Advice
Expert advice to help you get the most out of stargazing, from DIY projects to practical astronomy tips.
How to photograph planet Mercury and capture real detail on its surface
The Moon will spoil this year's Geminid meteor shower, but needn't spoil your meteor photos. Here's how to do it
Jupiter opposition, 7 December 2024
Imaging the Planets Masterclass Series
Our spring 2024 series lifts the lid on photographing the planets, with three of the best planetary imagers in the game.
Save 20% when you buy all three as a series booking
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.
What's new?
See an asteroid passing by a giant 'Cheshire Cat' in the night sky this month
Neptune, a compact galaxy and a parallelogram. 6 binocular night-sky targets for December 2024
With binoculars you can see so much more in the night sky. Take our deep-sky tour and find out.
Geminid meteor shower 2024
Find out when is the best time to see a Geminid meteor in the sky.
Want to see the planets in the night sky throughout December and Christmas 2024? These are the best ones
Find out what planets are in the night sky tonight and throughout the month of December 2023.
Lunar occultation of Mars, 18 December 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.