Astronomy for beginners

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.

The Eta Aquariid meteor shower 2023 peaks on the evening of 6/7 May, but a full Moon will hamper the view.

Find out when the next full Moon is visible, and full Moon names for 2024.

Majestic and mysterious, nebulae are some of the most beautiful deep-sky objects to be found in the night’s sky. But what are these space clouds? And how are they created?

Our pick of the best things to see in the night sky.

Our pick of some of the coolest things in space that we know of.

How to spot earthshine, when light reflected off Earth lights up the Moon’s dark side.

With the Moon out of the way during peak activity, this year's Lyrid meteor shower is the first many good showers throughout 2023.

Find out when the next solar and lunar eclipses are occurring, and where you can see them.

Interested in joining an astronomical society? We've compiled a list of over 200 amateur astronomy societies and clubs across the UK and Ireland.

Comet 12P/Pons–Brooks could approach naked-eye in March, as it tracks from Andromeda to Pisces.

What are the best and safest ways to view an eclipse?

Find out what's in the night sky tonight from your Southern Hemisphere location.

With binoculars you can see so much more in the night sky. Take our deep-sky tour and find out.

What can you see in the night sky tonight? Find out what's on view in our monthly stargazing guide.

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.

Teach kids science and astronomy enjoy some arts and crafts with our space-related science projects for the home or classroom.

The night sky is awash with stars, but which are the brightest? Discover what the brightest star in the night sky is tonight, and how to find it.