Anton Vamplew

Astronomy communicator

Anton Vamplew is an amateur astronomer, author and lecturer.

Recent articles by Anton Vamplew

Star charts are an astronomer's best friend. If you don't have one to hand, see if you can find one online.

A beginner’s guide to star atlases and star charts

Image of an asteroid colliding and blocking out a star's light. Credit: NASA

A beginner’s guide to asteroids

The red giant star Betelgeuse (the prominent orange-red star above centre in this image), as it appears in the constellation of Orion. Credit: Rolf Löhr / CCDGuide.com

A guide to star Betelgeuse

How to tackle light pollution. Credit: Credit: Christophe Lehenaff / Getty Images

An astronomer’s guide to light pollution

A panorama showing the Milky Way (centre) and planets. Mars is bright to the left, Saturn is dimmer and bright Jupiter is right. The arcing line joining the planets defines the arc of the ecliptic. Credit: Alan Dyer / Stocktrek Images / Getty Images

What is the ecliptic?

The lunar occultation of the double star Zubenelgenubi (Alpha-1 (α1) and Alpha-2 (α2) Librae) on the morning of 26 January. Times are correct for the UK’s centre and will vary with location. Credit: Pete Lawrence

A guide to star Zubenelgenubi

An image showing the pattern of the Triangulum constellation in the night sky,

A guide to the Triangulum constellation

The Coathanger by José J. Chambó, Hoya Redonda, Valencia, Spain. Equipment: GSO 8

Observing guide How to find the Coathanger asterism

How do astronomers name stars and catalogue the night sky? Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA

How do astronomers name stars?

How to photograph the lunar occultation of Venus. Credit: Pete Lawrence

What is an occultation in astronomy?

How to spend your first night with a telescope. Credit: m-gucci / Getty Images

Your first night with a telescope

A good selection of coloured filters is a useful addition when observing Mars. Credit: Pete Lawrence

Telescope filters: a beginner’s guide

Orion Nebula upside down. Credit: NASA, ESA, M. Robberto (Space Telescope Science Institute/ESA) and the Hubble Space Telescope Orion Treasury Project Team

Why does my telescope show everything upside down?

Albireo by Alexander Wilson, Aberdeen, UK. Equipment: Meade SC 8

A guide to double stars and binary stars

Understanding the limits of your telescope. Credit: m-gucci / Getty images

Understanding the limits of your telescope