Skills
Expert advice on a range of practical astronomy techniques, from setting up your telescope to combatting light pollution.
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.
Observing guide | 10 autumn binocular astronomy targets
You can see a lot in the night sky with a pair of binoculars. Here are 10 of the best bino targets in Autumn.
An astronomer's tour of autumn and winter targets
Autumn and winter provide great viewing conditions and there is a wealth of objects to observe. Here are some of the best astronomical targets.
Five beautiful galaxies to see in the night sky this autumn. How many can you tick off the list?
In one of Patrick Moore's columns for BBC Sky at Night Magazine, the late astronomer and broadcaster reveals his favourite galaxies to spot in autumn's night skies.
Autumn astronomy | The best targets for longer nights
As nights get longer, these are the top night-sky highlights of autumn and how to see them.
How to photograph a lunar eclipse
Read our astrophotography guide and image a lunar eclipse.
Mars reaches opposition in February 2027, the best time to see the Red Planet
This week is the best time to view Mars all year, as the Red Planet reaches opposition.
Observing guide | See Jupiter's moons transit the gas giant
Observe Jupiter's Galilean moons this month.
Planets | See the Solar System worlds in September 2025
Saturn, Venus and Jupiter are among the best planets to see this month
6 deep-sky objects to observe around Polaris, the North Star
There are plenty of deep-sky targets for astronomers to observe around Polaris. Take our astronomy treasure hunt around the North Celestial Pole.
4 star-hops to help you navigate the night sky
Use these easy methods to find 4 different targets in the night sky.
How to observe variable stars and track their brightness over time
In astronomy, not all stars shine with constant brightness. Here we show you how to chart the changes in variable stars.
Perseids 2024 | How to see this month's meteor shower
The Perseid meteor shower begins late July and peaks every August. Find out how you can spot a Perseid in the night sky this month.
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.
Best ways to observe a 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.
Planets | August 2025
Make the most of Saturn at opposition this month with our guide to observing the planets.
Want to capture a shooting star? Our beginner's guide on how to photograph the Perseid meteor shower
Find out to photograph a Perseid meteor shower in the night sky and what equipment you'll need.
Planets | See Saturn and Venus in July 2025
Mars and Jupiter steal the show as the planets start to improve this month.
How to stop dew forming on your telescope
Why dew forms on your telescope's optics, and how you can stop it from fogging up your observing.
The green flash of Venus: what it is and how to see it
Can you observe the green flash effect of Venus as it sets over the horizon?
Photograph the Moon with your smartphone camera
Tips and tricks to help you succeed in lunar astrophotography using a smartphone.
Planets | June 2025
Find out what planets are worth observing in the sky this month.
Noctilucent clouds | What they are and how to see them
High altitude clouds on the edge of space, noctilucent clouds or NLCs are a delight for summer stargazers.
6 ways to successfully predict an aurora display
Top tips an online resources for taking the guesswork out of catching the amazing natural spectacle.