A few years back I had the extraordinary fortune to be chosen to attend the Launch Pad Astronomy Workshop hosted by Mike Brotherton, a University of Wyoming professor, Science Fiction writer, and all-around good guy. An account of my experience is here.
I bring this up just now because the workshop is open for applications! If you’re interested in knowing more about the heavens, and applying it in your fiction, APPLY! You’ve got nothing to lose, you know!