Astronomy
Finding Resources
Check out these suggested resources to get you started on your topic!
- AstronomyOne of the most preeminent magazines on astronomy! Publishes on scientific reports, sky-event coverage, informative telescope reviews, and more.
- Air and Space SmithsonianFocus is more on the technology behind space exploration, and publishes extensively about the collection of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Includes sections on Space Exploration, the History of Flight, and more.
Finding Images
Need to find an image with a license that allows you to reuse it? Try using the following resources.
- flickr -- advanced searchMake sure the "Only search within Creative Commons-licensed content" box is ticked!
- Google -- advanced image searchMake sure the "usage rights" is set to "free to use, share or modify, even commercially."
- FedFlixA collection of public domain US government films contributed by the National Technical Information Service.
Finding Music
Want to add some music to your project? Try these resources for music in the public domain!
- MusOpenFor "royalty-free" classical music. Click on "Music Catalog" for recorded music.
- IncompetechRoyalty-free music. Allows you to search by "Genre" and "Feel."
- Metamath Music pageMathematical proofs set to music. All MIDI files linked from the page are in the public domain, save for "Abstricombo" -- as noted at the bottom of the page.
Finding Sound Effects
Try these resources for public domain Sound Effects!
- fx-homeSounds are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
- soundjay.comVarious sound effects, available royalty free.
Looking for more?
Try these pages that have complied great lists of links for your perusal! Make sure you take note of each site's requirements for reuse.
- Ithaca College - Public Domain MaterialGreat listing of websites where you can find public domain or flexibly licensed works.
- Public Domain SherpaResources for photos, music, maps, and more, as well as more information on public domain, copyright, and when and where these might apply.
What is Public Domain?
Public Domain means that the material is no longer under copyright and can be used freely by the public.
- Public Domain Information ProjectLearn more about he Public Domain and other frequently asked questions at the Public Domain Information Project.
What are Creative Commons Licenses?
There are other licenses out there that allow you to freely reuse or remix content -- material that's licensed under the Creative Common's Attribution License (CC-BY) allows others to distribute, remix, and build upon a work, as long as the original creator is credited. Creative Commons has several other Licenses that content creators can apply to their works.
- Creative Commons - About the LicensesLearn more about the different types of Creative Commons Licenses, and what they mean.
Cite what you use
Just like when you write a paper and must refer to the resources you have used to make your argument, you need to cite any images or music or sounds you use in your work! Use the links below to help guide you. A citation manager, like RefWorks or Zotero, will help, too!
Remember, citing is an important part of providing credit for others' ideas, it helps readers find your sources, and it helps you avoid plagiarism.
- MLA Works Cited: Other Common SourcesScroll down for information on "A Painting, Sculpture, or Photograph," and "Sound Recordings."
- APA: Other Non-Print SourcesScroll down for citing a "Music Recording."
- From the APA Style Blog: ArtFor citing images or works of art in APA style.
- Last Updated: Apr 3, 2024 10:56 AM
- URL: https://guides.library.umass.edu/astronomy
- Print Page
