/ (IIRC, you have one)

4. Go to that mountain one night, any night.

5. On all lights possible, put a red filament over them. Avoid LED lights when possible (this will help your eyes adjust faster

6. Just look up.

You'll be amazed at how many stars are up there when you've removed all the light pollution of a city and your gadgets that can be seen with your naked eye. Try to locate star constellations and look up stuff on them on your phone. If you are at all interested in Astronomy, you owe it to yourself to do this once.

I used to do this once or twice a year, but don't anymore. Tell myself I don't have the time for it.... but it's definitely a sight worth seeing, especially if you've lived in cities your entire life.