Skills
Expert advice on a range of practical astronomy techniques, from setting up your telescope to combatting light pollution.
Meteor showers | When the next one is, and how to see it
Find out whether there is a meteor shower occurring above the UK tonight, when the next one is, and how to see a meteor for yourself.
Eta Aquariids 2024 | See this year's meteor shower
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower 2023 peaks on the evening of 6/7 May, but a full Moon will hamper the view.
Image processing | How to create an aurora panorama
Take your aurora astrophotography to the next level by creating a beautiful panorama showing off its colourful wisps.
Create a composite astrophoto showing a night-sky object in motion
Capture the movement of a planet or other object over multiple nights by creating a composite astrophoto that tracks a celestial target across the night sky.
Gallery | Full Moon
Some will tell you a full Moon is the worst time to observe our lunar neighbour, but there's still plenty to see when the Moon is fully illuminated.
Observing guide | Earthshine: what it is and how to see it
How to spot earthshine, when light reflected off Earth lights up the Moon’s dark side.
Visible planets in the night sky, April 2024
Mercury returns to evening skies in April 2023, making it a planet to keep an eye on this month. Find out which dates are best for observing Mercury.
How to safely observe the Sun
Have you ever wanted to safely look at the Sun and spot its dynamic features? Read our guide to find out how.
How to produce your own space images using James Webb Space Telescope data
Access the Webb Telescope's RAW data and edit it using image processing to produce your own astrophotos.
How to do astrophotography and photograph the night sky with your smartphone
You can use your iPhone, Android or other smartphone to take pictures of stars and other astronomical phenomena. In this guide we'll show you how.
How to see the Bowl of Virgo asterism
A guide to spotting the Bowl of Virgo, and deep-sky objects to observe in and around the asterism.
How to see all 6 Apollo landing sites on the Moon
It is possible to spot the landing sites of Apollo 11 - 17 on the Moon with a telescope. Find out how in our observing guide.
Want to learn how to stargaze? Here's how to get started in 12 easy steps
Stargazing is easy: you just have to look up! But getting started can be daunting for some. Read our top tips for spending your first night under the stars.
Observing guide | Visible planets in March
A guide to observing the planets in March, and which planets will not be visible.
Dark frames? Master them with our step-by-step guide and become an astrophotography expert
How to add dark frames to cut down noise in your DSLR deep-sky images
4 of the biggest stars in the Universe and how to see them for yourself
Use our star charts to help you point your telescope at 4 mindblowing hypergiants.
Observing guide | See Uranus in the sky throughout February
Distant Uranus remains well placed in February 2024, but its time is limited.
10 best features to observe on the Moon
Our planet’s only natural satellite, the Moon has enough features to keep astronomers busy for a lifetime. Here are 10 lunar highlights to get you started.
Photograph Comet 144P/Kushida as it crosses the Hyades star cluster this month
Following Comet 144P/Kushida? You're in for a treat in February 2024 as it passes the Hyades star cluster.
The Moon has a wrinkly face. How many wrinkle ridges can you spot?
Wrinkle ridges are found exclusively in the dark mare basalts. Here’s where to find individual ridges and ridge systems.
Observing guide | How to observe the Moon
Want to get to know the Moon better? Discover how to explore our celestial neighbour with our observing guide.
Astronomy explained | How to find the North Star
The North Star, Polaris, can be found in the night sky with an easy star-hop, making for a useful navigational tool.
Telescope eyepieces, how to choose and best ones to buy
How do eyepieces work, what are the different types and which are the best eyepieces for your telescope? Find out in our beginners' guide.
Observing guide | Best autumn constellations
The darker months are a great time to get out and get stargazing. Get to know the brighter, recognisable constellations that are visible in the autumnal night sky.