Astronomy for beginners
Are you new to astronomy? Our beginners’ guides are filled with hints and tips to help you get started in observing the night sky.
Smiley face visible in the sky, April 2025
Next full Moon dates 2025
Find out when the next full Moon is visible, and full Moon names for 2025.
That bright morning star near the crescent Moon? That's Venus, and it has a close encounter with the Moon later this week
Lyrid meteor shower 2023 | See the springtime meteor shower peak this week
With the Moon out of the way during peak activity, this year's Lyrid meteor shower is the first many good showers throughout 2023.
Best, easiest things to see in the night sky this week
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.
Dwarflab Dwarf II smart telescope review
This little dual-camera system makes astro imaging a piece of cake for novices
Binocular targets | August 2024
With binoculars you can see so much more in the night sky. Take our deep-sky tour and find out.
Best things to see in the Southern Hemisphere sky this month
Find out what's in the night sky tonight from your Southern Hemisphere location.
Visible planets in the night sky, April 2025
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.
Stargazing | What to see in the night sky this month
What can you see in the night sky tonight? Find out what's on view in our monthly stargazing guide.
No eclipse glasses? Pinhole projection is a cheap, alternative method
Crafty science project: make a model showing what causes a solar eclipse or lunar eclipse
Follow our DIY guide and make a simple model demonstrating how a solar and lunar eclipse works for a fun children's school science project.
Why this weekend's solar eclipse is great for kids and families, and why I'll be watching it with my own
This Saturday's eclipse is great for beginners and kids, provided eclipse glasses are worn.
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?
Astronomy explained | What are stars?
What is a star? How does a star form and die? Find out in our guide packed with facts about stars and answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions.
Facts about space and astronomy
What do lemons and raspberries have to do with space, just how dense is a neutron star and how powerful is a gamma-ray burst?
Looking for a solar telescope for the eclipse? We tested the budget Solarix 76/350 telescope to see how it fares
A multi-use telescope that helps you find your way in astronomy
This Ursa Major Dobsonian is a beginner telescope for observing the planets. Is it any good? We put it to the test
A decent option for would-be planetary observers on a limited budget
Solstices and equinoxes explained
How Earth's tilt and orbit gives us seasons, solstices and equinoxes, and when they are occurring in 2024.
Eclipses 2024 | This year's solar and lunar eclipses
Find out when the next solar and lunar eclipses are occurring, and where you can see them.
New to astronomy, looking for your first telescope? Celestron Inspire 100AZ is a great option for beginners and kids
The Celestron Inspire 100AZ is a beginner’s scope with an ingenious adaptor for astrophotography.