Much of NASA's scientific research is carried out at centers throughout the United States. Goddard manages many astrophysics satellites in space, you can find information on them here. Notice that the Hubble Space Telescope, although the most famous, is certainly not the only useful astronomical satellite. We will learn more about the COBE satellite and the cosmic microwave background later in the term. For now, look at the COBE information and tell me what wavelength radiation it receives.
People tend to think of optical telescopes whenever they think of astronomy.
But for amateurs, small optical telescopes is what you use to see the night sky. So, here's some information, including how to determine what 'power' a telescope has. Another earth-based telescope is close at hand, at the top of Angell Hall actually. Hopefully we'll get some clear nights and be able to observe through this telescope. We can see bright objects from Ann Arbor, but we can't see too many dim ones.