Skills
Expert advice on a range of practical astronomy techniques, from setting up your telescope to combatting light pollution.
Your guide to the best planets visible in September 2026 and how to see them
Our stargazer's guide to the best planets to see in September
How to photograph a lunar eclipse
Read our astrophotography guide and image a lunar eclipse.
How to make and use a pinhole camera
Try our DIY pinhole camera project for a low-effort way to trace the path of the Sun across the sky.
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Perseids 2024 | How to see this month's meteor shower
The Perseid meteor shower begins late July and peaks every August. Find out how you can spot a Perseid in the night sky this month.
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.
Planets | August 2025
Our guide to observing the planets in August
Best planets to see in July 2026
Our guide to the best planets to see in July.
There are strange, shining clouds visible in the sky at the moment. Here's how to photograph them with your smartphone
Coax your phone’s camera into low-light mode and catch ethereal noctilucent clouds.
The best planets to see in the night sky, June 2026
Find out what planets are worth observing in the sky this month.
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.
Observing guide | How to see the planets in 2025
Our month-by-month guide to locating the planets throughout the year
Eta Aquariids 2026 | See this year's meteor shower
How to see the Eta Aquariids meteor shower this year.
How to see all of the Apollo landing sites on the Moon
It is possible to spot the landing sites of Apollo 11 - 17 on the Moon with a telescope. Find out how in our observing guide.
Visible planets in the night sky, April 2026
Your guide to seeing the planets in 2026
How to photograph a conjunction of planets and the Moon
Read our beginner's guide and find out how to capture a beautiful astronomical conjunction with a smartphone or a camera.
Want to learn how to stargaze? Here's how to get started in 12 easy steps
Stargazing is easy: you just have to look up! But getting started can be daunting for some. Read our top tips for spending your first night under the stars.
Observing guide | Visible planets in March
A guide to observing the planets in March, and which planets will not be visible.
Visible planets in the night sky, February 2026
How to see the planets in the sky this month.
How to photograph the Moon
How to take photos of the Moon: photograph a crescent, capture craters, what equipment you need, techniques, tips and photographing the Moon with a smartphone.
10 best features to observe on the Moon
Our planet’s only natural satellite, the Moon has enough features to keep astronomers busy for a lifetime. Here are 10 lunar highlights to get you started.
Observing guide | How to observe the Moon
Want to get to know the Moon better? Discover how to explore our celestial neighbour with our observing guide.
How to find planets in the sky, and how to tell the difference between a planet and a star
Spotting the Solar System planets isn't as tricky as it sounds: you just have to know where to look.
