Anton Vamplew
Astronomy communicator
Anton Vamplew is an amateur astronomer, author and lecturer.
Recent articles by Anton Vamplew
Lunar eclipses explained
What is a lunar eclipse and why do they happen? Discover the science of lunar eclipses and view amazing pictures of the rusty-red 'blood Moon'.
Opposition in astronomy and why it's the best time to see the planets
What an opposition is, why planets at opposition are good for observing and when is best to see them.
What is the ecliptic?
What astronomers mean by the ‘ecliptic’ and why all of the planets in our Solar System are in roughly the same plane.
What is an asteroid? A beginner's guide to the spacerocks and where they're located in the Solar System
What are asteroids, where do they come from and how can you see an asteroid in the night sky?
A guide to the Triangulum constellation
The constellation of Triangulum, the Triangle, is quite small but has a long, unbroken history.
Confused about equatorial mounts? Find out how to set one up and track objects across the night sky
For newcomers to astronomy, setting up an equatorial mount may seem a daunting task, but it's easy when you know how.
A beginner's guide to stellar magnitude, the scale astronomers use to measure the brightness of stars
What is stellar magnitude, and how do you measure a star's brightness?
Binary stars and double stars explained, and five of the best to observe through your telescope
The sight of two stars partnered together is stunning, especially when they display vibrant colours.
Star colours explained for beginners
Why are stars different colours, and which colours can we see in the night sky?
What is an occultation in astronomy?
Catch the Solar System in motion by observing an occultation as the Moon appears to pass in front of stars and planets.
How to see the Circlet star pattern
The Circlet asterism can be found in the area of sky to the east of the three bright stars that make up the Summer Triangle group.
A complete guide to star Betelgeuse in Orion
Our complete guide to Betelgeuse in Orion, including how to see it, its dimming and brightening episodes and whether it will go supernova.
A beginner's guide to star atlases and star charts
How to use these astronomical tools to navigate your way around the night sky.
An astronomer's guide to light pollution
What light pollution means for astronomers and steps you can take to tackle artificial light in your area.
A guide to star Zubenelgenubi
All you need to know about Libra's leading star.
How to observe Capella in the night sky
Spot star Capella with the naked eye and see if you can observe its companions through a telescope.
Observing guide | How to find the Coathanger asterism
How to find the asterism in Brocchi's Cluster known as the Coathanger.
How do astronomers name stars?
How are stars named scientifically, and why? Our guide to the naming conventions astronomers use for stars, and how to read them on a star chart.
Your first night with a telescope
Just bought a telescope but don't know where to start? Find out how to get the most out of your first night of astronomy with a telescope.
Telescope filters: a beginner's guide
What types of filter you can buy and how each type alters your view of the night sky.
Why does my telescope show everything upside down?
Why night-sky objects appear inverted through a telescope and what equipment can rectify the view.
Understanding the limits of your telescope
What can a telescope can be expected to show and how much can its views be magnified?
Deep-sky catalogues: a guide to astronomical referencing
Messier and NGC aren't the only deep-sky catalogues available to astronomers. Dozens more await those willing to seek them out.
Observing guide | How to see the Milky Way
Where the Milky Way is located in the sky, how to observe it with the naked eye, and how to spot its best features.