Advice
Expert advice to help you get the most out of stargazing, from DIY projects to practical astronomy tips.
Geminids 2024 | How to see this year's meteor shower
Find out when is the best time to see a Geminid meteor in the sky.
Lunar occultation of Mars, 18 December 2024
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.
Masterclass: The planets in their prime
Join our Masterclass with Pete Lawrence, expert astro imager and presenter on BBC Four’s The Sky at Night at 7pm on 25 April 2024.
Save 20% when you buy all three as a series booking
Your last chance to see it. How to catch Comet A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in December before it fades from view
What's new?
What does a smart telescope/camera do? (and why you should have one)
Best travel telescopes in 2024
For astronomy travel you'll need a compact, portable telescope that delivers results. We've picked some of the best budget and high-end travel telescopes.
What planets will be visible in the night sky, Christmas 2024?
Find out which planets will be visible throughout December.
Jupiter reaches opposition 7 December 2024
Best budget telescopes to see the cosmos without breaking the bank in 2024
A good telescope needn't cost the Earth. It is possible to explore the heavens with an inexpensive telescope, provided it's well-made.
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.
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.
Buyer's guide | Best telescopes for astrophotography
How to choose a telescope for photographing the night sky, and some of the best models available.
How to get the most out of your telescope and improve your views of the night sky
If you love observing the night sky through a telescope, these top tips will make a difference.
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.
Achieve fine focus with your DSLR camera by building this DIY microfocuser for your lens
How to thermally optimise your telescope
Tube currents in your telescope can affect the ability of the optics to bring light to a sharp focus. We show you how to combat these irritating effects.
Build a Dobsonian equatorial platform
Convert your altaz Dobsonian telescope into a sky-tracking lightbucket.
Skills
Expert advice on a range of practical astronomy techniques, from setting up your telescope to combatting light pollution.
How to observe Jupiter through a telescope
See the gas giant through a telescope and observe its weather patterns, large moons and Great Red Spot.
Photograph the Moon with your smartphone camera
Tips and tricks to help you succeed in lunar astrophotography using a smartphone.
Leonids 2023 | See the meteor shower peak this weekend with our charts and top tips
The Leonid meteor shower peaks on 17 November. Find out how to see it in our beginner's guide.