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Astronomy
This section includes links relating to astronomy, astrophotography, telescopes, and related topics.
- Astrospheric
Website offering “powerful weather forecasting tools . . . astronomers and astrophotographers in North America.” - ClearDarkSky
Attilla Danko’s website offering “perhaps the most accurate and the most usable” astronomical observation forecasts. - Cloudy Nights
Astronomical community and forum provided by Astronomics. - LightPollutionMap.info
A “mapping application that displays light pollution related content” from VIIRS/DMSP and many other sources. - Space.com – Astronomy
Astronomy news and information from Space.com. - Stargazers Lounge
Forum to “discuss all aspects of astronomy, share pictures and observing reports,” and more. - The Sky Searchers
Online forum covering astronomy, astrophotography, telescopes, and more.
Aviation – Real
This section includes links relating to air transportation including crash and incident investigation.
- Airfleets
Private database of information about civil aircraft registration, manufacturers, and operators. - AvBrief.com
Russ Niles’s website that offers “pure aviation intelligence.” - Aviation Safety Network
Provides “complete and reliable authoritative information on airliner accidents and safety issues.” - Blancolirio (Juan Browne) (YouTube)
Quality aviation analysis (and other stuff) from a professional pilot. - The Air Current
A “subscription-based aviation news service” for a “sophisticated industry audience.” - The Aviation Herald
Simon Hradecky’s website covering “incidents and news in aviation.” - U.S. FAA Aircraft Registration Search
Official U.S. government database of aircraft registrations. - U.S. FAA Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS)
An “extensive warehouse of safety data” relating to aviation. - U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
U.S. government agency meant to “provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.” - U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
U.S. agency with responsibility for investigating aviation and transportation accidents. - U.S. NTSB Accident Case Analysis and Reporting Online (CAROL)
The NTSB’s official public database of investigations and recommendations.
Aviation – Sim.
One of my hobbies is flight simulation using the X-Plane simulator and other tools.
- CH Products
Maker of flight simulation yokes, pedals, joysticks, and other peripherals. - Logitech Flight Simulation
Flight simulation gear from Logitech, including yokes, pedals, and panels. - Navigraph
Offers “detailed flight charts, precise navigation data, and advanced flight planning tools” for flight simulators. - SimBrief.com
A “free flight planning service provided by Navigraph for Flight Simulation enthusiasts.” - Thrustmaster Flight Simulation
Flight simulation peripherals and accessories from Thrustmaster. - X-Hangar Store
Longstanding developer of aircraft and add-ons for the X-Plane flight simulator. - X-Plane
The “world’s most advanced flight simulator” with realistic physics and aircraft systems. - X-Plane.org Forums
An unofficial, “independent community forum focused on discussion for X-Plane and X-Plane add-ons.” - X-Plane.org Store
Unofficial, independent retailer of X-Plane aircraft, scenery, utilities, and add-ons. - XForcePC
Provider of “high-performance custom-built computers” and accessories for flight simulation and general use.
Cars
This section includes links relating to automobiles, motorcycles, and driving.
- AllData DIY (Technical Manuals)
Subscription services for “unedited OEM automotive repair and collision information.” - Autoblog
A blog covering “automotive news, reviews, and industry insights.” - Autopian
The “ultimate car-culture website run by obsessive car nerds.” - Edmunds
A website that serves as a “trusted guide in car shopping.” - Haynes, Clymer, and Chilton Repair Guides
A longstanding “market leader in practical DIY servicing and repair advice” for cars. - J.D. Power
A “global leader in consumer insights” in automotive and other markets. - Kelley Blue Book
Resources “to help you research, price[,] and shop” for cars and estimate prices. - Motorcycle Safety Foundation
The “leading safety resource and advocate for motorcyclists” in the United States. - National Motorists Association
A non-profit “alliance of motorists joined together to protect drivers’ rights.” - U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHA)
U.S. agency supporting “design, construction, and maintenance” of the national highway systems. - U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
U.S. federal agency with responsibility for automotive safety and reducing highway deaths. - VDOT Project Information
Information about highway and transportation projects in Virginia. - Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Virginia agency for motor vehicle licensing, registration, etc. - Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
Virginia agency for “building, maintaining and operating the state’s roads, bridges[,] and tunnels.”
Defense
This section includes links relating to self defense, firearms, and related fields.
- Gun Owners of America (GOA)
An organization working to “preserve and defend the Second Amendment rights of gun owners.” - Second Amendment Foundation (SAF)
An organization defending “the fundamental rights of individuals” in the Second Amendment. - U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA)
Self-defense liability insurance and resources “for anyone who wants to stay safe and avoid danger.” - Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL)
A “grassroots organization whose mission is to champion the fundamental human right to self-defense.”
Maritime
This section includes links relating to sea transportation including cruising, shipping, and incident investigation.
