Advice
Expert advice to help you get the most out of stargazing, from DIY projects to practical astronomy tips.

See two planets kiss this weekend. Venus and Jupiter are bright in the west after sunset. Here's how to see the Solar System encounter
A quick, beginner's guide to observing Venus and Jupiter – and Mercury – this weekend.

Venus and Jupiter 'kiss' in the sky this month. How to see the two planets' close approach
See Venus and Jupiter meet for a celestial summer spectacle

The 2026 Strawberry Moon rises at the end of June. Here's how to see it
How to see the June 2026 full Moon

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

The best planets to see in the night sky, June 2026
Find out what planets are worth observing in the sky this month.
What's new?

Now is one of your best chances to see the planet closest to the Sun. Catch Mercury in the evening twilight in June 2026
How to see Mercury in the evening sky in June 2026. Get key dates and times and observing advice for beginners

How to see the double-planet encounter this week as Venus and Jupiter meet in the evening sky
Track Venus and Jupiter and see their close encounter in June 2026

Watch the Blue Micromoon rise online tonight. Astronomers announce free livestream of the full Moon rising
Watch the 31st May 2026 Blue Micromoon rise live online, courtesy of a livestream by the Virtual Telescope Project

What time is the Blue Moon tonight? Key timings and locations to see the full Moon rise this weekend
When you'll be able to see the rising of the Blue Moon on 31st May 2026

Blue mini-Moon? This weekend's full Moon will more likely be red and enormous. Here's how the Solar System is playing a trick on you
The Blue Micromoon of 31st May 2026 is more likely to be red-coloured and enormous. Why this late-spring full Moon could defy expectations
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.

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

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.

Top travel telescopes
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.
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.

Dirty binoculars? Simple hacks to clean them and get them back to giving you tip-top views
There’s more to keeping delicate optical devices clean than spit and polish. Find out how to keep your binoculars clean with our DIY guide.

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?

Make a Moon phase calculator and calendar
Make a mechanical instrument that calculates and displays the phase of the Moon for any chosen day of the year.
Skills
Expert advice on a range of practical astronomy techniques, from setting up your telescope to combatting light pollution.

How to photograph the Moon with a smartphone
Tips and tricks to help you succeed in lunar astrophotography using a smartphone.

How to photograph and record the motion of noctilucent clouds
Capture the movement, structure and colours of summer’s night-shining clouds in our astrophotography guide.

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.
