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Best smart telescopes
Our guide to every smart telescope we've ever tried and tested

NASA announces Artemis II's second dress rehearsal. The mission to the Moon edges closer to launch
Get updates on the latest preparations for the launch of NASA's Artemis II mission via our rolling blog

Barack Obama says it's likely there are aliens. Here's why one astrophysicist agrees with him
Astrophysicist weighs in on the former US president's comments on alien life
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Watch the Alien movies in order
The Alien franchise is undoubtedly one of the best-loved sci-fi horror franchises in cinema, and watching all the movies in chronological order is an interesting way to approach the saga. From Ridley Scott’s eery, claustrophobic masterpiece Alien, via James Cameron’s action shoot-em-up sequel Aliens, through the Alien vs Predator crossovers and the head-scratching prequels Prometheus and Covenant, it’s safe to say the franchise is at this point, pretty well fleshed-out. Discover our pick of the best space and sci-fi movies and the best horror movies set in space. But Alien is also the franchise that refuses to stay still. With

Six-planet alignment, February 2026. How to see it
Another planet parade is coming up. How excited should we be?

Gallery | Harvest Moon
What is a Harvest Moon, and and are they really worth the hype?

Next full Moon dates 2025
Find out when the next full Moon is visible, and full Moon names for 2026.

Bonus Content | March 2026
Virtual Planetarium Pete Lawrence and Paul Abel guide us through this month's night-sky highlights. Interview Messier Catalogue poster Download our poster showing every object in the Messier Catalogue. How many can you tick off the list? Messier Catalogue poster (PDF) Binocular and Deep-Sky Tour Charts Download this month's binocular and deep-sky tour charts. The charts are printed in black on white so they can be viewed under red light at your telescope. SAN 250 Binocular Tour (PDF) SAN 250 Deep-Sky Tour (PDF) Southern Hemisphere Sky Chart SAN 250 Southern Hemisphere Chart (PDF) Observing forms Record your observations of Jupiter, Mars,

What came before the Big Bang? These are the best theories we have about the origin of the cosmos
We explore the theories about one of the most mind-boggling questions about the Universe.

Supersymmetry explained
A theory that could explain many of our Universe’s mysteries… but only if it’s true

These are the 5 fastest things in the Universe, according to science
Way faster than a speeding bullet, these are the quickest things in the cosmos.

How galaxies move apart at an increasing rate, carried by the expansion of the Universe
If the Universe is expanding, does that mean all galaxies will be torn apart?

A budget-friendly beginner telescope for photographing the night sky? We couldn't wait to try it out
Well-built and capable, this beginner scope punches well above its bargain price

Buyer's guide | Best telescopes for astrophotography
How to choose a telescope for photographing the night sky, and some of the best models available.

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?

No eclipse glasses? Pinhole projection is a cheap, alternative method
Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, appearing as though a 'bite' is being taken out of the solar disk. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon covers the Sun completely, but during a partial solar eclipse, only some of the Sun is covered by the Moon. If you're observing a solar eclipse directly, you need to wear eclipse glasses, as not doing so could damage your eyesight. But if you don't have eclipse glasses, there is a way you can still observe the effects of the eclipse. It's called 'solar projection', or 'pinhole projection',

How to make sure your solar eclipse glasses are safe
Top tips from the AAA for making sure you get your hands on a pair of safe solar eclipse glasses.

A ring of fire solar eclipse is visible this week. This is all you need to know about one of 2026's biggest events
All you need to know about the 17 February annular eclipse, including where a partial eclipse will be visible from

Ever seen a ring of fire in the sky? Annular solar eclipses explained and why they're different from a total
An annular solar eclipse is also known as a 'ring of fire'. But what is it, and how does it differ from a total eclipse?

Scientists get clearest view ever of star collapsing into a black hole. And they very nearly missed it
Strange infrared glow found in archival data from a defunct NASA mission

Fungi discovered at Chernobyl could protect Mars astronauts from extreme radiation

Electric sparks detected in Mars dust storms. Why it could cause problems for humans on the Red Planet
A new threat awaiting the first human travellers to Mars?

8 of the best solar telescopes for safely observing the Sun or a solar eclipse
Our pick of the best telescopes for safely observing the Sun.

Best red light head torches
Maintain your dark adaptation and keep your hands free while stargazing with the best red light head torches for astronomers.