- Equasis
The Electronic Quality Shipping Information System; promotes “maritime safety and quality.” - gCaptain
Website “dedicated to quality news and building an interactive community of maritime professionals.” - Lloyd's List
An “established leader in accurate shipping news and intelligence.” - Maritime Executive
News outlet providing “high-quality, incisive commentary on critical maritime issues.” - United States Coast Guard (USCG)
U.S. maritime law enforcement, search & rescue, security. and safety agency. - USCG Maritime Information Exchange (CGMIX)
The USCG’s official public portal for its databases of maritime information. - What's Going on With Shipping? (Sal Mercogliano) (YouTube)
Quality analysis of shipping and maritime news, policy, etc. from a professional mariner.
Parks
This section includes links relating to parks and public lands at the local, state, and federal levels.
- HEPGIS Federal Lands Map (U.S. FHA)
Federal Highway Administration website including detailed maps of federal lands. - Loudoun County Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Loudoun County agency for “recreation and leisure opportunities and supportive community services.” - NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority)
A system of regional parks in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax (City & County), Falls Church, and Loudoun. - U.S. Bureau of Land Management
U.S. federal agency that manages 245 million acres of public lands and 700 million acres of mineral estate. - U.S. National Forests & Grasslands
193 million acres of national forests and grasslands managed by the U.S. Forest Service. - U.S. National Park Service
85 million acres of national parks, memorials, monuments, seashores, and more. - U.S. National Wildlife Refuges
System of wildlife refuges managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. - Virginia State Forests
75,200 acres in 26 state forests across the commonwealth. - Virginia State Parks
43 state parks located all across the Commonwealth of Virginia. - Virginia Wildlife Management Areas
Areas managed for “the benefit of all citizens for a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.”
Photo
This section includes links relating to photography and videography.
- AllPhotoLenses Lens Database
Database of “specifications, comparison, reviews, MTF-charts for lenses” managed by Sergei Borodin. - Camera Jabber
A “photography news, reviews, and technique website written by photographers, for photographers.” - Digital Photography Review (DPReview)
Website for “coverage of digital photography gear in the world, including news, articles[,] and expert reviews.” - DPReview Camera Database
Database of camera specifications, reviews, and details by DPReview. - DPReview Lens Database
Database of lens specifications, reviews, and details by DPReview. - fStoppers
A “community aimed at educating and inspiring photographers, videographers, and creative professionals.” - Lens-DB Lens Database
The “first and only expert system dedicated to photographic lenses.” - PetaPixel
A “leading independent photography, videography, and imaging technology publication.” - Photography Life
A photography website “run entirely by a group of professional photographers.”
Radio
This section includes links relating to amateur (“ham”) radio, radio scanning, and similar topics.
- American Radio Relay League
An association to “promote and protect the art, science, and enjoyment of amateur radio.” - ARRL News & Features
News and resources from the American Radio Relay League. - Broadcastify (Public Safety Streams)
A “platform for streaming live audio for public safety, aircraft, rail, and marine related communications.” - eHam.net
A “community site designed and operated by and run for active Amateur Radio operators (hams).” - RadioReference.com
The “world’s largest radio communications data management and media provider.” - U.S. FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS) Search
Official system for radio licenses issued by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. - U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
U.S. federal agency for regulating “interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.” - U.S. Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)
Protocol for auxiliary emergency communication by radio during disasters and emergencies.
Science
This section includes links relating to the sciences, including studies, analyses, and reports on scientific topics.
- Ars Technica
News website about the “technological arts and sciences.” - Heterodox Academy
A nonpartisan organization helping to ensure “universities are places where intellectual curiosity thrives.” - IFLScience
Website “dedicated to bringing the amazing world of science to your newsfeed.” - JunkScience.com
Analysis of “faulty scientific data and analysis” by Steve Milloy. - RealClearScience
A “portal to the best, most relevant science stories from around the globe.” - Retraction Watch
Blog covering retractions of scientific papers (Center for Scientific Integrity). - Universe Today
A website for “space and astronomy news.” - Watts Up With That?
The “world’s most viewed website on climate” edited by Anthony Watts
Spaceflight
This section includes links relating to space flight, rocket launches, and similar topics.
- NASA Wallops Flight Facility
NASA launch facility co-located with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. - NASA+ (former NASA TV)
Media and streaming service for the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). - Next Spaceflight
Upcoming launches, launch schedules, subscription calendar, and more. - Space.com
A “premier source of space exploration, innovation[,] and astronomy news.” - Spaceflight Now
A “leading source for online space news” and information about upcoming launches. - SpaceNews
Provides “news and analysis of the companies, agencies, technologies[,] and trends shaping the global space industry.” - U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
U.S. federal agency that “explores the unknown in air and space” and “innovates for the benefit of humanity.” - Virginia Spaceport Authority
State agency that “owns and operates the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS)” on the Eastern Shore.