Advice
Expert advice to help you get the most out of stargazing, from DIY projects to practical astronomy tips.
Using telescope filters will improve your observations of the Solar System planets. Here's how to do it.
The best filters to use for planetary observing.
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.
Pherkad is a giant star 15 times bigger than our Sun that never sets. Find out how to see it in the Little Bear.
How to find the circumpolar star in Ursa Minor.
May is the month for thin Moon hunting. See the slender crescent meet Jupiter over the coming week
See a thin crescent Moon on the evening of 8 May starting from sunset.
Masterclass: 10 ways to improve your imaging
Join our online spring Masterclass with award-winning planetary imager Martin Lewis at 7pm on 13 June 2024.
Save 20% when you buy all three as a series booking
What's new?
Bright light at night is changing our environment, and not just for stargazers. Easy tips for tackling light pollution
Missing Comet Pons Brooks? Asteroid 2 Pallas is at its best in May and can be seen with a small telescope
Small scopes can easily track 2 Pallas as it arcs beneath the Keystone all month.
6 wonders to see in the night sky with binoculars, May 2024
With binoculars you can see so much more in the night sky. Take our deep-sky tour and find out.
Comets, planets, meteor showers, lunar shadows. What to see in the night sky this month, May 2024
What can you see in the night sky tonight? Find out what's on view in our monthly stargazing guide.
Uranus lost in twilight, Jupiter and Venus hidden by the Sun. So what planets CAN we see in the night sky in May?
Saturn and Mars are your best bets this month.
Buyer's Guides
Thinking about your first scope or looking to upgrade your camera? Our buyer's guides will help you get to grips with what's available.
Gift guide | Star Wars Lego sets
We take a look at the best Star Wars Lego kits available to buy online.
Best telescopes for kids
Buying a telescope for children can be a tricky task. We've tested some of the best telescopes for kids and young people getting started in astronomy.
Best winter coats for stargazers
Don't let the chill shorten an evening of stargazing. Read our round-up of the best winter coats and stay warm whilst enjoying the night sky.
Astronomy DIY
Our How-to and DIY projects to help you get the best out of practical astronomy, from home-made accessories to practical observing tutorials.
Don't fog up! How to remove moisture from your astrophotography camera sealed sensor
How to recharge the sealed sensor chamber inside your astro camera.
The best, safest ways to view a solar eclipse, from low-cost, simple options to expert astronomer techniques
What are the best and safest ways to view an eclipse?
Build a solar funnel to safely observe the Sun or solar eclipse through your telescope
This easy-to-make device lets you view the Sun or solar eclipse in safety.
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.
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.