Astronomy for beginners

Got a new telescope for Christmas? Here's what you can see in the night sky on 25 December 2023.

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

Start 2024 with the first major meteor shower of the year.

Find out when is the best time to see a Geminid meteor in the sky.

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.

Find out what planets are in the night sky tonight and throughout the month of December 2023.

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

A look at the best deals on binoculars this Black Friday.

Find out which planets will be visible throughout December.

A good telescope needn't cost the Earth. It is possible to explore the heavens with an inexpensive telescope, provided it's well-made.

See the gas giant through a telescope and observe its weather patterns, large moons and Great Red Spot.

How to make the most of and enjoy a full Moon or supermoon.

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

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.

The Leonid meteor shower peaks on 17 November. Find out how to see it in our beginner's guide.

Binoculars are a great way of getting into astronomy and stargazing.

What does the term 'supermoon' mean, when is the next one and are they really bigger than a regular full Moon?

Why do some planets appear to move backwards in the night sky?