Jon Powell
Astronomy communicator
Jonathan Powell is a freelance writer and broadcaster. A former correspondent at BBC Radio Wales, he has written three books on astronomy and is currently astronomy columnist at the South Wales Argus.
Recent articles by Jon Powell
Did aurora play a part in the sinking of the Titanic?
Could the Northern Lights - the aurora - be partly responsible for the sinking of RMS Titanic? Studies say a solar storm may have affected the ship’s equipment.
The real reason space smells the way it does, and why astronauts often smell gunpowder
How sailors used the stars to navigate at sea
May the course be with you! From Moon golf to Space Station baseball, a mini history of the ultimate away game
Astronomeow! Why cats are the best companions for stargazers and astronomers
Astronomy writer Jon Powell weighs up which is better as a stargazing companion: cats or dogs?
Reflections on the Universe and its relationship with the human mind
Reflections on where our finite understanding meets infinite space.
A history of music in space
A look at the music that humanity has sent into space.
7 spaceflight inventions that never took off
An airship on Venus? A space elevator? A lunar cycle? These are just some of the proposed methods of space travel that didn't make it past the drawing board.
6 mistakes and accidents in the history of space exploration
Slip-ups can happen anywhere, including space, where not everything always goes to plan.
Cosmic catwalk! A brief history of spacesuit design
Spacesuit design is moving into the realms of fashion.
How the natural world is connected to the Moon and stars
A consideration of the natural world’s connection to the Moon and stars
Ancient astronauts and the very, very early Space Race
No engine? No problem! This is the story of the daring early days of rocket science.
Key moments when cosmic events changed world history
An historic look at times when celestial events altered world affairs.
Anti-comet pills and other strange Halley's Comet inventions
The appearance of Halley's Comet in 1910 saw a panic-buying spree for all manner of nonsensical apparatus.
A history of royal court astronomers
A look back at a royal influence on stargazing throughout recent European history.
Tales from the Eyepiece: Cold Winter Nights
Tis the season for Christmas jumpers, hats, gloves, and of course, socks! All of these items can be put to good use under the cold winter night skies, writes Jon Powell.
Tales from the Eyepiece: Strangers in the Night
As we approach the peak of the Perseids season, Jon Powell recalls a memorable night one August searching for his meteor-observing partner.
Tales from the Eyepiece: Stone Knives And Bearskins
While it may be an enticing summer project for the amateur astronomer, sometimes building an observatory is a task best left to professionals, writes Jon Powell in this month's Tales From The Eyepiece.
Tales from the Eyepiece: Treading Carefully
When selecting your observing site, looking down is as important as looking up, writes Jon Powell.
Remembering the 1986 return of Halley's Comet
With Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova making its close approach to Earth this week, amateur astronomer Jonathan Powell looks back on the return of Comet 1P/Halley (Halley's Comet) in 1986, and how he let two opportunities for outreach pass him by.
Tales from the Eyepiece: March 2015 eclipse
In the first of a series of astro-anecdotes, amateur astronomer, writer, broadcaster and dark-sky campaigner Jonathan Powell looks back on one of the celestial highlights of 2015, and an impromtu outreach session in a supermarket carpark.